The machine has a list price of around £300,000 and will enable the firm to increase production capacity.

Contract Sign Systems director Leroy Fox said: “The investment will enable us to improve efficiencies, enhance productivity and help expand our UK and global operations.”

The six-colour printer has a maximum speed of 155sqm/hr in express mode and 100sqm/hr in production mode. It features automatic printhead cleaning, a high-flow vacuum system and pneumatic media registration pins.

The purchase package included a Zünd G3 digital cutting table for automated inline cutting, which will enable the firm to cut new shapes for bespoke signage and expand to new markets, such as trade and retail signage.

At present, the company’s main business is car-park signage. Fox said: “Car park operators adjust their prices and change their contracts frequently, which means replacing signage accordingly. We have to be flexible to adjust to this demand. Some of our customer orders have to be delivered within 24 hours.”

The Redruth, Cornwall-based firm specialises in signage for local authorities and car parks across the UK and Europe and previously used a Canon Océ Arizona 550 XT wide-format printer for the bulk of its work.

Among the other equipment at the firm's 1115sqm premises are a Mimaki JV3-160SP colour inkjet device and a Mimaki CG-160FX plotter.