"We've grown phenomenally in China and it's time to invest in machinery," said Delta chairman Terry Cross.

The cash will buy two Heidelberg machines, a six-colour press with coating and a two-over-two perfector.

Delta Packaging launched its joint-venture company in 1996 and the offshoot boasts four of the world's biggest mobile phone companies as clients. Motorola, NEC, Samsung and Nokia bring Delta around 7.5m of work every year.

Huabei Delta Print and Packaging employs 360 staff in a 12,000m2 depot in Qian'an City, supplying solid board, corrugated and litho-laminated cartons as well as paper-foam packaging.

It also works for drug and electronics companies in China and is in talks with two big fast-food chains. The Belfast set-up produces cartons for McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

"The joint venture has had a positive impact on our Belfast operation by giving us international exposure and capability on two continents," said Cross.

Story by Jez Abbott