Two new Kalmar KC45 rotary suction-fed envelope inserters, costing 250,000, took its total kit spend in 18 months to over 2m.

"Versatility clinched the deal," said Phil Brooks, managing director of the direct mail arm of TPF Group. "Good design simplifies set-up and gives excellent speed regardless of envelope size."

Each inserter handles 12,000 envelopes per hour and can give 50% productivity improvements, said supplier Promail.

Brooks said the group as a whole spent over 10m in under two years and would follow this spree by spending 3m on digital and repro kit.

"We will match ambitious plans with technical firepower," said marketing and communications director Tony Wood. "Investment is like painting the Forth Bridge it never stops and is likely to go beyond 15m."