The Edinburgh-based family-run label and packaging printer has bought the press to meet increased demand for special finishes. It's Thomson's first coating press and replaces a four-colour machine. The Heidelberg house already has a five-colour press.

According to the firm's managing director Jim Thomson, the SM52 had the edge over rival presses in the market because of the flexibility of the press's coater.

He estimated that this feature would be used 90% of the time for its work producing labels, packaging and marketing literature for the drinks market.

The press also incorporates the latest AxisControl 2.0 device, to ensure colour consistency. The company believed that this feature will reduce start-up and makeready times.

Thomson took over the company 12 years ago with only two clients, with one representing 98% of the business. Both have been retained, but the firm has since added several others and Thomson says it is yet to lose a client.