The press also features a Preset Plus feeder and delivery as well as Intellistart, which ensures optimised makeready times. It will run alongside two Speedmaster XL 75-5+LXs already in place.

According to managing director Anthony Thirlby, the productivity of the "unusually specified press", coupled with the company’s focus on shorter run lengths and automated processes, means the long perfecting B1 press was no longer required.

He said: "Early analysis from the pressroom manager shows us that the Speedmaster XL 105 is achieving make-ready in four minutes and averaging a net speed of 16,300sph.

"This investment will produce 65-68 million sheets a year, operating on a 112 hour week. We have done extensive product testing on the press already, determining what product and substrate range is operationally achievable at 18,000sph.

Currently the average run length on the B2 machines is 4,000, while B1 is 7,000. However, Thirlby predicted that these averages will move to 2,000 and 4,000 respectively, as print runs continue to reduce and the company retains its focus on the shorter run added value sector in conjunction with its bespoke W2P offering

He added: "Already, we have done 394,000 in 24 hours on two occasions, combined with a 24-hour period where 284,000 sheets and 104 four-colour make-readies were achieved.

"This is what is so appealing with the press; we can cover any aspect of our clients' requirements and with the coater it not only keeps our quality at the highest level but allows instant handling."

Earlier this year, the Heidelberg confirmed ESP Colour had achieved world record productivity on a pair of Speedmaster XL machines in the run-up to Christmas 2011.