The new Autobond Mini 105 TH-VS machine was installed earlier this month at the Telford-based web, sheetfed and large-format graphics printer, and involved a £100,000-plus investment.

It will allow PCP to handle previously outsourced cover laminating, as well as offering lamination as a new service option for magazine, catalogue and brochure clients.

“We made a fairly rapid decision as the Autobond seems to be the weapon of choice for the type of work we are undertaking. It was a very easy installation and was up and running very smoothly,” explained operations director Adam Walker.

“We were impressed by the build quality and quick changeover film option. It also has a chrome post-heat assembly roller that applies extra heat and trebles the strength of the bond.”

The Mini 105 is a single-sided thermal laminator with a maximum sheet size of 105x105cm. It runs at 120m/min and handles pallets up to 1.2m in height.

The range of laminates include matt, gloss, soft touch and special effects such as pearl.

PCP is using the laminator in combination with its nine-colour RMGT Mitsubishi B1 tandem perfector press.

“We’ve done some development work and with the RMGT we can run a cover, matt laminate it, and then put it back on the press to add a spot UV high-build gloss – it looks really nice,” Walker added.

PCP has invested more than £10m in new equipment over the past six years, including the RMGT press and doubling its stitching capacity at the end of last year.

The firm, which employs around 240 staff and has sales of £40m, said it planned to accelerate its Continual Improvement Programme over the coming three years.