The Norwich-based firm bought the press after looking at other B1 options including Heidelberg's Speedmaster XL 106.

“We needed a quicker makeready, faster press speed with colour management and automated plate-changing to free up the operators for other tasks,” said manufacturing director Simon Conway.

“We believe the CX 102 will give us a 50%, possibly even a 70%, lift in output.”

The CX 102 is specified with Autoplate Pro, Axis Control and Prinect Pressroom Manager. It has replaced a six-colour Speedmaster 102 press, which the firm has sold along with a Speedmaster SM 74.

“The press is being installed this week and will be running from early July after training is completed. We have invested well over £2m in the past couple of years and the CX 102 cost us around £1.3m,” said Conway.

The machine, which will go into 24-hour operation once it's commissioned, will be used mainly for colour work, of which the company has seen a continual increase in recent years.

Page Brothers also runs two two-colour Speedmaster SM 102s, which it primarily uses for black and white books, HP Indigo 7600 and 5500 presses and a Muller stitching line.

The firm employs 105 staff and has a turnover of £10m. Its main customers include the academic journal and educational markets which it serves nationally and internationally.