The Bristol-based printer had bottleneck issues with guillotining after upgrading several presses in recent years, including a four-colour Speedmaster in November last year.

However, the Polar, which features Optiknife knife-change technology, is faster than the 15-year-old machine that preceded it.

Managing director Mark Savage said: "Cutting is one of those critical tasks which is often overlooked, but good quality printing deserves to be complemented by a sharp, accurate cut and by professional finishing generally."

Doveton's machine features a graphic user interface and the speed of the reverse backgauge system is 30cm/second.

The 20-staff business has a customer base that includes the BBC, City of Bristol Council and Park Furnishers.