"We asked customers what they wanted and found they wanted quality and speed," said director Martyn Hicks. "Meital came in left-field, but what it says makes sense, we did print trials and were blown away."

The 302 is a 3x2m flatbed machine with a unique dual vacuum bed allowing simultaneous loading and printing. It uses the latest Xaar 1001 printheads with greyscale technology to deliver high resolution and smooth gradations without the use of "light" inks. It produces 300sqm per hour at its highest speed and 150sqm in highest quality mode.

According to Hicks the ability to run special colours in addition to CMYK to hit crucial customer brand colours was of particular interest.

It joins a digital department that includes a Nur Tempo and Mimaki machines.

Screenprint Productions bought the machine from Meital's UK dealer Andersons, the wide-format subsidiary of Litho Supplies.

"I have watched the Meital 302 develop from conception to and I am delighted that Screenprint Productions has invested in an industrial printer that will add productivity to its business," said Andersons national sales manager Stewart Bell.

The Meital will be installed at the firm's new site in Brighouse later this month. It is planning to complete its consolidation onto a single site from its three sites in nearby Elland in early November.

Digital print and warehousing are already operational from Brighouse with screenprinting and office function due to complete the move by early November.

The 5,500sqm site, which cost £750,000, has been designed to meet the firm's needs based on 25 years of experience.