Managing director Norman Revill said that the past two years had been "diabolical", and that he expected 2011 to be "tough as well". However, he said that printers looking to invest could get over some of the finance problems they have faced in recent years, if they looked to invest in specialist equipment.

He said: "There are signs of recovery in 2011, but it will depend on the finance companies. Having a niche product to sell will give companies an advantage in the financial world. They aren't just looking at balance sheets, it's the overall business plan, the companies' strategy going forward."

Revill's comments come as Manroland GB launched a campaign the Secrets of Profitable Print 2011, aimed at showing printers what can be achieved using its products.

Revill said: "I think a lot of customers did not understand what we could do for them. We are more than just a press manufacturer - we want to talk to them about their strategies; we can help them improve their profitability.

"We want to be talking to printers that are looking to step out of the general commercial arena into something special, something different. There are so many niche markets and opportunities to move into and we can show then what is out there.

"Moving in to these areas will help printers make money, make profit, and of course, in turn we can sell them the machines that can do that."

The campaign incorporates a range of sales and marketing initiatives and is aimed at both printers and print buyers. Initially it features the benefits of the Roland 700 B1 sheetfed press series – comprising the DirectDrive, HiPrint and HiPrint HS, as well as the InlineFoiler Prindor cold foiling technology.

Manroland has launched a website, www.secretsofprinting.com, for further information.