The SX29 boasts a sheet size of 610x750mm - the larger US format - but which boosts the yield for Ryedale's core production of plastic cards for the telecoms industry, as well as plastic labels and POS material for the horticultural market.

Group director of operations Steve Buffoni said: "The bigger sheet size means more yield, so 10% more yield makes a big difference."

The investment also meant the company had to buy another platesetter, a Screen PlateRite 4300, to handle the larger format.

The five-colour SX29 replaces a nine-year-old Komori and will run alongside Komori and Sakurai machines at the £8m-turnover company.

It is fitted with a coater, a full automation package and, one of the key selling points for Buffoni, a unique UV-curing system. It is also configured with skeleton cylinders to eliminate marking and scratching problems on thicker substrates.

"We're really excited about the new, flexible UV features of the press, which will be initially commissioned for conventional UV, yet also gives us retrofit options so that we can work alongside other suppliers in the industry to create Ryedale's own 'e-UV' system," said Buffoni.

"Printing on plastics is recognised as a challenge to print. With the assistance of Komori's own new technology, we will cold cure the printing of a multitude of different plastics, eliminate ozone and minimise power consumption."

Ryedale Group is involved in a number of specialist projects, such as printed electronics and lenticular work. The 75-strong company counts Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Homebase and B&Q among its clients.