General manager Damien Prunty said the Indigo would help cater for a growing demand for digital cartons and flexible packaging, and an ever-increasing focus on quality and flexibility.

Two-thirds of the jobs that pass through the business are now digital, although they provide only one-third of the revenue, he told ProPrint.

The 6600 sits alongside Pemara's other digital machine, a 6000, and has led to the retirement of an older model HP Indigo 4000.

The 6600 can print at up to 60 metres per minute, while the 4000 can print at up to 32 metres per minute.

[Feature: The growth in digital labels]

The new Indigo, which was commissioned in December, is likely to be joined by more new kit in 2013 – although Prunty wouldn't be drawn on what.

"We have a strong record of capital investment in this business and that will continue through this year," he said.

Part of that investment will be in front-line machinery, while money will also be spent on ancillary kit such as finishing equipment and pre-press improvements, he said.

Prunty told ProPrint that both areas required regular investment if a firm wanted to maximise efficiency and profit margins.

Pemara has 250 staff spread between its Melbourne head office and sites in Sydney, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City.

[LinkedIn: How often should major kit be replaced?]

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