The B3 machine was chosen to take on the Rochester company's growing short-run demand, which was previously being handled by its digital machines.

Director Jason Allen said: "Our short-run digital machines have attracted a lot of work, but it became apparent that the longer multicolour runs would be better suited to litho production.

"A full colour offset machine allows us to both reduce click charge and retain more work in house. We also have a steady demand for leaflets and promotional print which are not economical to produce on a two-colour press.

"Since one of our biggest clients requires an accurate and consistent special colour, we decided a five-colour machine was the way to go."

The company saw the Chinese press at Ipex last year and was impressed by the build quality as well as advanced features that enabled lower power consumption, its small footprint and, importantly for short-run work, fast makeready times.

Allen said the only difference between the Hans Gronhi machine and one of its big-name rivals was "we could afford to buy one".

The company produces a range of commercial work for B2B customers, local authority and trade work.