The Expertcut replaces a Sanwa die-cutter, which had reached the end of its life. It will be installed in December.
Firstan production director Paul Hartwig said: “We have experience of Bobst machines, they have good reliability, good service and good UK backup, with a good network of UK engineers and electricians compared to their competitors.
“The improved levels of automation for faster makereadies is definitely something that made us look closer at the machine. Like all these manufacturers, their R&D is always improving. There’s greater automation on these machines than perhaps four or five-year-old ones.
“At some point, we identified that we would need to increase our capacity. We’ve decided to go with the investment now rather than wait till the middle of next year and then say we really need to get a machine in the next six months."
The deal took place at Drupa and includes several additional service products for the company’s three existing Bobst die-cutters, including Maintenance+, a programme that provides a free survey on existing machines.
The purchase follows on from a £6m January buy of two Komori Lithrone presses, a six-colour GX40, which has already been installed, and GX40RP.
“[The GX40] has been fantastic, the performance of those machines especially with the camera colour control has been wonderful. The output is phenomenal. The second Komori is being installed as we speak,” said Hartwig.
The Expertcut is capable of speeds up to 9,000sph. It takes maximum sheet size of 762x1066mm and has a cutting force of 256 tonnes.
In 2012, Firstan became the first UK printer to put down a deposit for a Landa S10 nanographic press. It expects to take delivery of the press in the early part of 2018, but has been in constant contact with Landa in the interim, making several trips to its headquarters in Israel and providing it with technical input.
The Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire-based company turns over £19m and employs 145 staff in its 7,900sqm premises. It plans to increase turnover by £2m to £3m over the next 18 months.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Firstan managing director Andrew Hartwig will be hosting a staff party in his house.
