The investment, in the trade printer's fourth Edelmann, was made to allow it to enter the long-run laser-form market for the first time.

"All our other web machines are Edelmann, our operators are used to running them and they are very reliable," said director Peter Birbeck. "It's a product that we know."

The new press was specified with seven towers the last tower offering numbering, 12in print inserts, deep-pile stacker as well as cross perforation and sheeter to produce A4 long-grain sheets. The 6m turnover firm hopes to see an increase of 1.5m following the purchase.

"The early signs are promising," said Birbeck. The press went into full production at the Burnley-based firm's new factory last week.

The rest of the company's operation will be transferred to the new site over the next nine months.

Story by Darryl Danielli