The machine, which has been specified with Inpress Control automated registration, spectral measurement and Pressroom Manager workflow, will arrive in December.

Devon-based Kingfisher will use the new press to replace two second-hand, five-colour Speedmaster 74 models in a bid to increase competitiveness at the Totnes business.

According to Ross Bellotti, managing director at the litho and digital printer, the addition of the XL 75 with Inpress Control will mark a "step change" for the company over its previous ageing SM 74 presses.

He added: "This press has revolutionised the litho market. We can do the same work on one machine as we did on the two older models while the quality is still exceptional".

Another selling point of the machine was the addition of Inpress Control, which is expected to both improve makeready times while maintaining colour consistency.

"Colour is really important to us. Buyers demand consistency. They may use different suppliers but they need to know they get the same quality wherever they print," he said.

However, by moving from a 24/5 to 24/6 operation running continental 12 hour shifts, Bellotti admitted that the investment will result in "unfortunate but unavoidable redundancies" that will enable the company to safeguard profitability.

Kingfisher Print & Design was established in 1984 and serves a range of customers including estate agents, football clubs and general commercial clients.

"There is a gamble in replacing two presses with one but we have complete faith in Heidelberg’s service and support. We are confident about the reliability of the machine," added Bellotti.