Zenith Print Group’s Pontypool operation said the device, which will be installed on 10 December, will enable it to divert smaller-format commercial work away from the P machines, freeing them up to exclusively handle high-volume section work.

Operations director Mark Partridge said: “Our existing folders do the 32s and 16s [page jobs] and this new machine has been brought in to do the 8s, the 4s and the 12s – all of the little work that will allow us to keep the other machines banging the work out."

The BH 66 will replace an existing MBO machine but the business will retain a Stahfolder KH 82, its only combination folder in a primarily buckle-folding department.

“We’re happy with Heidelberg – they advise us on what sort of speeds we can get and what’s on the tin is normally correct,” said Partridge.

The Zenith Print Group, which also includes C3 Imaging and Zenith Print & Packaging, has invested close to £10m on new equipment over the past year, according to Partridge.

Earlier this year it took delivery of its first long perfector – a B1 Speedmaster XL 106-8-P Push to Stop press – and it is currently in the process of installing a Speedmaster XL 106-5+LX3 that will run an unconventional hybrid of UV and conventional inks.

Zenith Media employs 100 members of staff at its 6,225sqm site as part of the wider 250-staff group, which currently turns over £27m.