The kit complements Kent-based Headley Brothers’ existing presses, which include a 24-page Goss Sunday 2000 system and sheetfed presses with reel-to-sheet capabilities.

The four-unit M-600 press, which went into production earlier this month, is equipped with features including Autoplate, automatic ink and folder pre-setting and closed-loop colour. It has been chosen to minimise makeready times and waste.

The single Goss replaces two Heidelberg Web 16s. Roger Pitt, Headley Brothers' managing director, told PrintWeek that the investment is part of the business's "strategic growth plan".

The firm added that due to magazine print runs and paginations falling over recent years, coupled with increased competition from digital media, meant that printed work has to be "more eye-catching than ever".

The company has also acquired a Goss Ecocool drying system with fully integrated chill rolls, which will boost efficiency though increased production speed and maximise print quality through the elimination of ink picking.

Pitt said: "The Goss M-600 press model has earned a worldwide reputation for delivering premium print quality, reliability and versatility and will enable us to maintain the high levels of efficiency and flexibility that we provide to our customers in the production of their magazines."

Headley Brothers was founded in 1881 and today employs more than 230 staff.