The 500bph machine, which the Sheffield-based firm bought from Intelligent Finishing Systems, was installed in the summer.

ProCo production director Graeme Parry said: “The primary reason for us investing in the kit was the constraints of outsourcing and in order to deliver quicker timescales as dictated by the demands of our customers.

“When we looked at the flexible nature of the BQ270V in terms of ease of use, pre-set programming and the ability to have variable data driven books requiring different spine widths, it was a perfect fit.

“The investment was critical to not only enable reduction in lead times, but we have also seen the benefit in transport costs associated with the outsourcing of work.”

The system, which features variable software, handles output from both litho and digital print produced by two Roland 500s and two HP Indigos as well as a Konica Minolta 1200, Konica Minolta 1250 and Konica Minolta C5500.

The business reviewed other alternatives, including Morgana and CP Bourg, but found the Horizon machine the best all-rounder for the cost.

“It’s brought shorter makeready times because there’s more presetting of jobs and the in-line creasing means that we’re not having to produce the covers off-line and crease them independently. It’s also a single-person operation whereas our old PUR equipment was a two-person job,” said Parry.

Earlier this year the firm, which has a turnover of £11m and 110 staff, invested in the UK’s first HP Indigo 7800 and upgraded its MIS to Tharstern Primo.

In October the business took an undisclosed stake in Essex-based Concept Communications Group to give it a stronger position in the south of the UK.