The Jetrix was installed earlier this week (3 October) at Spectrum’s 2,200sqm St Helen’s premises, which was extended by 1,600sqm in June. It cost £125,000.

Spectrum sales director Julian Robinson said the decision came down to a straight choice between the Jetrix and a machine from Canon.

He said: “It’s a bit of an investment for us. Initially, we were on roll-to-roll machines, we dipped our toe a few years ago in a Mimaki flatbed and then did a lot of research on the Jetrix.

"It has a double array of printheads and a good production speed whilst retaining quality print.

“We want to scale up our work really. We have just invested in a flatbed router and it fits nicely in with that. People demand quicker turnaround times now and this will be more cost-effective.”

The Jetrix has been installed in a production facility that includes three Mimaki roll-to-rolls, a Canon roll-to-roll and a Mimaki flatbed.

The 2.5x3.1m machine prints at speeds of up to 60sqm/hr. It has six colours, CMYK plus double white, and has an additional varnish and primer option.

"The machine has given us the ability to output more work and on a much quicker basis.  With this new machine now in place we are extending our working hours through shifts to cope with increase in production and are also recruiting two more staff," added Robinson.

Spectrum prides itself on taking on apprentices and providing them with permanent jobs when their contracts come to an end. It took on its first apprentice, Lee Faulkner, 21 years ago and he is still at the company as production manager.

25-staff Spectrum turned over in excess of £1m last year.

It mainly produces signs for companies in the healthcare and education sectors but has also printed signs for the Grand National for the past 15 years.