The two presses cost CUP nearly 2m, print on paper as thin as 27gsm, and print at up to 11,000sph.

The single-colour JP 1p144 is due in November, while the eight-colour JP 4p444 will arrive in February.

"We aim to increase bible production three times in the next five years and also have to remain competitive in colour work," said CUP press manufacturing director Rod Willett.

"Academic and educational books are facing a long-term threat from electronic publishing and digital printing."

Sam Graphic Engineers supplied the two presses, which will be used for standard books, as well as leather-bound bibles.