The machine will predominantly be used for printed packaging, enabling Weedon to match retailer brand guidelines with 100% accuracy.

Managing director John Weedon said his company was one of the first in the UK to install the technology.

He said: "With the increasing demands on brand consistency, colour is everything. If their packaging does not match retailer brand guidelines exactly, our customers run the risk of having their products rejected before they even get to store.

"By guaranteeing the accuracy of the colour with this new equipment, we are able to give our customers real peace of mind. We used to pride ourselves on the quality of our colour print, but this equipment introduces a new yardstick. We think our customers will be delighted with the results."

Previously, colour was matched visually using a light-box and colour swatches. The new equipment measures colour electronically, verifying colours to exact requirements.

It also takes into account the specific lighting conditions of different stores, while colours can also be checked on press to ensure consistency throughout the print run.