The 8,000cph Bolero replaces a 10-year-old Trendbinder, said group managing director Andrew Jones.

"We needed a more modern machine with faster makeready and more automation," he said of the kit in Merthyr Tydfil. "A Bolero with two nipping stations gives us improved binding and greater flexibility and efficiency."

An important new feature was the option of using polyurethane reactive (PUR) glue for stronger, longer-lasting bonding, said Muller Martini technical sales executive David Townend.

"A Bolero costs the thick end of 1m and its not just the binder but the automation you pay for. Typical makeready times are minutes rather than the hours now."