Johnsons of Nantwich increases finishing and printing capacity

The five-colour machine forms the final part of Johnson's spend, joining a Polar 78 guillotine, Stahlfolder and Heidelberg pile turner.

The Speedmaster XL 75-5 will arrive specified with the manufacturer's Intellistart makeready software and replaces an outgoing SM 74-5 press.

Johnsons of Nantwich managing director John McMillan said he had "nothing but praise" for RBS, Lombard and the RGF, throughout the investment who part-funded the Speedmaster purchase with a grant.

He said: "We were looking at the XL 75 but the addition of the grant tipped the investment in its favour.

"We will be able to take on demanding work effortlessly and will offer an improved service to our existing customer base, cutting the weekend overtime bill in the process."

The Cheshire-based business has taken on three new members of staff through the investment, bringing its headcount to 34.

McMillan added: "We are efficient already but this press will give us at least 50% more capacity than the SM 74 it replaces. "Our net average speed in real life production on the SM 74 is 8,000sph and we believe the XL 75 will deliver at least 12,000sph net on the floor."