The investment, spread over 2008, included a Shuttleworth M.I.S system, a Screen Platerite 8600s CTP device, a plastic bailer, a Heidelberg Stahlfolder 52 and an Epson Stylus Pro 9880 proofing machine.

Mastercolour's new ST100 six station plus cover feeder stitching line, costing around £130,000, will run alongside a Heidelberg Prosetter 562. The machine was commissioned this week.

According to Mastercolour's assistant managing director Mark Lewis the investments were made to enable the company to remain competitive.

He said: "Everything that we bought was in addition to existing equipment, none of it was replacement kit. We are now in a position to respond quicker, our make-readies are faster and we have more capacity across the board."

Lewis added that the stitching line has trebled the company's stitching capacity, and enables it to put through long run work knowing that a second machine can handle anything else that comes in.

He explained: "It is about keeping as much in house as possible, the only thing we can't do here is laminating and foiling."

He also said that the company was now looking at potential investments for 2009 and 2010, which he described as "exciting".

Mastercolour predominantly handles work from financial institutions and publishers. But the company also deals with exhibitions and conferences and print management companies. It offers a wide range of printing service, from leaflet runs of 1,000 through to 4m direct mail packs.

Mastercolour currently employs 78 staff and is expecting to record a turnover of £8m this year.