The Hinckley, Leicestershire-based business will take delivery of the new machine, which replaces an older Suprasetter model, next month.

Established in 1856, the commercial and direct mail printer will use the A75 platesetter to process plates for the company's five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster presses.

Adrian Stacey-Connor, managing director at John Baxter & Sons said the new investment will result in a more productive pre-press operation.

He said: "This latest generation Suprasetter will be cheaper to run because it requires much less energy, there is no need for air conditioning or an ambient temperature and it has a higher output of 22 plates an hour."

Stacey-Connor added that the FSC and ISO 14001-certified business, which uses vegetable inks and runs using Saphira chemistry-free plates, opted for a three-year warranty on its new machine.

He added: "Everyone wants green credentials. We count councils among our customers and this issue is very important to them.

"Presses stand still without plates so warranty for us is peace of mind. Heidelberg are the experts in support. With the first Suprasetter when a lamp went they were there immediately and replaced it. Their service levels are second to none."

John Baxter & Sons serves a range of clients in the finance, retail, travel and advertising sectors.