"The plan will be that we can finish everything we print [at Chantry] and be totally self-sufficient, which will make everything a lot easier for customers," said Chantry operations director for finishing Steve Shaw.

The site has taken delivery of its new 12-station Muller Martini C13 Corona perfect binder, with a second 26-station C13 from Purnell currently being installed.

Three other binders have been moved to the new 11,400m2 binding hall from the firm's Middleton Road, Leeds operation: two Muller Martini Normbinders, a 14- and 16- and 26-station C18 Corona.

"I'm pretty confident this will be the best equipped bindery in Europe," said Shaw.

The 5,200m2 mailing facility next door will house three demographic binding lines. One is based on a Goss SP1000 stitcher, which is linked to a Sitma 950 high-speed wrapper.

The second two are based on Muller Martini 300 binders, linked up to Buhrs-Zaandam polywrappers. All three lines will use VideoJet VIP control systems.

The company plans no further kit investments at present. "But I have plenty of room should that change," said Shaw.

Both factories are expected to be fully operational by 1 October, by which time they will employ 256 staff.

Story by Darryl Danielli