The Dundee-based firm invested in the FB7600 flatbed press and XP2500 roll-to-roll printer within four weeks of each other to help expand its application portfolio into packaging and POS arenas, said production manager Kevin Geoghegan.

The machines replaced an Agfa Jeti at the 24-staff firm, which has a turnover of £2.5m. Geoghegan said that as well as a productivity boost, the investment was driven by the firm's desire to have the reliability, quality and cost-per-square-metre that would enable the company to "compete with any printer in Britain".

"We reached a point where we wanted to offer more to stand out from the competition," he said. "We chose the two different products to maximise production and have the ability to offer both indoor and outdoor applications."

The FB7600 will be used to enable Tayprint to move into packaging and also offer indoor applications including POS displays. The kit runs at up to 500sqm/hr and can also handle media up to 25mm thick including Foamex, Correx and display board.

While the roll-to-roll XP2500 will focus on outdoor signage and banners. The UV printer increases has a top speed of 265sqm/hr in billboard mode using HP Specialty Billboard Scitex Ink.

"We already offered outdoor applications, but to move into other sectors we wanted products that were economic, in time and money," said Geoghegan. "Since installing the two machines we have increased productivity, taking on jobs we previously weren't able to."

He said the new kit was a bit more expensive than some rival machines, but the proven platform and good after-sales service made it the ideal choice.