It plumped for the £400,000 investment in kit and software, which includes EskoArtwork DeskPack, WebCentre and JDF workflow, to boost plate production at its imaging division.

The company said the software is already saving time by automating file checking, while the CDI Spark 5080 flexo platesetter has improved dot quality and lifted production speeds.

It said one of the more critical aspects is the JDF component, which links the workflow suite and Esko BackStage server with the company's existing in-house Caes MIS system, used across its three UK sites.

Pamarco claimed that by integrating the facilities, it would be able to go after bigger customers with its end-to-end solution, named Value In Print (VIP).

Pamarco Global Graphics Vice President Sales Europe Dave McBeth told printweek.com: "We are looking to capture approximately £500,000 of new additional business for next year on digital CTP, We have already signed contracts for over £100,000 in new business moving into 2008 for [this]."

Pamarco technical director Dudley Underwood, who leads the VIP project, said: "To achieve our goals and open up our service to new markets, we have taken some serious decisions.

"Employing industry experts and putting a core team into IT, pre-press, production and platemaking has been a key move. With EskoArtwork's workflow suite we will be able to maximise the value of all three of our businesses and complete the jigsaw."

As well as unifying its pre-media and workflow systems, integration also adds transparency to the operation, allowing the company to audit its processes, and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

Pamarco has earmarked a further £100,000 for proofing and plate processing technology investments in 2008.

The company employs 400 staff across the globe to supply packaging products to customers across 60 countries.