The Darlington-based printer bought a Heidelberg Speedmaster, which was installed in December 2011, before an Agfa Graphics VCF85 plate processor and Studiorip software were added at the beginning of the year.

In order to handle the additional work stemming from the investment, the company has appointed Lyn Elkin as commercial manager and launched an apprenticeship scheme.

Apprentices training at the company are offered a trial period of up to two weeks, with a successful candidate securing a permanent job.

Addo is currently training its second apprentice, with a third due to start at the end of the month.

Managing director Keiran Bayley said: "Addo believes in solid training and on the job experience, so naturally we wanted to offer that to people struggling with unemployment.

"The three apprentices we have signed up at the moment are all young men struggling to find work and we are delighted to be able to offer them valuable skills and work experience."

He added that the early success of the scheme means the company could add two further apprentice roles in the near future.

Elkin said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this role and look forward to helping the company move forward and take on more and more work.

This is an exciting time to join the team with the investment and expansion taking place."

Addo currently employs four permanent staff, including its apprentices, with the aim of taking that number to six in the coming months.