The company, based in Amersham, Bucks, invested in a Horizon AF-406F automated machine from Intelligent Finishing Systems.

Joint managing director Steve Walters said: “We liked its simplicity of use combined with high accuracy and fast production speed.”

The machine was installed this spring and was in addition to existing equipment at the 40-staff business that last year made a turnover of £4.9m.

“Our company has evolved in the last couple of years into doing more packaging and mini leaflets. Folding machines for miniature work are notorious for being time consuming.

“But Horizon kit is very very straightforward to set up; its ease of makeready is such a boon. We do a fair few million leaflets and this new kit will encourage us to go out and find more.”

The specialist in literature, manuals, book production and packaging also runs two five-colour Heidelbergs, a Speedmaster XL 75 installed last year and a Speedmaster 52. Digital kit includes Ricoh Pro C751 and Pro C7100 presses.

“We did look at other options on the market such as kit from H&H, but we particularly liked the AF-406F’s ease of setup and its simple-to-operate touchscreen with job memory storage.

“It has sped up our production and expanded our capacity. It will also help us to move jobs through the building quicker and will enable us to target new work.

“As a result of the increased capacity the system offers, we have already seen the benefits with a streamlined workflow that is more efficient and effective.”

Hartgraph’s Horizon AF-406F is a JDF-ready automated modular buckle folder. Its 6+6 buckle configuration allows for complex fold patterns that maximise folding variations.

Touchscreen controls and GUI aid efficient operation while advanced and accurate automation is said to help reduce paper waste and energy consumption.