Turnover was up 15% to 10.2m, which the Maidenhead firm attributed to increased sales of printers, particularly Epson products.

"Colourgen has exceeded all expectations in a difficult trading year with positive results in all areas," said managing director Jeff Biggs. "The next 12 months should see even more dramatic growth."

The firm expects further growth to come from new products that move it into new market sectors.

These include the Kodak 5260, unveiled last year but delayed due to speed and quality issues, which is due to be relaunched at Photokina this September.

The 5260 is a faster machine than Colourgens existing products and the firm expects it will appeal to the photolab and exhibition graphics markets.

Other new products include the Seiko II IP-4500 ink-jet printer, which uses oil-based inks and prints at 36m an hour, as well as Tiara Systems Sapphire and Opal printers.

These machines should help Colourgen to move into the market for outdoor, unlaminated graphics.

Story by Barney Cox