Installed in December at the Kenilworth business, the new machines have doubled its number of collation stations to 20.

The 10-station VAC-1000A’s programming and user-friendly operation will allow Princes to increase the efficiency of the bindery capabilities of its general commercial print output, the company said.

Owner Dave Plumb said: “The collator has helped us with our job workflow and book production management.

“We have seen an increase in demand for perfect-bound books and by adding the new systems we have doubled our capacity. The workload is a lot easier to handle now.

“Both systems were a much-needed addition to our bindery. It was a case of having to have them to meet more demanding turnaround times. We are very pleased.”

Supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems, the Horizon VAC-1000A takes sheet sizes up to 350x500mm at processing speeds of 9,900 sets/hr. The ST-40 takes the same maximum sheet size and processes at speeds up to 8,000 sets/hr straight-stacked.

The new machines will support output coming from Princes’ five-colour B2 Heidelberg Speedmaster and its Konica Minolta C3070 and C6085 systems.

A family-run, eight-strong operation, Princes Press works across 370sqm factory floorspace and turns over circa £500,000.