The group added the Bagel Systems Digifav B2 Pro laminator to its Newark site, which prints for clients including Network Rail, Center Parcs, Youngs and British Sugar.

The automated B2 laminator from Terry Cooper Services replaced an entry-level Foliant B3 system and cost £25,000. It was bought to meet a hike in orders, said production manager Phil Swanwick.

The company offers lamination as a added-value service to offer a longer shelf life on print such as safety and information posters for Network Rail.

Willsons' 70 staff work across two sites: its Newark, Nottinghamshire HQ and a plant in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

Other kit includes Heidelberg Speedmaster 102 and Speedmaster 74 presses. Digital equipment includes a Xerox iGen3 and an iGen4.

Swanwick said: “The new kit strengthens what we are doing rather than pushes us into new areas. We were outsourcing a fair percentage of work so there should be quite a saving.

“We bought the machine because of its reliability and size – we wanted to go up to B2. We also know and like the service from the supplier.”

He added: “Sending out jobs was costing more money and taking longer in turnaround times. We wanted to keep work in-house and offer lamination more frequently on B2 sheets.

“We prepare a long run of rules and regulations every six months and the covers are always laminated. The Bagel will help with increased speed of production of those.

“We also do a lot of business cards and would normally produce those in batches with matt lamination on both sides. This is much faster now too.”

The Digifav series is capable of speeds up to 4,000sph or 30m/min, up from the previous model’s 22m/min.

It offers a greater format size of 530x750mm and a lower working temperature. The Pro model offers more consistent quality and reduced waste.

It features heat transfer technology from film partner Derprosa to increase the roller surface by 50% and the contact surface between film and roller by 130%.