The company in Chichester, West Sussex said the deal was the most recent purchase after 18 months of investments in pre-press, press and post-press equipment. The DigiFold cost just under £23,000 and was bought for its set-up speed and folding quality.

Director David Lamdin said: "The combination of creasing and folding thicker stock in one unit is a tremendous time saver for us. The creasing element is an essential step when folding heavier weight stocks, and the kit runs out 6,000 A4 sheets an hour."

He said the kit, which replaced a Morgana AutoCreaser, took one minute to set up on standard sized work, whereas "heavier-duty" folders could take up to 15 minutes. The DigiFold "wins every time" on the shorter-run work typical of digital print orders.

"Standard buckle folders are not suited for these materials. We used to run the AutoCreaser and hand fold sheets – not time efficient. The DigiFold handles this work in one pass and processes most short-run folding work more effectively than larger kit," said Lamdin.

Selsey Press usesthe kit on 50gsm covers up to 400gsm card for folders, he said. The 24-staff company produces business stationery, colour brochures and magazines for clients including local firms, charities and big financial houses.

Litho and digital printer Selsey Press handles design, pre-press and printing, finishing and binding, packing and mailing. It runs Xerox digital equipment alongside Komori five- and Heidelberg six-colour B2 litho kit.

The business recently bought a five-colour Komori Lithrone 529, a B1 Stahlfolder and a Polar Transomat downloader for paper handling as part of the investment drive. It also runs a six-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster 74 perfector.

"The new Komori press is capable of keeping up with digital in terms of getting jobs ready for print quickly. Make-ready on the latest model is down to just four-and-a-half minutes, which is tremendously competitive," said Lamdin.

Selsey Press was launched in 1963 by his grandfather the late John Tyler who also ran Waltham Abbey Press in London after World War II.

Lamdin said: "I’m proud to say that my family has run Selsey Press since it was formed. Much has changed since then but the expertise gained over the years provides a solid foundation to build on the skills used in the way the company still works today."