The line comprises a K8 RS high-speed folder, a UW60 unwinding module, an SVC525C sheeter and an A500 stacker, all supplied to the Bowerhill, Wiltshire operation by MBO's UK agent Friedheim International.

Part of the Delta Group, Superior took on the new kit in the last week of January to aid the cutting and sheeting of six-page leaflets, which it produces for a major client on its narrow-web press. On an average month, the firm's output is around 2.5 million leaflets.

“Our main driver for taking on the new kit was that it allows us to free up capacity and run our Concepta faster,” said production director Stewart Powell. “Before, printing, sheeting and guillotining were three separate processes, but this allows us to work reel-to-reel for the latter two. It has probably sped up our process by at least a third.

“We spoke to Friedheim and they took a good look at our need for robust machines and so they advised us on the route that we took. MBO machines have a good reputation and this is a very nice selection of kit for our money.

“Because we are buying paper on the reel, it works out cheaper and can be folded quicker which should all add together for a substantial return on investment – it was a no-brainer.”

As the centrepiece of the line, the MBO K8 RS runs at speeds from 30-275m/min with a maximum infeed width of 780mm. The UW60 and the SVC525C run at speeds up to 250m/min and the A500 up to 205m/min.

As well as the Concepta, Superior runs a Heidelberg Speedmaster LE-UV XL 106 press and two Linoprints, as well as two Inca Onset S40i flatbeds and a range of finishing kit comprising folding, guillotining, saddle-stitching and enclosing.

With 180 staff, the commercial print operation has a turnover of £23m.