The first press arrived in November, with the second due for delivery in April. They replace two existing four-colour Lithrone L426 models, and will work alongside a two-colour Komori Sprint.

Managing director Neil Martin said: "The cost saving we have made from investing in 26in presses has been significant. Many people fall into the trap of buying a B2 format machine when they don't need to. The latest five-colour Lithrones will also give us the opportunity to take advantage of the latest developments in CIP3 and JDF."

Printmates bought its first 26in machine seven years ago, having begun operations in 1984 with B2 sheetfed presses.