The Essex-based large-format digital printer bought the Apollo alongside a Canon imagePrograf 9000 to complement its existing portfolio of HP and Konica Minolta kit.

Sales manager Paul Sudbury said the investment came as the retail-focused printer bucked the current market trend and reported year-on-year growth.

"We are busy at the moment," he said. "But we are noticing that people are now trying to save as much money as possible so we are having to work a bit harder and negotiate more than we have in the past."

Supagrafics employs 15 staff and has a manufacturing base in Leigh-on-Sea and a sales office in nearby Westcliff-on-Sea.

The Apollo 2216ww, which prints at up to 2.2x4m, can print onto a range of materials such as wood, glass, metal, plastics and paper, in both colour and mono.

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