The Wrexham, North Wales-based paper cups producer will take delivery of the gearless flexo press, which replaces two rival machines, in October.

The EVO XD, which has an operating speed of 450m/min, is able to splice reels on the fly, which will boost the firm’s output. The press will also reduce the company’s set-up waste and the amount of cleaning required and improve registration.

The machine is supplied with a 100% defect detection system, which will enable the business to match the expectations of its existing clients for product quality assurance.

Benders Paper Cups managing director Andy Cunliffe said: “With every equipment purchase there is an expectation for increasing levels of quality from the market and we have responded to our clients’ requirements with this investment.”

The company looked at equipment from four potential suppliers before coming to its final decision.

Benders Paper Cups supply chain director Graham Matthias said: “During the testing at Tazavanno in Italy, it became clear from the conversations we had with KBA’s technical staff that they really understood what the EVO XD could offer as a solution for our business requirements.

“Their depth of knowledge provided the additional reassurance we required and contributed to our decision to proceed with KBA/Flexotecnica.”

Benders Paper Cups employs 150 people and had a turnover of £25.4m in 2015, according to its accounts filed at Companies House for the year ended 31 December 2015.

The business was established in London in 1899 as a provider of decorative stationery before branching out into luxury Christmas crackers, other tableware and food items. It launched its first paper cups range in 1987, following the relocation of its manufacturing facility to Wrexham, and now works for major high-street brands.