The investment is the latest step of a spending programme that has included, litho, digital and post-press equipment in recent years. Earlier in 2010, it picked up Polar 92XT, Stahl Knife Unit and Rap 4 proofing system at Ipex and in January, an HP Indigo 5500 digital colour press.

Danny Sullivan, managing director of Positive Images, said the company had seen like for like annual sales increase nearly 50% compared to the same period in the previous year.

"This has enabled PI to continue to invest and expand to meet and exceed client's expectations," he said.

Positive Images' latest Heidelberg machine is its fourth - a complementary press that will boost its capacity to serve clients in the retail, leisure and council sectors.

Simon Reed, business development manager at the company, said the new Heidelberg will enable customers to benefit from improved turnaround times and "eye catching" images.

"The XL 75-5+L, and especially the coater unit will allow our clients to take advantage of the faster turnarounds times and the cost effective and eye catching combination of matt and gloss drip off varnish which can be used to produce innovative and unique designs on printed material," he added.

And although the business has diversified into digital print in recent years, Reed said that litho print technology still had its place.

"Litho has a strong future, colour digital has limitations and is expensive for large volume work," said Reed.