The digital presses, which were installed before Christmas, have been kept busy with the production of photo-speciality products, such as photobooks for weddings and Christmas presents.

PhotoBox claimed that sales for the two months leading up to December 2006 were ahead of target, thanks to the productivity of the new presses. This has led the firm to estimate that the investment will have paid for itself by September 2007, just 12 months after installation.

Managing director Mark Chapman said: "In conjunction with Photoways, which we merged with last year, our intent is to be the leader in the production of photographic products in Europe.

"Our volumes are growing more than 150% year on year, and the investment we have made through HP has already proved that it will help fuel this growth."

PhotoBox merged with Photoways France in April 2006 with the aim of further penetrating the European photo market.