The bizhub replaced an ageing Kodak NexPress M700 press at the company’s site in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Chief executive Gerald White looked at kit from rivals including Canon before going with Konica Minolta.

The installation two months ago follows that of a four-colour Komori H-UV SRA1 printer, installed in February to replace a Heidelberg Speedmaster 102. Total investment so far this year has topped £1.2m.

Berforts employs 90 staff across its three production sites – the other two being in Eynsham, Oxfordshire and Hastings, East Sussex – and one satellite sales office in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

The business offers litho and digital book printing services to publishers and self-publishing authors. Turnover is £8.5m.

“We hope the new machines will give us a bit of growth but being realistic it won't be overnight. The investment was to replace older kit.

“It's important to have the best equipment to ensure top quality.”

The bizhub Press C1100 offers 1,200x3,600dpi equivalent quality and came with an EFI IC-310 Ultra RIP server. It runs at 100ppm.

The company expects the new kit to optimise output and minimise unit costs while delivering higher quality products and increased media handling to 350gsm duplex.

Meanwhile the EFI Ultra RIP server will process jobs faster than the old Kodak system, speeding up file submission and increasing productivity.

The system's use of hot folders and automated pre-flighting means the company also can spend less physical time with job files.

White added: “We have had a long-term relationship with Konica Minolta and other investments in bindery and the new Komori H-UV press will help us to meet our customers’ expectations.’’