The kit includes two Oc VarioStream 7650 continuous laser printers, an upgrade from its Oc PageStream 350. The Leeds-based firm has also invested in two Buhrs BB600 envelope enclosing lines with reel to sheet finishing.

"This investment is vital and doubles our existing capacity in laser print production," said Blackburns direct marketing services managing director Nick Atkinson. "It is part of our drive to lower production costs and we are looking to pick up profitable work on the smaller volume side."

The new laser equipment will run alongside Blackburns' two Xerox cutsheet A3 duplex machines. In the summer Blackburns relaunched, changing its name from John Blackburn (PrintWeek, 5 July) but parted company with its high profile group sales and commercial director Gurdev Singh in September.