The investment, which will help serve the company's recently-opened Bristol sales office, comes several months after Pepper backed out of a deal to buy TL Visuals, another Bristol-based printer.

According to Pepper, the new press has given the company another route into the B1 sector after the proposed TL Visuals acquisition fell through.

Saul Whitford, from Pepper Communications, said: "We now have even greater potential to open up new contracts and grow the business."

He added: "It's a great opportunity. What we are doing successfully in Plymouth we have replicated in Bristol – providing an office and service support that will enable us to extend our sales coverage."

The XL 105 has arrived specified with Image Control, which uses spectrophotometry to help ensure colour quality and consistency throughout the print run.

The company will be using the press to produce a range of corporate literature and marketing materials, as well as commercial print and direct mail.

Pepper's new Bristol sales office employs six staff and operates alongside its facilities in London and main site in Plymouth.

Whitford said: "Today we have a strong seam of business in the region and London, and hope to expand along the M4 corridor."