The deal means that Redditch-based Web2print will be a showroom and support site for Kodak in the UK. The company has invested in its first NexPress 2100 press and over the next five years, Web2print plans to develop six similar strategically placed sites in the UK, installing NexPress kit in each one.

Web2print is a joint venture between Terry Hannam of Data Marketing Consultants and Jon Williamson, former director of Cradley Print and founding chairman of Genesis Europrint.

"We can see enormous potential and multiple opportunities for different applications in digital print on the 2100 press," said Williamson.

The company has also developed a software package with Pelagon called Webstore, which allows customers to submit electronic files.

Meanwhile Henry Ling in Dorchester has become the first UK company to install a Kodak Digimaster E150 digital production system.

The move is part of the firm's annual 1m spend on technology and the company produces around 400 low-run journals each year.

The two deals were announced at this week's Digital Print World at Olympia, where NexPress showcased its five-colour 2100 and the Digimaster E125.

Story by Philip Chadwick