The machine, which was supplied by Graphic Arts Equipment, will give the St Helens-based firm a high level of automation to further differentiate it from its rivals.

"The set-up time on the BQ-270 is really quick," said Poplar company director John Dickinson.

"You push a button and the machine does the rest. We needed to improve efficiency and raise both quality and productivity, which the BQ-270 does."

Poplar has a turnover of 1.7m, employs 24 staff and was founded in 1986.

It has a six-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster 74 B2 press, fully com-prehensive finishing department and offers a screen- printing service.