"We havent really focused on the transactional market before because, to some extent, the traditional print manufacturers have all been pretty successful in that area," said Delphax Technologies UK managing director Ian Jaggard. "But since we introduced our high-speed digital web press, weve been looking quite seriously at penetrating the market."

The company claims its CR2000 high-speed digital monochrome web printer is capable of running at 150m per minute, making it the fastest in the world.

"We are looking at replacing existing equipment, which is always difficult," said Jaggard. "We have to bring something new and what we are bringing is speed."

Poulton, who has 25 years experience in the industry with Xerox, Scitex and Kodak, has been appointed as a consultant working alongside the UK sales team.

He said: "I am looking forward to informing my contacts within these markets about the benefits of the Delphax machines."

The appointment follows a good showing at Ipex, according to Jaggard, who highlighted the firms success in the books market. "Were very comfortable that we will make inroads into the books market," he said.

"We have an installation coming up with a UK book printer and with Peter adding to our resources, we aim to grow into sectors of the digital industry where we have had some success, but needed more."

Meanwhile, the company has also announced the appointment of Dieter Schilling as president and chief executive officer, and Kenneth Overstreet as chairman of the board.

Schilling replaces Jay Herman, who is leaving the company by mutual agreement with the board of directors.

Factfile
Formed December 2001 (through the merger of Delphax Systems and Check Technologies)
Offices US (head office), UK, France, Canada
Employees 340
Six-month 2006 turnover 13.6m ($25.6m)
Six-month 2006 pre-tax loss: 235,500
Board Dieter Schilling, president and chief executive, Kenneth Overstreet, chairman of board