Dublin-based Virtual Literature Management (VLM) is expanding operations with a new greenfield site close to its existing Birmingham distribution hub in Kings Norton.

The 35-year-old company specialises in "short-run, pertinent marketing collateral", said managing director Declan Malone. Its Dublin operation employs 70 and installed its first Agfa Chromapress in 1997. It now runs two Chromapresses and two Xerox DocuColor 2060s.

Clients include blue-chip property management groups that use VLMs bespoke website technology to build their own documents. VLM previously served UK clients from Ireland, but freight costs and deadline issues drove the firm to expand with the new Birmingham operation.

"Installation commences this week and we expect to have three NexPress units up and running by the end of April," Malone added.

VLM expects to have 28 people in the UK by the end of the year, and Malone expects sales of 4m in the UK in 2002. Turnover is currently 5m. "I dont see anyone serving the market the way we do," Malone added.

l NexPress president Venkat Purushotham said that delivering the NexPress promises made at Drupa 2000 was "a most rewarding feeling our customers are productive and profitable."

NexPress has introduced its new NexTreme variable data option, the first such application to use the new PPML/VDX standard. It will come in three versions, with the basic NexTreme 50 included free of charge with the NexPress 2100. The 500 and 1000 versions will handle more complex applications.

Londons St Pauls and the City Prontaprint is a pilot site for NexTreme.

Story by Jo Francis at Ipex