Installed at the beginning of December, the Doncaster printer has added the machine to a line-up that provides cut-sheet digital and large-format printing and finishing services.

The circa-£21,000 machine, was described as a significant investment by Heatherbank business development director Adam McCartney, who also laid out the firm’s plans to double the size of its design studio – which will be relaunched in February.

“Over the years we have used Roland and HP machines for our large-format work,” McCartney said. “But this one also comes with the cut feature and a UV flatbed system, giving us various economical benefits as well as opening up more markets.

“We were quite limited in what we could make in terms of stickers, for example, previously. Now we can carry out various intricate cut-out jobs and more.”

The UCJV300-160 is a 64in (1.6m) roll-to-roll printer with instant-dry capabilities.

Applications possible on the machine include signage, POS displays, posters, packaging and backlit displays, which McCartney said was inspiring “cool experimentation” at Heatherbank.

The Mimaki replaced an older Roland machine.

Over 2017, Heatherbank has also been adding to its finishing offering by installing machines for foiling and laminating, including a Vivid Matrix laminator and a Duplo booklet maker. Once the studio expansion is complete, the firm plans to have a showroom onsite.

McCartney said the company will keep up an “ongoing programme of expanding and investing in new kit” over the course of 2018.

“We like to keep an eye on what is happening and are always looking at what is cutting edge to offer new things for our clients,” he said.

Heatherbank’s portfolio also includes three Canon digital printers. Its team comprises 10 full-time staff members.