The Wembley-based company bought its third binder from the German finishing manufacturer – a Master E machine.

The Master E is equipped with a 16-station Sprinter gatherer and 60i three-knife trimmer. It is capable of producing up to 7,000 books per hour.

PBC's latest machine also comes with additional automation compared to earlier products. Information can be fed into the system from the computer screen, which adjusts the mechanics within the binder to a new size.

Automation extends right through to the new 60i three-knife trimmer unit, and it is in this area where the most significant time-savings can be made, the company claimed.

The binder was the first piece of kit installed at PBC's new premises, which is situated on the other side of the North Circular road from its previous site.

PBC, a two-time PrintWeek Finishing Company of the Year Award winner, specialises in PUR binding, which is the only form of adhesive that it uses.

Managing director Reg Walwyk said: "When we started this company back in 2001 it was decided that PUR binding would be the way forward for us.

"It meant that our books wouldn't fall apart after just a few openings. Wohlenberg embraced PUR binding technology from the very start, and were keen to be seen as market leaders in this sector."

The company works for a wide range of print businesses in and around London and currently employs 20 staff.

Walwyk added: "We like to be involved with printers from the moment they get a job.

"We regularly advise printers on how to impose a job in order to be able to finish the work efficiently and effectively, and frequently supply them with an imposition scheme that works better than something that has been generated by their computer system."