The firm bought the machine to open up new markets that require larger plate sizes, but it also wanted the option to image sleeves as well as plates.

"The flexibility of the Creo machine was definitely a factor in our buying decision as we anticipate needing a sleeve capability in the future," said production director David Piercy. "We have been very happy with the speed, quality of the plates and service and support," he added.

Flexo plate output provides 1.7m of revenues, well over half of the 35-staff firm's near 3m turnover. Founded in 2000, the firm won the European Flexo Technical Association (EFTA) gold cup for training this year.