The company installed the UK’s first Tau 330 three years ago and its success in pulling in new business for digital UV inkjet prompted the second purchase at The Label Makers headquarters in Bradford.

Managing director David Webster said: “The lift and vibrancy the inks give to labels, particularly in health, beauty and pharmaceutical markets where customers need the silk-screen look, is fantastic.”

The lightfastness capabilities were also attractive to the industrial and horticultural market sectors, said Webster, who spent £650,000 on the Durst.

“I went to Label Expo and got a bit carried away, buying the Durst, a Xeikon Cheetah to replace a Xeikon 3030, and upgrading two Digicons with a Digicon Series 3.”

The new Durst Tau 330 came with improved web tension control and a chill drum for printing flexible film and difficult heat-sensitive materials, he added.

Like its sister press, it also had a strong white for clear materials. The seven colours helped the Label Makers hit 94% of all Pantone colours.

“We looked at Screen and Domino machines, which were very good and excellent if you have don't have flexo presses because they simulate them.

“But the Durst puts down a heavier weight of ink so it looks like silk screen, ideal for cosmetics and toiletries, which need that kind of look.

“It's fantastic, we even have clients asking us to print on the Durst. Some of the supermarkets, for example, are asking us to produce stuff on this kit because it gives such good shelf appeal.”

Label Makers' 68 staff make £7m turnover and Webster said it could add another £1m in the digital department with the new investments.

“We also wanted to stay with Durst because it's better to have consistency than take a Liquorice Allsorts approach and have bits of different kit.

“I like to have 20%-25% spare capacity so I can take on rush orders and this second Durst Tau 330 will help us do just that,” he said.

He added: “As a pioneer, we’re constantly wanting to keep ahead of the curve, and a massive learning one it’s been. But this new machine was up and running within three days of delivery.”

Durst Phototechnik segment manager for labels and packaging printing Helmuth Munter said: “The Label Makers started double-shift operations shortly after installing the first system.

“This speaks volumes, as does the fact that their customers are making specific requests for their work to be done on our systems.”

The Label Makers made its foray into digital print production after investing in the UK's first Xeikon 3030 in September 2010.