The 46-tonne Mitsubishi Diamond B1 six-colour machine will be craned into Century's 4,000sqm Penryn, Cornwall factory on 10 October.

Century said the machine was the first of its kind to be installed in the south-west and that it would give the firm a competitive advantage for clients with higher speeds and lower production costs.

The new press will replace Century's existing Komori B1, which is being part-exchanged for the Mitsubishi.

The Century Group has also appointed former St Ives Roche print room manager Jack Keast as its factory floor boss a position temporarily filled by commercial director Peter Hesketh.

"It is quite rare for someone with Jack's wealth of knowledge and experience to become available and we are delighted that he has chosen to join Century," said managing director David Tayler.