The new press, which was installed at the turn of the year, replaced a two-colour Ryobi 3302 and backs up the company’s existing Ryobi 785 B2-format litho machine.

The 524GX cost around £140,000 and runs at 15,000 sheets an hour. Both Ryobi machines use Mitsubishi polyester plates produced on a dual-roll DPX4 platemaking system.

Managing director Steve Wenlock said: "We had been B3 Ryobi press users for many years before trading up to the B2 press in 2010. But in recent months that litho workload has increased significantly.

"Bringing in the B3 machine means we can move the smaller format stationery and leaflet work away from the larger press, freeing up the B2 machine for the periodicals and publication work that need the larger sheet size."

Wenlock said he hoped the Ryobi 524GX, which runs alongside digital kit including an Océ 6160 VarioPrint black-and-white machine and a Ricoh C651 press, would add £150,000 to the company's total turnover.

"While digital has come along way in terms of colour capability, there is still a difference in the overall quality of print produced on a litho press," said Wenlock.

Supplier Apex Digital Graphics’ sales and marketing director Neil Handforth said: "Steve is well equipped for both technologies but the demand for litho is not likely to disappear just yet."

Flexpress makes £1.3m turnover and bills itself a one-stop service for all design and print needs, on paper, board, metal or plastic. Print material ranges from business cards to banners for clients such as charities and local businesses.