The Tunbridge Wells-based printer started printing on the press, its second Speedmaster CD 74-6 , on 17 December.

Crucial Colour currently produces material including corporate brochures and leaflets but hopes the new press will open up new markets, including packaging work for design agencies.

Sales director David Cole told printweek.com: "The Speedmaster will allow us to provide a wider range of services by printing on more varied substrates, while also printing to a consistent high quality."

The Speedmaster can print at thicknesses from 0.03-0.8mm and to a maximum sheet size of 605x740mm.

Crucial Colour was established in 1989 and has a turnover in excess of £2m.