The reconditioned Gietz FSA 790 foiling and embossing machine was delivered to Makeup’s factory in the north Cotswold village of Willersey near Broadway in February, but went into full production two months ago following intensive training.

Production director John Heath said foiling would enable the company’s cleints to add some “joie de vivre” to standard CMYK print.

He said: “Around 90% of our customers were asking us 'where can we get foil blocking?'– they were struggling to find local, tried and tested suppliers.

“Some customers meanwhile would take their laminating work elsewhere to a finisher that offered both laminating and foiling. So, we thought adding foiling would be a very good extra.”

Makeup Print Finishers was started in 2001 by Heath and John Keep, who retired only last year after 61 years in the trade.

The new addition joined a Col-tec flatbed collator, two Heidelberg cylinders, a GBC Genesis laminator, Svecia spot UV coater, two Stahlfolders and a Heidelberg ST 350 Stitchmaster.

Heath said the 12-staff company was hoping to add £200,000 to its current turnover of £650,000 in 18 months to two years as part of its growth strategy.

The Gietz cost around £100,000 and Makeup Print Finishers also aims to buy a third Heidelberg cylinder and a perfect binder in about three months.

“We hope the Gietz will push us into new markets and we have already won two new jobs in hosiery and fashion.”

The Gietz, supplied by Stanley Press Equipment, foils up to B2 sheet size and also embosses and debosses, applying a range of foil colours, holograms and other special effects.

Heath added “Customers want a bit less stress. Why run a job around the country clocking up van miles when you can have the job finished in one place?

“We can now foil, laminate; spot varnish, die-cut, make-up, fold, stitch and trim, and even deliver so the buck stops with us.”