The spend will make it the only printer in the country to operate two MAN Roland XXL presses once it takes delivery of its second 3.5m machine in May.

"Investment keeps us on top," said Delta managing director Mike Phillips (pictured left). "To get the quality we want, we need to have the best kit. Roland is the Rolls-Royce option."

The large-format specialist is also set to make its first foray into the B1 market with a 1.5m investment in a six-colour litho press with coater, although it is yet to confirm from which manufacturer.

It has also upped digital capacity with the installation of a second 500,000 Inca Columbia Turbo at the end of February and is about to invest a further 500,000 in a Dims! MIS.

"We've been working closely with its consultants for the past three months," Phillips said. "A decision is imminent."

"As we grow, we need to invest in bigger and better kit," he said. "We're heading for a turnover of 33m this year. There are all sorts of things in the pipeline."

Delta has set up a design company called Lick, which employs 16 designers and cardboard engineers.

Phillips said the firm is currently exploring options for expanding in the US and Europe through partnerships and acquisitions.

It is also considering purchasing another two-colour screen press.
"We still think there's enough of a future in screen to invest in another press," Phillips said. "But I don't think there will be in a couple of years' time."

Delta's clients include 20th Century Fox, Tesco and H&M, from which it has just won a 4m contract to produce in-store print for half of H&M's European and US stores.