The Lincolnshire-based company took delivery of the first machine in March, to increase its capacity, and the second followed last month to replace an ageing Wohlenberg 115, which was sold for scrap and spare parts.

The kit was supplied by Friedheim International and has joined a raft of screen and digital printing equipment at J&A’s premises.

Managing director Martin Kemp cited ease of use as the main advantage of the new guillotines.

“My operators find these new machines to be intuitive and the operator manual is great. We operate double shifts, five days a week and we needed trustworthy and reliable guillotines to match our production.

“The build quality of the Wohlenbergs is self-evident and a mark of a good high-quality, premium machine.”

The 115, named for its cutting depth in cm, features clamping pressures from 350-4,500daN. It boasts quick knife-exchange, a low-maintenance electromagnetic clutch and a 2m/sec, servo-driven backgauge drive. The machine’s list price starts from around £42,000.

“Friedheim really know their guillotines. The service and after sales they provide is excellent and they are willing to really look after us as a company,” said Kemp.

“This was one of the main reasons we stayed with Wohlenberg guillotines when it came time to replace them.”

Established in 1979, J&A International produces garments for the sportswear, safety wear, workwear and promotional markets.

Turning over around £12m, the 150-staff business produces items including digitally printed badges, heat seal transfers, reflective products, heat applications and embroidered badges.