The purchase is part of a threefold expansion at the Cheshire printer, following a move into its new Hyde Point site three months ago.

The PlateRite, which replaces an ECRM machine, will image Fujifilm LV plates for a new five-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 74, once it arrives in December.

Pearson's Heidelberg buy marks the company's debut in the B2 sector – a move it anticipates will help it reach out to "new markets" by the end of the year.

David Ross, studio manager at Pearson Print, said: "We've waited a few years before taking the plunge into B2, but now with our site, we have the space to expand."

He added: "We're responding to demand from our customers and with the new kit investments, we can carry out more work more efficiently."

The printer was established 20 years ago and employs seven staff – a figure it aims to increase in the near future.

Managing director Simon Pearson said: "The size of your press determines the size of your company and completely changes the way you print and the amount of work you can produce."

He added that the visible light technology feature of the Screen PlateRite was helping to "achieve better quality dots", therefore improving consistency and speed.

The platesetter currently images around 20 plates an hour – a significant increase from the 13-14 with the previous ECRM machine.

"When you change your set-up and move into new markets, to justify the press, the platesetter and other new equipment, you must achieve the turnovers," Pearson said.