The Leicester-based, £2.1m-turnover company installed an automated TH 56 Stahlfolder for £76,000 and splashed out £187,000 on a Muller Presto E90 saddlestitcher, which replaces an old Muller Martini line.

Karl Nicholson, director and joint owner of the 26-staff business, which specalises in brochures and magazines, said: "We have a policy of keeping up with the times. It is about speed and this new finishing equipment will be good for us, especially after the recession.

"We wanted the stitching line to replace the existing machinery. This machine is going to increase productivity and reduce overtime, as well as increasing the running speed on the floor. The old machine could process 2,000 to 3,000 copies per hour (cph) on the floor. Now this one can manage 6,000 to 7,000cph."

Nicholson claimed the new purchases would enable the plant to operate with fewer people. However, he stressed that he would not reduce his workforce.

"The fact that the TH 56 Stahlfolder can programme in and recall a contract will enable us to lift a job and fit in another, where deadlines demand. It's a productive machine and, given the issue of deskilling across our industry, the ease of use is also critical," he added.