The family-run, Rickmansworth-based business will take delivery of the press, complete with coater and Inpress Control, in February.

According to Richard Gregory, managing director of Evolve, the new Heidelberg would enable to company to print at "impressive" speeds and on a broader range of stocks up to 620micron.

The 19-staff commercial printer handles work for clients including the NHS, corporates such as Disney, BP, Virgin Media and Bunzl.

Evolve already provides Bunzl with commercial print products and Gregory said he anticipated that the increased output and flexibility of its latest press would also enable the business fulfil some of Bunzl's packaging requirements.

"This work currently goes to China but we can offer the work within a much-improved turnaround period while catering for a demanding selection of stocks," he said.

The investment in Heidelberg is Evolve's first press from the manufacturer in 20 years, replacing an outgoing five-colour Komori Lithrone machine.

According to the company, its XL 75 will eliminate alcohol usage while energy output will be reduced compared to its older presses.

In addition to the new press, the 19-staff commercial printer will also upgrade its guillotine operation with the investment in a Polar 115X Plus.

Ahead of the new press arrival, the company is adding 186sqm extension to cater for storage and fulfilment.

"We took the move from filmsetting to processless CtP in one step and we are making a similarly giant leap in press technology with the latest generation equipment with full workflow," added Gregory.