The new machines, which replace similar existing pieces of equipment, offer increased automation and productivity levels at the Totton, Hampshire-based printer.

Hobbs' refreshed pressroom now features a Speedmaster SM 102-2+P perfector, two Polar 115X Plus guillotines and a Stahlfolder KH 82 with pallet feeder.

The company now operates four two-colour SM 102 perfectors and identified the configuration as the most suited to its production of books and journals.

Graham Bromley, deputy managing director at Hobbs the Printers, said: "The automation levels on these presses are very high and we are very pleased with them.

"The productivity and quality is driven by the automation and we also like the fact that Heidelberg can provide the breadth and depth of service to support their machines."

The printer's newest Polar X115 Plus guillotines represent the fourth generation of Polar guillotine at Hobbs and add touchscreen technology.

"They are robust and reliable workhorses and to buy this make again was a very easy decision," he said.

In addition, the company has installed a semi-automatic KH 82 Stahlfolder, its fourth from the manufacturer, to handle the production of short-run books and journals.

Bromley added: "We looked at other products but the level of automation on the KH 82 is exactly right."