The company, which prints magazines, journals, catalogues and books, can now offer its customers thread-sewn publications.

Chairman and managing director Robert Read said: "We view this as a sound investment in the range of technology available at Cambrian. As our market diversifies, we pride ourselves on being able to continuously meet out customers' requirements."

The Muller Martini is a fully refurbished model that can cope with short runs of hardcover books as economically as short runs.

It can handle a wide range of paper stock, book sizes and types of fold; and can be used for standard staggered and continuous staggered stitching with or without blind stitch.

"By being able to offer this service in-house, it also cuts down on transportation costs and our carbon footprint for print work, demonstrating our continuous commitment to environmental improvement and performance," Read added.

Cambrian Printers is a family-owned business that was established in 1860.