The print company, based in Lavenham, Suffolk will take delivery of the Heidelberg combination machine tomorrow (14 August) when it will replace two MBO folders. One of those will be kept in storage and the other sold on, while a third B2 Horizon AFC564A machine will continue on general folding jobs.

The B1 KH82 is Lavenham Press’ first combination machine and will be dedicated to signature folding.

Lavenham Press managing director Terence Dalton said that the decision to switch from buckle to combination technology was not a conscious decision, rather it was the two-level stacker that attracted him to the automated 10,000sph Stahlfolder.

"The operator can spend more time at the feeder end knowing that the stacker will look after itself," Dalton said.

Currently, the 50-strong company has four employees who work in the folding area, but the automated machine will allow this to be cut down to three people working over three shifts.

Dalton did not want to make any job cuts, so the fourth worker will be redeployed to mind a Muller stitching line following the retirement of Lavenham Press’ main stitcher operator in March.

Dalton said: "There was a specific reason for us making the investment now. Rather than replace our former stitcher operator, we thought it was more cost effective to strengthen the folding area with modern technology. This will allow us to release one person, who will effectively replace our retired operator."

He added that the Stahlfolder KH82 was a "sizeable investment" for the £4m turnover company.