The digital presses have been kept busy with the production of speciality photo products, such as photobooks for weddings.

The firm estimated that the investment will have paid for itself by September 2007.

Managing director Mark Chapman said: “In conjunction with Photoways, which we merged with last year, our intent is to be the leader in the production of photographic products in Europe.”

PhotoBox merged with Photoways France in April 2006 with the aim of further penetrating the European photo market.

“Our volumes are growing more than 150% year on year, and the investment we have made through HP has already proved that it will help fuel this growth,” added Chapman.