Having already installed six colour Komori Lithrone S40s at its Leicester and Belfast plants, Chesapeake has added the larger sheet size, higher speed, SX40 model at its Nottingham plant.

It features Komori’s full automation package and includes a double-coater and the Komori PQA-S in-line colour inspection system.

The Nottingham plant produces folding cartons for the pharmaceutical and healthcare markets, with the plant solely dedicated on premium packaging for over-the-counter medicines which increasingly require special finishes and effects.

According to Chesapeake Nottingham operation director Tom Dickie, the press will enable it to meet the demands of its ever-more adventurous clients.

He said: "Although the sector we’re in is fairly conservative, competition is drawing our clients into more innovation and special effects.

"Holographic techniques have been popular, which has led us to develop our own eye-catching 3D effect, Glint, and Fresnel lens technology. 

"Subtle micro-embossing is also in demand, and – combined with special varnish techniques – can create natural effects mimicking, for example, leather, stone, feathers and snakeskin."