"It is our first KBA. We've been 30-plus years Heidelberg, so this a real departure for us," said works manager Paul Knighton (pictured right).

The 10-colour press is also the firm's first alcohol-free press, although it only runs a maximum of 1-5% alcohol on its four existing presses, and its first long perfector.

"Print has become a commodity. You've got to perfect to survive," said managing director Tony Lawson (left).

The firm configured its press with Densitronic S colour management, ink temperature control, PIAB air system and Contemp cooling kit, and Logitronic Professional workflow.

As part of the investment, the firm is also looking at adding one or two additional folders, and boosting its pre-press department to keep up with the new press.

The five-back-five press will be installed next year. It will be only the second in the UK to use KBA's Drupa-launched no-sidelay technology, the first being installed less than mile away at fellow Northampton firm Printhaus.

The 80 staff, 7m turnover commercial printer's clients include Norwich Union, Avon Cosmetics, The Body Shop and Communisis.