The Southampton-based printer reviewed its use of independent engineers and found they were costing more than Heidelberg's would, despite the lower hourly rate.

Hobbs operations director Graham Bromley said: "We were suffering from multiple visits. Heidelberg engineers could come once and fix it. They cost more per hour, but less overall."

Bromley added that independent engineers had been unable to fix some technical issues with the newer presses. The book printer's press battery includes four two-colour SM 102 perfectors.

"Heidelberg has been very proactive. That's been the big swing for us," said Bromley.

"They're being much more flexible and they're being much more imaginative than they used to be with pricing," he added.

Heidelberg UK marketing manager Mark Hogan said the manufacturer's '3S' (service, spares and supplies) business was a major focus.

"It is highlighted when times are difficult. Our customers are becoming manufacturing operations where uptime is very important and 2-3% productivity gains can make all the difference," added Hogan.

Service director Ian Wilcock added that Heidelberg's sheetfed service business had grown 10% from March 2008 to March 2009.