Richard Wells, managing director of the Nottingham-based company, said the Speedmaster CD 74 would replace a four-colour version of the press.

He said: “It gives us more options, more control through the press and prints a bit sharper and on heavier stocks.
“Every four to five years, you have to change to the latest kit available.”

Hickling & Squires’ latest investment is its sixth Heidel-berg press since 2000. The firm also runs an eight-colour CD 74 long perfector, installed in 2005, and a three-year-old 10-colour SM 74 long perfector.

Wells said he expected the £6.4m turnover firm to reach £7m by the end of the financial year, and has two new staff joining the 46-strong team this year.

The firm has also replaced an ageing Muller Martini with a Stitchmaster ST300 for faster running speed and makeready.