The W50 web press and two S10 B1 sheetfed machines, still in development, will be installed in the next two years.

The board of Elanders has been working closely with Landa since the turn of the year on developing the new technology, which it said is "an essential part of the relationship".

Elanders UK managing director Kevin Rogers said: "Our CEO, Magnus Nilsson, and other members of the board have been helping to shape the technology to suit our business as much as possible. Two years is a long time to develop the line and I am confident that it will fit perfectly with our key business areas in that time."

Rogers said that while access to proofs at Drupa was limited, Elanders’ long-term commitment to Indigo has served as an instigator in trusting the developers of Nanography.

"If it was a new player in the industry then we would be sceptical about committing to the technology. But Benny Landa is a proven innovator in print and has a good understanding of the industry. If Indigo is anything to go by, this will definitely be a positive investment.

"Elanders has always been one of the front runners in new technology and I believe that this is potentially game-changing equipment for not only our business, but the industry as a whole," he said.

The Tyneside-company is diversifying its capabilities, particularly across the packaging sector, to involve large format personalised products. Rogers said the S10 B1 machine was suited to this side of the business, offering higher efficiency in terms of shorter makeready times and less waste.

The second S10 will be used for Elanders' commercial work, while the W50 web press will produce transpromo work, lending itself to jobs in the direct mail and publishing sectors.

Elanders also bought an HP 10000 press at Drupa, to be installed in its German plant in July for commercial work, including photobooks.