Based in Northumberland, the company is approaching full capacity and has set ambitious targets for the next two to three years, including plans to increase its turnover from £9m to £12m by 2012.

Managing director of the 115-staffed business Shaun Johnson said: "Now is the right time for us to invest.

"The Roland 705 will give our customers the option for really fast turnaround work, a market that has been growing for us of late."

He added its automated quick change functions will make the company more productive that it will allow Potts to do more specialist coating work.

The press has an infra-red dryer, APL automatic plate loading, ColourPilot closed loop colour control, QuickChange job changing system and Telepresence on-line diagnostics and repair system. It will be run alcohol-free.

Potts Printers was formed in 1875 and produces business cards, stationery, accounts, folders and large run book work.

The Roland 705 will be installed at the B1 printer in September and it will run alongside another six-colour Roland 700.