Supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems, the machine was installed in July and replaced an existing Horizon SPF-FC200A that the firm bought five years ago and has now part-exchanged.

“The SPF-FC200A has been an absolute workhorse – we have produced six to seven million books on it,” said Leeds Die Cutting owner Ian Bradley.

“But we always want to be running the most efficient and flexible system, so it was time to reinvest in the latest technology and also close a couple of gaps in the services that we offer.”

Bradley added the company opted for another Horizon as it was keeping the existing collators from the SPF-FC200A.

“We know the Horizon systems well and can trust they will be consistent, reliable and complete the work to a high quality. They are also easy to use and quick to set up, which means we are as productive as we can be.

“It has also allowed us to enhance our service and ensure we can supply customers with what they are looking for.”

He said the company can also now offer landscape A4 books and loop stitching in-house.

The 4,500bph SPF-200L combines stitching and folding with the ability to handle sheets up to 640mm in length. JDF-ready, the device offers instant set-ups via a large touchscreen that can be used for on-the-run fine tune adjustments and the storage and recall of up to 200 jobs.

Leeds Die Cutting handles a mix of litho and digital print, mainly for customers in the North, South and West Yorkshire areas including Sheffield, Rotherham, Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds.

From its 418sqm premises, the eight-staff business also operates a Heidelberg Cylinder and platens, a Horizon BQ-470 perfect binder and HT-30 trimmer, Renz automatic wire-binding kit, a Foliant B2 laminator and various other smaller ancillary finishing equipment.