The Kent-based, five-staff company installed the machine because previously it had to send work away to be laminated, which meant lamination jobs took around 24 hours to return.

In addition, national greetings card retailers were demanding a more environmentally friendly process when asking for cards to be printed.

Production assistant Andrew Chapman said that retailers wanted all print processes to be greener, for example, cellophane must now be biodegradable and paper stocks FSC accredited.

He said: "We wanted to be proactive and we knew that UV coating was better for the environment with no harmful VOCs being deposited into the atmosphere. Now all materials used are biodegradable and fully recyclable, unlike some laminating."

Chapman said that since buying the Ultra 205A, the company did not know when outsourced jobs would be returned.

"With in-house lamination, it is much more convenient," he said. "At 1,000 sheets per hour, we can get a lot of jobs out within the hour."

The Imaging Centre was formed in 1995, providing greetings cards to small businesses. It also offers business cards, brochures and other promotional material.

The Ultra 205A is a standalone coater for applying an all-over UV gloss or matte varnish to both digitally and offset printed sheets.

Features include an automatic high-capacity suction feeder for up to 350gsm paper weight, 40m/min throughput and touchscreen automatic set-up.