The first stage of the re-equip, the installation of a Horizon BQ160 single-clamp perfect binder from IFS to replace an outdated BQ150, took place in February.

According to print service manager Jon Masters, the bulk of the seven-strong department's other kit will be replaced in the coming months. The inplant carries out internal printing of items such as payslips, documents and customer ticketing for both Waitrose and parent John Lewis Partnership.

“We have had most of our equipment for over 10 years now, much of it is old and no longer supported,” said Masters. “Our Ricoh IP4000 has been with us since 2001. We need this new equipment to carry out tasks such as mailing or saddle-stitching for our in-house jobs."

The Horizon BQ-160 can produce strong perfect-bound books up to 40mm thick at speeds up to 180 cycles per hour. Its colour touchscreen allows the operator to adjust a range of settings including cover alignment with the spine, nipping pressure and clamping pressure.

Other features include energy-save and auto-off functions, the ability to notch in one or both directions, and an optional carbon air filtration system to reduce adhesive odours.

Masters said his operators have been “very happy” with it as it has made padding “a much faster process” and added that the installation process went smoothly. They hope to have the remainder of the equipment fully updated over the next few months, he added.