A print business has stamped its authority in Lochaber with new equipment and a more customer-friendly office layout.

The directors of Printsmith have fought back to rebuild the business, which produces everything from raffle tickets to colour brochures.

The Fort William premises of the company were badly damaged by fire late last year, but things have gone from strength to strength since the business reopened in December.

In fact, demand was outstripping the basic facilities and equipment the company was operating with and, earlier this year, it was time for an expansion.

The most important acquisition was a new booklet maker - although the company had one already, it just wasn't keeping up with the orders they were attracting.

Director James Bell explained: "It's like replacing a Mini with a Rolls Royce. We had a booklet maker before, but we just weren't able to cope with the sizes of job we were getting. The new equipment has halved the time it takes to produce booklets."

There was also something missing in the ambience of the office - there was nowhere for clients, and potential clients, to sit comfortably and have a discussion about their needs.

James continued: "We also refurbished the customer reception area. After the fire, the priority was to get things up and running again and just get the place tidied up.

"But now, it looks good and we'll be able to sit down with clients and discuss what they want in appropriate surroundings."

As always, these things do not come cheap - the entire proposal, with more changes still to come, is set to cost over £45,000. So far, Printsmith has received more than £6,000 from Lochaber Enterprise.

James said: "The money really has helped us to get this project moving. The new equipment has improved the manufacturing side of things, and now we can concentrate more on the design aspect. We're going to take on somebody in the typesetting department soon."

In fact, it is hoped that two full time jobs will be created by the expansion plans.

Lochaber Enterprise investment manager Robert Linton said: "We're always happy to support a young dynamic team like Printsmith who offer first class customer service to businesses throughout Lochaber and beyond.  The new facilities supported will help them continue with their exciting expansion programme."