The machine was installed at Burnley-based Hart in the first week of December. The company opted for the cost-effective label line, which features built-in die-cutting capabilities, after a full review of the market.

Owner and sales director Tony Hanmer said: “The Dantex PicoColour was the most versatile option when we went out to market, it gives us a lot of flexibility. The nature of our work is that we regularly take on new jobs and the need to process [flexo] plates means it can be up to three days before we have a plate ready and can begin printing.

“The PicoColour has been absolutely fantastic so far, helping us to turn a profit in December when it was installed and an even greater one in January."

The new digital press will enable the firm, which has typically focused on medium-length run work, to expand into higher-margin, short-run, fast-turnaround jobs.

“Now, it is our aim to offer a three-day timeline for complete turnaround, or even same-day on certain jobs. The new Dantex device can run a variation of jobs from 1,000 labels to 50,000," said Hammer.

With a printing width of 210mm and top speed of 35m/min, the PicoColour works with UV-based inks and is available in configurations featuring CMYK plus white, corona and variable data options.

On Hart’s 465sqm base, it joins a six-colour, full-UV press from Weigang and a three-colour Edale Alpha running water-based inks, alongside a Grafisk Maskinfabrik ETV330 sheeter, a Newfoil hot foiling machine and two Arpeco Tracker slitter/rewinders.

In the coming summer, Hanmer said his company would look to invest in further Edale technology, potentially an eight-colour full-UV device.

He said: “We are continually investing in the business and our people to serve our broad spectrum of clients.”

Hart Label Solutions turns over £1.6m and employs 11 staff. The firm said it will explore the option of doubling its floorspace when its building’s lease comes up for renewal later this year.