The installation, part of a package deal including a DPX2 polyester-based platesetter, comes ahead of a £1m relocation to its new 750sqm site at the end of the year.

Its new press replaces a Ryobi 524HX machine and is part of a bid to increase print capacity by at least 15%.

Manging director Alastair Donald said the Ryobi had "revolutionised its printing facility almost overnight", allowing the printer to seal work or offer a special colour on each job.

"We had the work and we needed the extra capacity of the Ryobi 525GX to get it printed. Since the arrival of the press we have enjoyed our busiest month ever," Donald said.

Astute provides a range of litho, as well as digital print, following the purchase of an Aberdeen digital printer three years ago.

He said that while digital has a place in the market, "most of the work that we inherited with this purchase has now been converted to litho printing".

The 26-staff company will move into its new premises in Forfar's Orchardbank Business Park by the end of the year.