The firm has ordered an 80m/minute Autobond Sheetmaster 105 CTP thermal and water-based laminator, the first such machine with double-nip rollers.

Managing director Nigel Anderson said:"I will be replicating what I am doing in Manchester, where I invested in high-speed equipment."

He added that this would allow the company to save customers about 35%.

The B1 310,000 machine features a2m-diameter drying drum and double-sided laminating. It also sports a second set of 250mm-diameter rollers, one rubber and one heated chrome, after the initial nip rollers.

Autobond managing director John Gilmore said: "It allows you to cut your adhesive way back and also gives you a phenomenal gloss."

"It also improves the matt lamination," added Anderson.

The Alchemy chief is currently looking at premises for the Leeds operation.

"I am hoping it will open in the next two months," said Anderson. "I have got the staff lined up. It is just a matter of the premises, and I should have a better idea next week."

The Leeds site will also house a 200,000 Sakurai Maestro 102A cylinder press.

Anderson plans to set up a facility in the Leicester area later this year. The first Alchemy site opened in Manchester last August.