The upgraded product will be available in the UK in the first quarter of next year and the current version, launched in the summer, can print at resolutions up to 120dpi. It targets mailhouses or printers that print addresses or logos on polywrapped pieces or envelopes.

"We believe we have found a niche with the Mailjet Advantage," said Imaje graphic sales manager Jon Unwin. "It fills the gap between low resolution, addressing systems and high resolution, complex binary technology."

According to Unwin, the machine's ink costs work out at 8.2p per 1,000 addresses compared to binary prices of 1.50. The Mailjet Advantage can run with Imaje's Windows-based controller the Messajer 520 and costs between 30,000 and 70,000 depending on set up.

"Imaje has traditionally been at the lower end of the market but this gives us something right in the middle," added Imaje UK managing director Mike Hughes. "We've been patient in the development of this product and we have got momentum going into next year."

Hughes added that 2005 would see new "lots of new products" launched onto the market and that the technology behind the Mailjet Advantage would be utilised into other areas of the business. Imaje is also heavily involved in producing coding machines for the packaging industry.

Imaje anticipates an increase in UK turnover for 2004 to 6.6m. Figures for last year put turnover at 6m a 22% jump from 2002.

Story by Philip Chadwick