The laminator has been installed at Pollard's foil blocking subsidiary, Crusader, which it bought in June. Both plants are based in Leicester.

Mark Pollard, managing director at Pollard Boxes, said: "Autobond was selected to supply this machine because of it high-speed capabilities, quality of construction and location of service backup.

"We are also keen to continue with the success of the foiling business and film lamination was the next logical step."

Pollard Boxes bought Crusader so it could handle finishing in-house, although Crusader will continue to operate as a separate business and will still offer trade finishing to the trade.

The B1 machine applies OPP or Acetate film using water based glue or thermal film laminate either single- or double-sided.

Crusaders business manager Matt Holyland said: "It made sense to bring our finishing in-house because it was one of our biggest spends, and the Autobond machine is a bolt on to foil-blocking service that we bought earlier on this year.

"We can now control our finishing rather than leaving it in others' hands."

The two companies have a combined turnover of almost £15m and employee 142 staff, 12 of which are Crusader staff.

Pollard Boxes produces rigid boxes, machine and handmade game boards and folding cartons in board.

The laminator was sold by Autobond technical sales manager Mick Wyatt, a former Celloglas plant manager who was redundant when the company went into administration last year. Before joining Autobond, Wyatt had no prior sales experience, but made the sale inside two months.