The two machines will be used by the Leeds-based firm to personalise media inserts and direct mailers.

"This exciting addition to our facility takes Blackburns into a completely new arena," said Blackburns managing director Nick Atkinson. "Kodak Versamark technology is streets ahead and meets a wide range of variable data imaging application needs. It is perfect for addressing, alpha-numeric coding and bar-coding."

They will be integrated into the firm's Scheffer inline finishing system, which was installed in August. The installation is the first phase of an investment to build full web width personalisation capabilities.

"We have built a strong bank of expertise in direct marketing and personalisation and see it as a key element in the future of print," added Atkinson.