In a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the manufacturer's stand, chief executive Antonio Perez said the company had enormous expectations for the product line.

"We're trying to speed up manufacturing, but we are way behind in our capability to build them fast enough for the level of interest we have," he said.

He added that while short-run book publishing was the first target market for the 200mpm press, for which it is claimed to be competitive at runs up to 7,000, he saw applications extending to direct mail and even packaging.

The company's paper strategy for the Prosper includes the development of an inline paper pre-treatment module, the In-line Optimization Station, so that it can handle offset and current inkjet paper stocks. It is expected to be commercially available early next year.

Working with 10 paper manufacturers, Kodak is creating a paper certification programme and is developing coated and uncoated stocks for book, direct mail, catalogue and magazine work.

Perez wouldn't give specific details on the de-inking capabilities of Prosper print but suggested it was on a par with "offset and electro photographic in terms of sustainability".

On the future direction of the company, Perez said: "We are open to acquisition but we are very happy with our current portfolio."

However, he drew attention to future relationships with other companies, claiming they were most likely to be of a partnership nature.

"It's not about owning everything anymore," he said, adding that partnerships were likely to shape the entire industry in the years to come.