The Derbyshire company placed the order for the $750,000 (£475,000) machine, launched at Drupa, two weeks ago and is set to take delivery in April.

Highcon Euclid uses laser technology to replace conventional die-cutting and creasing methods, eliminating the need for dies to be created and hence heavily reducing cost and set-up times.

The order was processed by UK dealer Conversion, which former KBA executive sales director Mark Nixon set up last October.

PrintWeek originally reported that Chesapeake would become Highcon Euclid’s first customer after it signed for the machine at Drupa. However, while the machine is still on order, the international business is yet to decide which plant is to house the digital cutter and creaser, and so Glossop Cartons will be the first to take delivery, according to Nixon.

Glossop Cartons managing director Jacky Sidebottom said: "This is going to be the new manufacturing process. It is a gap that the middle-sized carton manufacturers haven’t filled yet, and we can now. We will be producing high quality short run cartons, bespoke packaging and innovative marketing cartons.

"It means that we can produce small runs more cost effectively and respond to seasonal product changes."

She added that the company eventually wants to produce cartons entirely using digital machinery, but has yet to find a digital printer on the market that is versatile enough for Glossop Cartons’ needs.

She hinted that she had her eye on a prototype digital machine, but said that she would decide whether to invest when it comes to market in spring 2014.

Sidebottom added that any "teething problems" on the machine, being the world’s first in live production since the Beta machine at Israel’s Graphica Bezalel, were not a concern given Highcon’s great track record in customer support.

"I have every confidence in Highcon and any initial problems will be addressed straight away. They are a very ‘can do’ company and very broad minded."