The Dublin-headquarted digital and wide-format business has taken on the Scodix S74 machine, the first in Ireland, to complement its array of HP Indigo digital presses.

According to McGowans Print managing director Mal McGowan the demand for targeted marketing materials has increased, and with that, a steady growth in personalisation in print.

He said: "When the market is in recession this ability to be flexible enables us to keep our existing customers happy and attract new customers. Digital printing is the answer.

"Commercial print was hit hard by the current economic situation, however because of our digital capabilities and the ability to do shorter print runs, our business is holding up and growing."

In addition to the opening of its London sales office near Great Portland Street, and its 70-staff Dublin site, the print business has recently opened a production facility in Belfast.

McGowan cited steady growth in its digital operation as a major contributor to the firm's success.

"There has been considerable growth in digital commercial print due to a reduction in print run-lengths, and with faster and more cost-effective machines being developed this market will continue to grow," he added.

In addition to its three HP Indigo digital presses, two 5500s and a 7500 model, the company operates four wide-format machines including a HP Scitex FB7500 Industrial Press.