The device was installed at the end of July as a result of growing demand from clients.

The company has transferred some work from its Muller Martini stitching line to the 600i due to its ability to fold and bind, in order to increase efficiency. The machine also replaced a Watkiss machine that has been taken out of production.

Director of operations Joanne Hodges said: “We have seen a huge increase in booklet work over the last six months and we needed to follow this demand with more capable machinery. Duplo offered us a great package and so we made the decision to go with them.

“The 600i means we can utilise time and staff more efficiently. The lower set-up time, and great run speed mean we are able to keep up with demand at the correct price point. Duplo offered some on site training and we have been able to retain multiple staff to run the machine. 

“It is our first deal with Duplo and, so far, it has gone very well.”

Blackwell will use the Duplo 600i for a variety of brochures and collated jobs. It runs at a maximum speed of 5,200bph, taking paper from 64-300gsm and taking sheet sizes up to 350x508mm or 230x610mm.

Alongside the Duplo, Blackwell runs finishing kit from MBO, Heidelberg, Watkiss and Polar. Its print facilities comprise a four-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 and a two-colour Fuji in litho and a variety of digital kit from Xerox, HP and Epson.

The £2m-turnover outfit employs 25 members of staff.