The Elland-based large-format digital business paid about £90,000 for the flatbed, which it said would enable it to bring more work in-house and offer new products to its automotive and promotions clients.

"We can now offer high-quality four-colour printing on two different types of materials, printing directly on to substrates, such as Foamex and Correx," said sales and marketing director Robert Walker. "We expect the printer to pay for itself within three to five years."

The 2.5mx1.5m flatbed will enable the company to produce large single-piece displays, printing both low- and high-volume runs. "This is ideal for customers requiring either one-offs or multiple quantities," he added. "With its near photographic quality, the machine offers excellent quality-to-cost ratio."

The deal was 12 months in the making for the 25-year-old printer, but Walker said it had opted for Fuji because of the level of its back-up support and quality of its software.

"We made the decision to invest when most print companies are considering cutting back on their capital expenditure. Innovation is key to our business and we are confident the printer will help us to introduce new products to market and also widen our client base."

Portfolio Display, which has a turnover of around £1.5m, employs 17 staff. It has plans to increase this to 20 by the end of August.