The Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex-based family-run printer has made its first move into digital print with the investment. It has also catered for digital label finishing by opting for the UK's first Digicon Lite converting unit, supplied by AB Graphic International.

Marsh Labels' new press will complement an existing portfolio that specialises in hot-foil labels, as well as litho- and flexo-printed work.

According to director Gary Burnley, digital production is "the future" of short-run label printing and the Indigo machine will allow the eight staff-business to bring work back in-house.

He said: "We have handled digital label jobs for customers for a number of years, but subcontracted the printing. Having our own press and finishing capabilities means that we control the process, the production and ensure the quality."

The seven-colour machine will allow the company, which was established in 1983, to output barcode and sell-by-date work thanks to its  personalisation capabilities. 

The press has arrived at the same time as the Digicon Lite unit, which can handle flood varnishing, UV curing, semi-rotary die-cutting, slitting, laminating and rewinding and, according to Burnley, the combined spend is "a big step for a small company".

He added: "The combination of the HP press and the Digicon gives us not only the ability to meet our customers' growing requirements for digital print, but also the opportunity to grow our business by providing a more complete and competitive service."