"We wanted two machines instead of one more productive engine because of flexibility," said Bob Latimer, head of fulfilment at the News International subsidiary.

"At any given time we are running 30 campaigns and 70 separate print runs in lengths of one to 100,000, all hand fulfilled for optimum attention to detail."

"We have to react to client demands by the hour and move rapidly to respond to their strategic and tactical needs," he added.

The two presses, leased from reseller Express Print Solutions, produce A4 cut-sheet personalised letters and A3 duplex.

They work beside a range of Xerox kit in Manchester, including a DocuTech 75 and DocuColor 2045, because the presses offer the "best technology to meet our needs," said Latimer.