The firm installed its first 64pp machine in 2001, and this will be joined by a 64/72pp model in late spring next year.

The move had been widely anticipated. "I guess it's been talked about for a while in the industry," acknowledged group managing director Paul Utting. "With the Reveal win and negotiations that are ongoing, we felt it was the right time to make the step and it's been welcomed by customers."

The new press could replace two older 32pp webs at the company a G16 and an M850 and still provide extra capacity, but this is still to be decided. "It depends on our ability to generate sales," Utting added. Wider-web Lithoman IVs  are already installed at BGP and Southernprint; BGP has a second on order and St Ives has two on order for installation early next year.

Wyndeham claimed the investment at the Essex-based printer, which has seven web presses, four perfect binders and seven stitching lines, "will almost certainly make Wyndeham Heron the largest and best equipped printing plant in the UK".

The group revealed the spend along with a trading statement in which it said it was "on track to meet market expectations despite the continued challenging market". Costs and overheads have been cut and it is looking at additional cost savings and efficiencies.

Analysts are predicting full-year pre-tax profits of 7.4m (2004: 4.4m) for the group. Wyndeham will announce its interim results on 15 November.

Story by Jo Francis