The B2 10-colour perfector press replaces an outgoing CD 74 model, also a 10-colour perfecting press, at the 90-staff Newcastle-based company.

The Speedmaster comes specified with Inpress Control automated inline spectrophotometry, as well as Heidelberg's Autoplate XL simultaneous plate-changing system.

According to Graham Minett, joint managing director at Statexcolourprint, the press represents the next generation of technology, allowing the company to output jobs at a faster rate than before.

"This press will carry out work faster and with less waste. You can cut the makeready time in half if you do it right," he said.

The perfector, which joins a trio of other Heidelberg presses at the £6.2m-turnover business, will handle work that includes art books, and report and accounts, as well as general commercial work.

James Dark, joint managing director added: "We were converts to long perfecting two years ago and that decision was exactly right.

"Our workforce is very adaptable and they are looking forward to operating a press which embraces the latest technology."