The machine went in last month and runs alongside an existing Linoprint C751 installed four years ago at the firm in Poynton, Cheshire, which has been in business for over a century.

The Linoprint CV can print A3 at 2,700sph or A4 at 90 sheets per minute and takes a maximum paper size of 300x700mm.

Managing director Andrew Galloway said: “The press opens up a wider range of premier stocks and enables us to produce six-page A4 products.”

He added that his latest digital purchase would complement a litho operation including two Heidelberg Speedmasters, a six-colour 102 with coater and a five-colour 105 with coater.

Last year Galloways installed a Tharstern MIS to cost work for digital or litho production, enabling it to provide clients with clear and precise options.

The firm's first Linoprint, a C751, which went in four years ago produces work on lightweight gloss papers through to 350gsm uncoated colour speciality stocks.

Galloways wanted the new Linoprint CV to extend the range further and to benefit from the fifth colour - white or transparent - and the larger format.

“The fifth colour and increased sheet size allows us to offer something more to the marketplace,” said Galloway.

“Since the installation of the first Linoprint, the downside has always been the restriction to the SRA3 sheet size and the cost of finishing compared to UV litho work.

“Digital has encouraged us to market our services and we produced swatch books so that potential clients can see what is possible.”

Galloway added: “The digital print market has changed the way in which printed material can be produced and used to communicate.

“In its most basic form digital printing is a cheaper alternative to litho when only small volumes are required.

“However, it offers much more from print personalisation through to just in time or on demand print solutions ensuring the printed collateral is current and targeted.”

The firm did not disclose the cost of the machine.