To be installed at the end of January, the cutter is replacing a 1998 Polar 78ES, which is no longer able to keep up with the Norwich-based printer’s requirements.

The N78 Plus cost £37,000 and was selected for its adaptability and automation, helping accommodate Catton’s provision of litho, digital, and wide-format print services.

Managing director Simon Laskey said: “We try to upgrade our equipment as often as we can. We also invested a lot of money last year replacing the rollers on our presses.

“As a small, B3 jobbing printer needing to meet requests from customers for shorter print runs, any automation we can add will help a lot. This new Polar is fully automated which will be a great aid to us.

“We know the quality of cut is good but you also know this is a machine to last which will give us years of use. It takes us to a screen-based interface and gives us a more automated and productive machine.”

Once installed on the 185sqm premises, the Polar will run flexible day shifts immediately and its predecessor will be sold on.

While Catton had “experienced an increase” in demand over the past year, according to Laskey, he said it was “too early” to confirm any further investment plans for 2018.

“I am optimistic about the year ahead and, though there is nothing immediate on the cards, we will see how we go on after this early investment,” he said.

Catton also runs a Konica Minolta digital press, installed 12 months ago, and a Heidelberg Speedmaster. The firm was founded 28 years ago and provides printing and cut-fold-stitch services to customers largely in East Anglia. It has a team of five staff and turns over more than £400,000.