The investment in the 5500 machine, which will operate alongside an existing Indigo 5000 and a brace of Xerox iGen3 presses, comes just four months after BCQ bought a Speedmaster SM 52-2 – its tenth Heidelberg press.

Managing director Tyrone Spence said: "Our increased digital capacity ensures that we can produce longer runs of high-quality, variable data work within limited time frames."

He added: "Our hybrid printing service is becoming a more popular option for our customers who require a small amount of personalisation, such as a customised cover or front page, in a longer document."

The company has recently produced 100,000 personalised direct mailers for a well-known audio retailer. The five-day job was also matt-laminated and die-cut in-house.

HP's Indigo 5500 can print at resolutions up to 800x1200dpi and at speeds of 68ppm in full-colour mode and 136ppm in two-colour operation.

Spence said the Indigo machines have the ability "to match the print quality of our lithographic equipment, which is vital in ensuring a consistently high level of print across these items".

BCQ was formed 14 months ago after Buckingham Colour Group and Colour Quest Group merged.

It specialises in the production of a range of customised applications including certificates, leaflets, stationery, direct mail, binders, brochures, books and manuals.