The print and packaging company, which is making its foray into the long perfector arena, has doubled its print capacity with the Speedmaster, which replaces a five- and a two-colour Heidelberg.

Lancashire-based Ultragraph was originally set to opt for a dual five-colour print set-up before deciding on the XL 75 as the best way of building upon its £2.5m turnover.

Managing director Nick Jones said: "Financially for us, the deal we have will cost us less in terms of operating and maintenance costs, while also running our shifts more effectively."

He added: "We have seriously reduced our costs and now have a better utilisation of capital in the business, which can only be good, and we are getting a decent return on investment."

The XL 75 has "at least doubled" capacity at the 25-staff company and will help cater for a client base that covers the retail and finance sectors.

It will also help handle a growing level of work for the printer's recently launched online ordering site, PrintRobot.

Jones said: "This configuration of the press and the increase in online demand will extend our sales base beyond its current regional level."

In addition to the 10-colour press, the company has taken delivery of a Suprasetter 75 – its second platesetter – which is expected to provide a back-up service to an existing machine.