A CRF-362 creaser-folder arrived at the Leicester firm’s base in April ahead of a BQ-280PUR single-clamp perfect binder and an HT-30C three-sided trimmer in June as part of a circa-£100,000 deal with Horizon's UK agent Intelligent Finishing Systems.

The creaser-folder and trimmer are both fresh additions to expand Flexpress’ capabilities while the binder replaces a BQ-270 EVA machine. All three machines will aid in the production of brochures and PUR-bound books as increased demand has seen the firm progress from single- to double-day shifts on its HP Indigo 12000.

Managing director Steve Wenlock said: “As we fundamentally print for resellers, we are conscious that we’re not only needing to meet our clients’ expectations but their clients’ expectations too, so quality has to be right first time.

“We always have one eye on what is available but felt in our case the Horizon machines best fitted our requirements. The machines help to ensure we are equipped to deliver the quality expected of us whilst also helping to ensure we can keep on top of deadlines.

“We have some innovative new features being added to our website which we think are an industry first, we are upgrading our estimating system, are well into automating our pre-press workflow and are doing a lot of work in the factory to generally improve flow and efficiency.”

Complementing a Morgana system already in place the CRF-362 creaser-folder takes a maximum sheet size of 364x865mm processing at speeds of 5,000sph A4 with one creasing line and fold.

As part of an end-to-end one-person binding operation, the HT-30C creates a maximum trimmed book size of 305x230mm at speeds up to 500bph.

The BQ-280PUR takes a maximum book size of 385x320mm at a speed of up to 500cph.

Running a mix of litho, digital and large-format printers from HP, Ricoh and Canon alongside a wide range of finishing kit including Duplo, Horizon, Morgana and Heidelberg, Flexpress employs 25 members of staff on a turnover set to grow beyond £2.4m this year.