The Wiltshire-based display graphics company will take delivery of the new machine in February and at top running speeds of 500sqm an hour, comparable to its existing four-colour Thieme screen printing line.

According to Tim Boore, head of digital technologies at Image Factory, the investment will enable the company to become more competitive on price, increase capacity and offer a next-day turnaround.

"The new press increases our existing digital speed by over four times, although our existing digital equipment is very good, it can struggle on long runs due to print speeds," he added.

Image Factory employs 70 staff and caters for a range of clients that include high street retailers, print management companies, agencies and brand owners.

Boore said that while digital technology is complementary to the company’s screen setup, there are "evident" cost savings associated with digital print and its new machine.

The flatbed HP Scitex FB7500, which will arrive with a Caldera RIP, can print at speeds up to 500sqm an hour and on substrates up to 3.2 x 1.65m wide and on thicknesses up to 25mm.

According to Boore, when the FB7500 is firmly bedded-in, the plans for the business are to maintain the same quality of service but producing more work within the same time frame.

"We also hope to be able to offer clients existing and a new more competitively priced service meeting their delivery deadlines," he added.