The Laindon, Essex-based group has also invested in two Kodak NexPress SX3900 machines, two of the first in Europe, and a Duplo System 5000 as part of a move into secure document production.

In addition, Anton has increased its web-to-print and variable data capabilities with a raft of GMC software that gives the group the ability to handle a greater level of personalised direct mail, transpromotional and customer communications.

Anton’s Prosper order currently lies with Kodak and it expects to install the machine in Q3 or Q4 2012. Howard Hunt, the UK’s beta site for Prosper, is also testing the press.

According to Paul Murphy, managing director at Anton Group, promoting digital print is a major focus for the company.

"Litho is still very strong and clients need to have the confidence in digital technology. We are looking to educate customers about the value of digital and, in turn, transfer some work on to the Prosper press when that arrives," he said.

However, Murphy added that there would need to be sufficient demand from clients to make digital a worthwhile investment for any company.

"You have to invest in order to look to the future. Prices are not going up, so you have to look at ways to work more efficiently," added Murphy. "Prosper represents an exciting opportunity and a real step forward in terms of digital production."

Anton’s already-installed Kodak NexPress machines form the heart of its new secure document production facility.

Situated adjacent to its digital operation, which presently houses seven NexPress models, the unit is monitored by CCTV and prohibits the use of mobile phones and cameras to maintain client security.

The two Kodak NexPress SX3900s, coupled with a System 5000 bookletmaker will output a range of secure documents, often between 4pp and 32pp, such as investment portfolios, pension collateral and audit trails.

According to Bryan Knight, digital press manager at Anton Group, the printer will be able to use the barcode inspection module on the System 5000 to offer extra data integrity.

"Clients were asking for it and we knew we could provide it. A move into that market has to be done in the correct way," he added.

This GMC investment includes its Printnet T, Portal Builder and Storefront web-to-print offering that, according to Murphy, will enable the group to cater for growing demand from its larger customers, developing personalised customer collateral and managing variable-data projects submitted online.