The Leicester-based company is only the second in the country to install three such machines; Essex-based DM firm Anton Group installed its third 12-colour just days before Taylor Bloxham.

Managing director Peter Hammond said it purchased the press, which is equipped with a CutStar sheeter (Taylor Bloxham's second), after it secured a significant contract that had previously been produced on the Continent.

"We asked ourselves 'are we being egotistical printers here or is it a real need?'," said Hammond, who added that the investment was immediately supported by chairman Bruce Sharpless.

"We were at the board meeting and Bruce said 'I don't know why we're talking about this I first it'," he said.

The press joins the firm's existing two 12-colours and a six-colour B1 Speedmaster.

Taylor Bloxham is part of The Print People group, which includes C&R Printing Services, Creative Link Solutions and Fastant.

Its work mix includes general commercial print, greetings cards and gift-wrap, and corporate print. It expects sales of around 23m this year.

Heidelberg has now installed 28 12-colour speedmaster 102s in the UK.