The firm's just-filed accounts for the period show, however, that pre-tax profits fell from 2.47m to 956,715. It also paid out dividends totalling 400,000, leaving a retained profit of 496,040.

Artisan signed up for a gapless Heidelberg Sunday 4000 web earlier this year (PrintWeek, 19 July).

Installation of the 48pp press begins in November and it should be up and running by next February.

Artisan will also install a Muller Martini Tempo saddlestitching line next month. The 57-year-old company specialises in magazine and brochure printing and employs around 435 staff.