The deal was funded by Lombard and the B1 press was bought from Sam Graphic Engineers. Print 4 managing director Robin Ringham said the firm went for the machine because of its fast makeready time and its ability to print on 1,000micron stock.
Akiyama, best known for double-decker perfectors, launched the straight extreme at Drupa last year.
"It is a versatile press," he added. "We visited Drupa to have a look and we were quite illuminated. While we were there we researched other manufacturers but the Akiyama came out the best."
Ringham said that its latest press would help the company expand into more point-of-sale work and boost both short- and long-run work.
"Customers are under price pressure and we have to combat that," he added. "We have to be more efficient."
Graphic Arts Equipment was appointed distributor of Akiyama products earlier this year.
Print 4 takes delivery of UKs first Akiyama 540 extreme B1 press
Bulwell-based Print 4 has invested in a new Akiyama 540 extreme press (pictured), the first to be installed in the UK.
