The Crewe-based firm, which is owned by Benson Box, has had the GUK miniature folding machine specially designed.

Operations manager Steve Wood said: “This is a highly specialised, bespoke piece of kit. We have paid extra for the unique additional features.

“The machine is highly accurate and has code reading and ejection, multi-up production and parallel and crossed folding.”

Although the exact value of the investment has not been disclosed, the company has spent six figures on the new machine, which is the first in the UK to be fitted with an HHF Code Reader.

The HHF Code Reader is a joint HHS and GUK development and acts as a print detector and pharmacode reader. It will eject any unprinted or misread sheets from the run without stopping production.

Wood added: “This is an excellent innovative introduction. It makes a significant difference to productivity.”

Medica’s GUK machine, which was bought through UK distributor M-Partners, will run alongside five other miniature folders, although this is the first GUK the company has purchased.

The firm uses Heidelberg and Miya Koshi printers for its leaflets, while Komori presses are used for cartons.

Cartons have been the mainstay of the company’s business, which started up in 1920. However, it began working with leaflets in 1994 and now prints around 5m each week.

Turnover for the company is expected to be in the region of £15m this year, while it currently employs 180 staff.