Full-service litho and digital print specialist ESP has invested in a Horizon StitchLiner MK III supplied by Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), as it looks to increase production flexibility and support its print-on-demand capabilities.

The Swindon-based operation has installed the new system as a replacement for its existing StitchLiner 5500, which had been in service for several years. The investment is also expected to expand ESP’s overall finishing capacity and improve efficiency across its production workflow.

The new StitchLiner MK III will support output from ESP’s digital print site, which operates two Canon iX3200 inkjet presses alongside a Ricoh 9500 for long-sheet applications. By upgrading its finishing capabilities, the company aims to maintain responsiveness across both short-run and higher-volume work.

“Our previous Horizon StitchLiner MK I has been a real workhorse over the years, However, given its age, we recognised it was time for an upgrade,” said Dave Woloszczynski, head of Digital Production & Operations at ESP. “We chose the StitchLiner MK III for its outstanding speed, reliability, and its ability to handle A4 landscape orders, a significant advantage for us. I also believe it is the best system on the market for the type of work we produce.”

He added: “It was a nice straight forward replacement, and it has been running smoothly from day one.”

The Horizon StitchLiner MK III provides a fully automated workflow for saddle stitching, folding, and trimming, with a maximum output of up to 6000 booklets per hour. ESP’s configuration includes two VAC-L600H collating towers, designed to support continuous operation and efficient throughput across a range of job types.

Mr Woloszczynski also highlighted the company’s ongoing relationship with IFS, stating: “We have a good relationship with IFS and so we were happy to continue that with this latest investment.”

ESP Digital, part of the Handel Group, operates from Swindon and has expanded in recent years through acquisitions, including Severn Print, Jaffre (trading as Interprint), and Goldcrest Labels. The wider group now reports a turnover of £33m and employs around 220 people.