Bridger installed the press in December together with Image Control and Prinect Pressroom Manager for a total outlay of less than £1m.

To increase its competitiveness the firm has migrated some of its existing business to small-format production. Lawrence Bridger, managing director, said: “We wanted a small-format machine and the B2-format Speedmaster XL 75 is the best in its class. The productivity is immense as it has a running speed of 18,000sph.

“This is cheaper and faster and makes us more competitive for smaller runs.”

The company had initially been looking to invest in a digital print machine for short-run packaging, but decided that this refurbished offset machine made the most sense financially. "What we were looking at was not just capital cost but what competitive advantage each machine would give us and the overall running costs," said Bridger.

The Speedmaster also offers automatic simultaneous plate changes and optimised washing programmes.

The XL 75 is Bridger’s first Heidelberg press purchase in 30 years. The company also runs B1 Manroland and KBA presses and Bobst finishing equipment.

The Hertfordshire-based company has 50 staff and several have been trained to use the new Speedmaster.

Bridger Packaging offers its services to a variety of sectors, such as food, toys, games and horticulture.