A SOL 2517 large-format flatbed semi-automatic die-cutter from South Korean converting specialist NURI BM Tech will be installed at the company’s Staffordshire site in July this year.

According to Swanline, it will bring the speed of its die-cutting capabilities in line with that of its lamination facility – which it bought in November 2007.

The new die-cutter has a maximum cutting size of 1,700x2,500mm and comes with full auto-stripping and downstacker. Following the machine's installation, Swanline will be able to reduce its turn-around times, giving it more flexibility.

Nick Kirby, managing director at Swanline, said: "This equipment complements our Automatan EM laminator and gives us the ability to die-cut and strip sheets at speed.

"Large format die-cutting previously created a bottleneck due to the reduced speeds on our hand platen machines. Nevertheless, we shall be retaining this equipment to underpin service levels for the future."

Swanline is a trade only printer, specialising in Point of Sale (PoS) and litho laminated products.

It was formed in 2001 and has enjoyed steady growth, recording a turnover of £5.5m in 2007/08 – a 35% increase on the previous year. Swanline believes that growth will continue this year, despite the current financial downturn.

The machine was bought after a trip to the US to see it in action.