The Newcastle-based company said that customers were already asking for folders and other higher specification work requiring the larger format.

Managing director Colin Burke told PrintWeek that if the market improves and the press fulfils its promise, the business would consider taking on additional staff.

He said: "We hold ISO 9001 and with the Axis Control spectrophotometric measurement device which we specified, we believe we will be well placed to add ISO 12647 in future.

"We handle quality print, not jobbing work, and this level of colour control will give us an edge."

The SM 74-5-P replaces an SM 52-5+P press. In addition, Image Visual has bought a Suprasetter 75 to take the place of an existing chemistry-based CTP device. Some 50% of its plates will be the Saphira brand supplied by Heidelberg.

Burke added: "This system eliminates the bother, cost and environmental impact of changing chemistry."

The litho and digital printer was formed 29 years ago and is based in Killingworth.