St Ives, Cambridge-based CLE Group said the machine will match the quality of its litho division, allowing its short run customers to enjoy the same standard as its longer run clients.

It also believes the machine will push the cost crossover point further into offset territory and give it variable data options.

Managing director James Wardley said: "Our second generation machines showed that the electroInk technology could challenge offset quality, bring cost benefits for shorter runs and give us a degree of VDP ability. The third generation changes the conversation entirely."

The company works with book publishers, direct mail houses, marketing service providers and commercial printers.