The 10-colour SM 102-10-P machine has replaced an existing five-colour Mitsubishi model at the Bedford-based company.

Garry Hardy, production director at Newnorth Print, said the print market had changed since the company last invested so a move into long perfecting was the best route to help the 40-year-old business to "safeguard margins".

He added: "It’s about getting completed sheets on the floor faster and shortening turnround times."

The Speedmaster can seal substrates when required, thanks to the 10 units on press.

Hardy said that, as a long-time user of Mitsubishi machines, the £7.6m-turnover company had trialled presses from the Japanese manufacturer, as well as Heidelberg, prior to making its decision.

He said: "The output from both machines was good, but we had more confidence that there would be no marking from the perfector on the Speedmaster.

"The SM 102 is right for our market and it gives us an additional £2m sales potential – we don’t need to go further at this stage."

The ISO 9001 and ISO14001-accredited commercial printer serves both public and commercial customers such as charities and education bodies.