The Welwyn Garden City-based business will take delivery of the XL 105-6LX at the end of this month, replacing two ageing Komori machines in the process.

Its new press, which comes equipped with logistics materials handling, Inpress Control spectrophotometer and semi-automatic plate changing, forms part of a £2m investment programme at the company.

According to Bill Duncan, group managing director, the new investments will enable the 80-staff commercial and packaging group to remain competitve while working more efficiently.

He said: "We've kept our heads down for the last couple of years but the time was right to invest in the latest technology in order to become as efficient and flexible as possible."

Duncan added that the XL 105, fitted with inline colour control, will significantly reduce make-ready time and paper waste.

"We will also benefit from its ability to consistently run up to its maximum speed of 18,000 sph."

Another key benefit of the new press is the ability to print on to a range of substrates that include lightweight 60gsm papers through to boards using both conventional and UV inks.

The ability to print onto plastics is a new one for the company and will also enable the 130-year-old business to open up new markets.

In April, the £7.5m turnover commercial and packaging business will also install a Stahlfolder TH 82 fully automatic folder with full JDF compatibility.

"Upgrading our pressroom required us to upgrade our finishing operation. The Stahlfolder was the logical choice and we plan to install a new stitch trim line in the coming months," he added.