Although the deal for the four-colour Truepress 344 has not yet been signed, Multisets sales director Iain Cox said: "We are in negotiations and we're fairly confident it's all going to happen."

The likely investment follows pre-press investment in CTP and digital workflow at the Swindon firm.

A HighWater Python platesetter, to replace the existing HighWater Platinum, will be delivered within the next month.

EFI's OneFlow workflow software is also set to be installed, while Telekinesys' Equator online proofing system has recently been adopted.

On the finishing side, the personalised print specialist is to install a third Tamarack finishing line.

Cox added that Multisets, which was the subject of an MBO in June 2003, was aiming for a turnover of 6m by the end of the year, up from 5.4m at present.

Screen's Truepress 344 is a second-generation model to the 544, and can print up to 7,000 A3 sheets per hour, on stock weights of up to 300gsm.