The secondhand laminator uses a powder-based, rather than water-based laminate, which according to Mirror Finish director Bill Kavanagh offers a better bond.

Kavanagh said that the St Albans-based company had also chosen the machine because of the technical support and training offered by UK distributor M Partners, .

The laminator  was installed at the £2.5m-turnover business's site last month, however, the company has been completing small jobs on it as it builds up towards full operation.

"We like to upgrade our kit regularly and this is the latest investment. We are already looking at some other machines that would update our older kit," Kavanagh added.

Mirror Finish offers UV varnish, spot UV varnish, remoist gumming and lamination, primarily for the packaging sector.