The new press is set to arrive in April and is expected to be in operation in May. It expands on Norwich-based Castle’s firepower and is the latest investment in the firm's current upgrade project.

The 106 can print with both conventional and UV inks and coatings and handles a broad range of substrates up to 1.2mm thick. Additionally, Castle's press has been specced with the ability to print on plastics and is raised by 450mm for packaging production.

Operations and technical director Paul Densley said: “Our client mix goes from Poundland up to high-end cosmetics, so we need printing technology that can cover the full range. We knew we wanted a large machine that could do B1 and were drawn to the Rapida.

“Compared to any competition, it was the best machine – very well-designed and we liked the service and support that Koenig & Bauer provides. It has quality systems and automated processes in order to make our work quicker and more accurate.

“It will allow us to be very competitive in terms of pricing, but also to raise the quality of our offering, which is especially important for our higher-end clients.”

The Rapida 106 sheetfed offset press runs at speeds up to 18,000sph at a maximum size of 740x1,060mm. Using the inline QualiTronic ColorControl and PrintCheck systems, it runs colour control and defect checks based on individual key values set by the user.

It is part of a wider investment strategy by Castle, which will be looking at foiling and digital flatbed technology, as well having updated its workflow, CTP and CAD systems last year. Its tech currently onsite includes two Komori presses, binding, die-cutting and gluing.

With a turnover of £8m, Castle Colour Packaging employs 74 members of staff.