The Newcastle-based company is using the kit to produce banners, site boards and interior canvases. According to Big Display managing director Keith Irons the investment was made to keep up with demand in the region.

"We've bought the Oc Arizona 600 for quality and width reasons," said Irons. "The standard of outdoor printed material in the north east of England had fallen due to cheaper prices."

He added that the "balance of quality versus price" had gone too far for customers and they were now demanding more creative work.

"The widest format supplied was 1.5m, but we have now upped that to 1.9m with the Arizona," said Irons. "Nobody in the area could offer printing of wide banners and vinyls. The company is looking to grow business significantly in alternative markets."

The company has a workforce of eight and already has three Oc digital printers.

Story by Philip Chadwick