The new 1,300mm press, which can print up to 600m/min and features Bobst’s smartSet automatic impression and registration system, will join an existing F&K FP-16S at ERS’ Full Sutton print site.

According to the managing director Rob Mabbett, the Bobst printer was bought to boost capacity for existing products and to break into new markets.

"Some of the retail sacks that we cannot produce right, such as paper sacks for horse feeds, pet food and rice bags, is the market we want to go into; so sacks for general foodstuffs but of a higher quality," said Mabbett.

"Our strength has been generally industrial sacks, but we want to go to retail packs for supermarkets and cash and carries, and we need this extra capacity to do that."

He added: "The increase in capacity and quality will reflect on turnover and profitability."

Mabbett added that ERS had chosen the Bobst machine for its fast set-up times and interchangeable rollers and sleeves with its existing F&K FP-16S.

ERS has a workforce of 130 and a turnover with an excess of £30m. The new machine was bought from Bobst Bielefeld through UK agent Edlon Machinery.