Jose, who previously held the same role at Alderson Print group, said he was "really excited" to be taking on the new position at Eclipse following its tie-up with 4DM last year.

He said: "Eclipse Colour is well known throughout the industry for quality and efficiency and I'm really excited to be a part of that now.

"It's only when you actually see a business like this from the inside that you can appreciate just how well it's being run and the positive impact of the culture of lean manufacturing."

Jose joins Eclipse less than six months after the company invested £500,000 in new Heidelberg finishing equipment and increased press time across its Goss M600 webs by nearly 50 hours.

The company is targeting a 20% growth in sales at the Kettering-based business, aiming to hit the £20m turnover mark in the process.

Commenting on the appointment, Eclipse Colour managing director Simon Moore said: "We're really pleased that James has joined us in this pivotal role.

"He's seen the potential that's been created by Eclipse Colour now working alongside 4DM and with his ability to understand and develop genuine cross media projects he will be a real asset to us ."