The company, based at a 3,250sqm factory in Temple Cloud, Bristol, took delivery of the new machines earlier this month.

They have joined other products from the manufacturer including an AutoCreaser Pro 33A, which was purchased last summer and has now been connected to the new AutoFold Pro.

BFE sales director Sam Winsor said: “Our team are used to the high quality of equipment that Morgana provide. We had an ageing Morgana folder – this needed updating to the new model in line with the changes to our product mix. We are seeing the demand for folding work growing with the increase of leaflet printing, folders, and brochures.

“We were also keen to add a new guillotine; we have a larger model that is suitable for chopping down large A2 sheets, but we needed something a bit more nimble for the growth in our digital print sales. That is where the EBA came in, it is very operator friendly and ensures that we can keep up with our cutting requirements.”

The AutoFold Pro is capable of folding up to 6,240sph and takes stock up to 0.4mm thick and sheets of up to 630x385mm with the optional long sheet conveyor. The EBA 6660, meanwhile, has a cutting length of 650mm and features an electro-mechanical blade drive and clamping system.

Winsor said BFE has seen a downturn in sales during lockdown periods, from around £300,000 per month pre-Covid to £220,000 currently.

“Our plan is to invest and try and sell through the current pandemic rather than sit still and wait for something to happen.”

He added: “We are predominantly a lithographic business forms printer – continuous stationery, NCR books and pads, A4 laser sheets, and some general commercial work – all under the umbrella of being a trade printer.

“In 2018 we made the conscious decision to move ourselves into the digital printing market. This has shown dramatic growth, going from zero to around £11,000 per month at the end of 2020.

“Adding digital to our portfolio gives us another avenue to explore and win more trade customers. Short run work or jobs requiring variable data are typical of the work coming our way from printers who are either too large to focus on the small jobs, or not suitably equipped or skilled to handle them yet.”

Business Forms Express has been trading for 34 years and employs 26 staff.