The Cambridge-based commercial printer has invested in a raft of new kit, including folding machines, a flow-line guillotine and a Palamides unit, in a bid to offer a quicker and more flexible service to its client base.

Piggott Black Bear will use the Palamides to automatically band its customers' print into the bespoke batch size required, helping to provide a more streamlined operation.

Philip Colchester, managing director at Piggott Black Bear, said: "Although there are challenging market conditions our investment has already presented us with a number of opportunities that we intend to capitalise on."

The company, which came under new ownership last year, has also recently invested in a second CTP system for its prepress department.

Colchester said the second platesetter "could be seen as a bit of a luxury but it will ensure we can always produce plates on site and to our specific requirements should either machine be unavailable for any reason".