The Stockton-on-Tees-based company has bought a four-colour Shinohara, a Duplo Dubinder and an Agfa plate-making system.

According to commercial director Stephen Jones, the investment will allow the company to turn work around quicker, keep more in-house and boost capacity.

He said: "We had got to the stage where we were ready to increase our work load. We are known as a quick turnaround company and this will make us a lot quicker on turnarounds."

The company will be changing its shift pattern to incorporate the new machine, with the company increasing its hours to 24 a day five days a week.

Jones also said that the company was lining up additional investments, although he would not be drawn on its next move. "We know the areas we want to spend money," he said. "But we will see how quickly the press pays for itself and see where we are in six months time."