The Cheltenham-based company took delivery of the five-colour machine two weeks ago, replacing one of the firm's SM52 perfector presses in the process.

According to Color Co managing director Ashley Wainwright, the 11-staff magazine printer opted for the new machine to help cut turnaround times and cater for increased demand for litho print.

He said: "We are finding that demand for litho is growing faster at the moment and this press swap means a doubling of output and will give us the potential to add at least another half a million of capacity and will relieve loading pressure at peak periods."

The £1m turnover firm, which started as a digital print house, moved into litho seven years ago and now plans to further expand its litho capabilities.

"In the coming years we plan to invest in a perfect-binding line and eventually replace the existing SM52 press with another SX74 model," said Wainwright.

The Color Co offers a range of services, including the production of 23 trade magazines in runs up to 50,000 from its 700sqm Gloucestershire facility. In addition to its Heidelberg portfolio, the company operates two Xerox machines, including a Xerox 700 digital colour press.