The specialist in retail, signage and exhibition graphics bought the press after seeing demand rise beyond the capacity of the Durst.

Managing director Steve Johnson said the excess demand "wasn't enough to justify another Durst", and that the Seiko was fast and offered a quality that was comparable with the Durst.

"The capital cost is very low," he said.

Johnson added that if the Durst was tied up producing a long-run piece, having the Seiko meant that other production jobs could continue on that, reducing the need for overtime. "It gives us a lot more flexibility," he said.

The Seiko will be put to work on PVC banner, self-adhesive vinyl, billboard and poster production and that both quality and speed were comparable to the Durst.

"It's a second string to our bow on the solvent printing side," said Johnson.

The company also uses a Seiko II 64S for some short-run work.

The new machine is faster at 60sqm per hour and has a higher resolution and larger ink cartridges.

ImageCo Visual Imaging has a turnover of £6-7m and employs 39 staff with clients in high-street retail and agencies, billboard and hoardings sectors.