Anthony Geraty, founder of Hounslow-based Gemini, said: "It was because we were losing out to companies operating laminators that we decided to invest in this technology ourselves."

Gemini has been laminating postcards, brochures, book covers and Christmas cards with the new machine on stock ranging from 130 to 400gsm. "During the shift, runs have ranged from a few copies of a job that was being proofed to 30,000 copies," added Geraty. "We've certainly won finishing orders on the back of the Compact 74T, as well as winning the laminating work."

The four-year old company, which employs five staff, offers finishing services geared to B2 printers, including die cutting, perforating, drilling and folding.

Story by Adam Hill