The Frome, Somerset-based printer, which opened its doors on 1 August this year, has previously spent money on its site and existing kit but had not invested in any new machinery.

Installation of the Kolbus KM 600 started this week and will be completed by the end of the month, making BT&D the first UK business to install the model.

In total, the company has spent around £750,000 on the new equipment, which also included a ZU 832 gatherer and a HD 153P three-knife trimmer to go alongside the binding line.

The KM 600 runs at around 7,000cph, but BT&D managing director Kevin Sarney said the fast makeready of the machine was its most attractive feature.

He said: "Quality of binding is paramount to us and we needed to have a quality paperback book binding line. This machine brings a whole new dimension to the company; we want to be the premier book manufacturer in the country.

"Our ability to react is crucial and the makeready on this machine means that short, fast turnaround jobs can be handled easily."

Sarney added the investment might lead to the 90-staffed company recruiting more employees at some point in the future.

BT&D also revealed it had plans for further investment, although the company is keeping details of its plans under wraps.

Sarney said: "We have a number of projects we are looking at, but they will be revealed as and when we agree on them."