The press will replace two Speedmaster 74 five- and four-colour machines while still bringing a net increase in productivity to more than double the previous set-up. The company said that the consolidation wouldn''t create any redundancies.

It has also specified the press with Axis Control spectral measurement, as the company looks to gain Heidelberg's certification for the ISO 12647/2 standard.

Chairman Henry Ruddock said: "For us the ability of Axis Control to input specific house colours and build our own portfolio of specials was more important than the automation of Inpress Control."

The machine will join a pair of Konica Minolta digital print engines at the £2.5m-turnover business and is expected to help it boost sales to £3m.

The company had originally intended to buy a secondhand six-colour XL 75 with coater and Inpress Control from Switzerland, but decided that as Heidelberg presses hold their value, it made sense to buy a new press to their specifications.

"There's some prestige and ego in buying a Heidelberg but in this selection process we tried to be objective and looked at different makes," said Ruddock. "However, the build quality, reputation and service levels led us back to Heidelberg. That and the feedback from dealers that there is better retained value in a Heidelberg machine."

The printer produces a range of work, including art catalogues, reports and accounts, brochures, booklets, leaflets, posters and folders for clients in the public, educational, institutional and commercial sectors.