The machine will double the capacity of LT Print's finishing department, as well as cutting the work it has to outsource.

Operations manager Keith Goodridge said: "This investment will allow us to bring more work in as we can do much larger multi-page booklets in a shorter time, offering a better service to our clients.

"Previously we have had to outsource this work but now it is in house, which means less travel and a reduction on our carbon footprint. We are aiming to be the greenest printer in the region so this will boost our eco-friendly credentials."

As well as bringing work in-house, the £2.7m-turnover Wirral-based company has achieved ISO14001 as well as Forest Stewardship Council accreditation, which it secured earlier this year.

The bookletmaker has 40 feeding stations, runs at 3,500 books per hour and Goodridge said that it had been bought to cope with fast turnaround work.