"We used to have three B2 presses, but got used to B1 long perfectors," said managing director Maurice Payne.

"With long-perfecting jobs come covers, inserts and other short-run work that needs coating. This is where the new press fits in."

The 15,000sph machine will be used to coat and varnish catalogues, magazines and brochures. Payne was won over by its UV capability. "It will be a dedicated UV machine; we won't switch all the time between UV and conventional work," he said.

The press replaced an eight-colour B1 Speedmaster. Two 12-colour Speedmasters 102s remain at the Theale, Reading-based firm.