Managing director Stephen Crick declined to name the manufacturer involved, but said the deal should be completed within the next few weeks.

The Reading-based printer has installed a five-colour HP Indigo 3050, to service the short-run, quick turnaround market in its local area.

Crick said the Indigo 3050 was installed following detailed research into the digital market.

"The need for personalisation, quality and quick turnaround was vital, and the HP Indigo fitted perfectly," he said.

The benefits to its customer base, which includes RWE Thames Water and Castrol, had helped to strengthen and broaden the firm's offering.

Crick said turnaround times had been reduced by as much as 50%, by the 4,000 four-colour A4 page per hour press.

"Our capacity to handle larger work has increased, and we have now bridged the gap between copying and litho printing," he said.

Work produced on the 3050 has included corporate brochures, personalisation work and business cards.

Formed 30 years ago, Thames Print Room employs 45 staff across two sites at Slough and Reading, and has a turnover of 2.3m.

Story by Andy Scott