The Nottinghamshire-based company supplies print to the universities of Nottingham and Loughborough, among others, and hopes the Speedmaster SX74-5+L will boost productivity by 50% on a double-day shift.

The press has replaced another five-colour Speedmaster and has also halved makeready times, according to owner Kevin White.

“Many of our customers need a fifth colour and all our work is coated for speed of turnaround,” he said.

White bought the company seven years ago with his wife, Tracy, after working as its production director.  Turnover at the 27-staff firm is £1.5m and White plans more investment this financial year, in a Heidelberg Suprasetter CTP to replace the company’s existing Topsetter system. The upgrade will increase plate output to match the productivity of the new press.

As well as supplying universities, Ratcliff & Roper won a five-year contract in 2011 to fulfill Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust’s general printing requirements.

The company was formed in 1946 and offers large-format digital as well as litho printing.