The Banbury-based company said the fifth colour would be used for special and metallic effects prior to coating, which would enable it to provide "added value finishes, aesthetic appeal and very fast turnaround times".

Co-director Karl Smith said the 22-staff company wanted to expand its current offering and diversify and that the ability to run thicker stocks and coatings would open the door to more packaging work.

He said: "We're a print and design company, and also offer web design and large format, so we are a bit different.

"We were experiencing the occasional marking from the transfer jackets with our existing 10-year-old Heidelberg SM 74-5 press, but the XL is guaranteed to leave no markings. Everything about it has added benefit."

He added the company was looking to invest in finishing kit later this year so that it would be able to offer a full in-house service to its clients.

"We are targeting a 50% growth in capacity over 2011 and 2012," said Smith. "It is a big but realistic target."

The new machine joins a Heidelberg PM 52 five-colour press at the firm.