The firm plans to completely re-equip with a battery of new B1 presses, including a 10-colour with reel sheeter and an eight- and a six-colour with coater.

Alito currently runs three B1 Speedmasters: two eight-colours and a six-colour, but the firm has yet to decide between Heidelberg and KBA for the fresh investment. A decision is expected in the next few weeks.

KBA is known to be pitching hard for the order and Alito chairman Terry Brady and sales director David Collins attended the manufacturer's pre-Drupa open house event in Germany, where the new Rapida 105 was among the presses showcased. "They've come a hell of a long way," said Collins.

A raft of new finishing kit is also on order and Alito is looking to implement Tharstern's JDF workflow throughout the company.

The firm is moving to a new 4,000m2 factory in Leyton, near London's Docklands, later this year. "We hope to be in, in October," Collins added.