The French business will showcase a working prototype of its new sheet-fed machine, which has been in development for four years, at Drupa in May.

The Alphajet can print at a maximum resolution of 1,200dpi and has a top speed of 3,000 sheets an hour.

Capable of six-colour output, the press can UV coat in-line; functionality that the manufacturer said sets it apart from rival machines.

According to MGI executive vice president Victor Abergel, B2 inkjet is a challenging market but one the company is confident of success in.

"We have years of experience in inkjet technology and believe we can couple the advancements made in machines such as the JetVarnish with new production capabilities to offer a press that is attractive for commercial print businesses," he said.

The Alphajet, which offers full variable data printing, can print onto substrates up to 500gsm and offers a maximum sheet size of 520x740mm.

"We are seeing an increasing number of manufacturers enter B2 inkjet and this is recognition that the market is ready for it. With the Alphajet, we can combine the benefits of digital print with the capabilities of offset and offer a machine that is attractive to both sets of customers," he said.

Abergel said the manufacturer will showcase the machine at Drupa before placing two beta units into companies in France and Benelux. The Alphajet will become commercially available in 2013 although pricing is currently being kept under wraps.

MGI's Alphajet launch follows on from the announcement that HP is launching its new B2 digital press, the 3,450sph HP Indigo 10000, almost a decade after it mothballed the concept.