The new CtP system, which replaced an existing Agfa film system, was installed at the end of July and was part-funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

The Kendal-based company will use the machine to image Azura TS plates for its Heidelberg GTO 46 and Sakurai B2 presses.

Alastair Sanderson, director at MTP Media, said: "We decided to push the company forward by investing in this technology. The cost of running the older film machine was increasing so it was time for a change.

"Investing in the Avalon N4 has allowed us to reduce chemical and water usage significantly, therefore making us more environmentally friendly."

The eight-staff business serves a range of clients including design agencies, commercial businesses and manufacturing companies.

"We are now aiming for the ISO14001 environmental standard and FSC certification. It is part of our philosophy, where we can, to be as green as possible and this will help us do that," added Sanderson.