The 65-staff, Swindon-based company said it had achieved a return on investment on the first machine within 12 months and it hoped the second Speedmaster would improve productivity by a further 12% when it replaces a B1 press in the next few weeks.

Managing director Anthony Thirlby said that "for the same overhead per month, we will achieve an additional £250k of added value per £500k of sales per annum."

He added that the company continues as an all-Heidelberg house because "all of our research has shown that in the field within the commercial sheet-fed arena, there are no other manufactures achieving the sales utilisation we require".

According to the £12.5m-turnover B1 printer, features such as Inpress Control helped to save more than £20,000 in start-up waste, as well as consistent five-minute makereadies.

"Having equipment that provides the customer with the quality and response they expect across a range of products, and cost-effectively, is critical in today's market. Presses have to be 'specced' carefully. It's more than configuration; it's the accessories and options that matter too."

The press marks the next step in the company's investment plan, which has already exceeded £2m over the past 18 months. Thirlby said that despite the general economic malaise, finance had not proved a problem.

He added that the first XL 75 machine, which was installed 12 months ago, had already proved itself in increasing margins, with increased demand for shorter-run work meaning the press handled more than 250 makereadies each week.

ESP Colour produces a range of fold, stitch and trim work, and leaflet and perfect bound products for print management, publishing and government sectors.