The digital press, which replaces an existing Xeikon machine, has just been installed at Vee's Reading site and will be fully operational by the end of April.

The 22-staff company plans to use the Indigo to expand its variable-data business.

The press will produce work for a client base that includes customers in the publishing, IT and agency sectors, printing both short- and long-run jobs.

Vee managing director Caroline Dover said that investing in production capabilities was important, despite the current economic climate.

"If you put a positive spin on the business you're in, it can have a knock-on effect on your staff and clients. We don't intend to sit back and let things happen," she said.

According to Dover, Vee plans to "stay ahead of the communications curve" by integrating campaign data and delivering services that range from personalised emails to follow-up sales packs.

Vee was founded in June last year after The Volume Group acquired Riverside Printing. It has two B2 Heidelberg Speedmaster five-colour presses and offers a range of production services including design and data processing.

The HP Indigo 5500 can print at resolutions of up to 800x1,200dpi and at speeds of up to 68ppm in full-colour mode.

"Digital print is a very important part of our future. What we've got and the services we can offer is an exciting place to be," said Dover.