The system runs inline with a range of equipment at the Nottingham-based finishing specialist’s plant as a complement to an H+H 291 transport system already running onsite. Pick and place work will be fulfilled using a GUK-Sigma unit.

Installed in August, the secondhand 392 system will allow for a wider variety of flat and three-dimensional objects – “from coins to condoms”, according to managing director Nick Champion – that could not be handled by the 291.

“We have used Herzog + Heymann machines for many many years, therefore it was the natural progression to add a second line,” said Champion. “We chose the Sigma because of the variety of items it can apply. There are other attaching systems available but none as flexible.

“The combination of these two machines allow products to be applied inline with other finishing operations such as folding, gluing, plough folding and with the opening device, we can also apply products inside magazines or folded sections.

“We enable printers to grow their business through our services. The more we offer, the more the printers can expand their portfolio – a win-win situation.”

H+H's transportation systems run at 160m/min, with the machine numbers relating to the size. NBC's machine has a working length of 3.3m and a width of 920mm.

According to Champion, who runs the business alongside his wife and finance director Sally-Anne, the next step in the service’s progression is to apply camera-based matching and verification equipment to the machines in order to increase reliability. Options are currently being trialled.

Machines running alongside the H+H transport systems include a Polar 115 guillotine, a Heidelberg SBG cylinder for die-cutting, a Muller Martini saddlestitcher, MBO folders and laminators from Autobond.

Based on 511sqm premises, NBC Print Finishing currently employs seven members of staff and is “actively seeking larger premises and experienced operators”, according to Champion.