The Swiss firm is to supply a raft of stitchers, inserters, stackers, conveyors and reel handlers to the plant, in a deal believed to be worth around 18m.

Finishing kit for the 120m plant will include the UK's first two Supra saddle stitchers, which launched at Drupa 2004 and run at up to 30,000cph.

"We've missed out on a couple of high-speed stitcher orders because we didn't have the machine, but this will put us back on top of the market," said Muller Martini UK director of sales Roger Cartwright.

The two stitchers will each connect to an Integro inserting line, which will also be configured to handle products stitched on-press. Two more Integro lines will also be installed in the initial phase, during the second and third quarters of 2006.

Two Maximo log stackers, also the UK's first, are included in the first phase with a further two to be installed in the second phase, at the end of 2006.

Two Exacto rotary trimmers, three Forte compensators, 11 PrintRoll winders and three Sitma polywrapping lines, fitted with high-speed feeders from Muller Martini's SLS 3000 inserters, complete the order.

"Obviously we're absolutely delighted. Our philosophy is to provide equipment from press delivery all the way to the loading bay, and that's exactly what we'll be installing at Liverpool," added Cartwright.

The main work at Prinovis' plant will initially be its huge News International supplement contract, which will transfer from Polestar in 2009 at the latest.

Weekend magazines for The Times and The Sunday Times will be polybagged by Prinovis and assembled with the main newsprint sections by newsagents.

Story by Josh Brooks