The Derby-based design and print company, which offers screen, and small- and large-format digital printing, expects to install the 1.6m-wide machine in August.

“When I was first shown the concept for the Colorado by Canon last October, I said if it does what it is claimed to do then I want one,” said Ashfield managing director Charles Henry. “I’m cautious about cutting-edge technology, but this is a game-changer.”

Henry said that the vibrant and high-quality print, low heat and fast throughput would enable the Colorado to produce work currently produced across its screen presses, Canon Océ Arizona and ColorWave and Mimaki JV33.

In addition to the Colorado, the firm has also invested in Flex4’s Online Print Solution to upgrade its online offering. The web-to-print system will be integrated with its Accura MIS. As a result of the streamlined order processing and faster printing the firm plans to offer a 48-hour turnaround service.

The investment in its wide-format facilities follows last year’s upgrade of its colour cut-sheet digital to a Canon imagePress 10000VP, which replaced an imagePress 6010. It has ordered a Vivid Matrix laminator with digital foiling to enhance its small-format output.

New equipment is only part of the firm’s plan to double sales over the next three years. At the end of last year, it appointed consultant sales director Amanda Daly to improve its product offering and sales process by bringing in someone with experience from sectors outside print.