Targetted newspapers which add local news to vcommunity editions are in the sights of an Indian joint venture between press maker Pressline and inkjet developer Monotech Systems.

The two are to develop and market a high-speed digital inkjet press for newspaper, transactional and book printing markets worldwide.

The cooperation, which was confirmed at a signing during the Pamex packaging show, will also see the development of digital systems which can be retrofitted to Pressline presses, and will be offered under the Pressline-JetSci brand.

Monotech sales and marketing director Gurvinder Singh Wadhwa says the systems will be a cost-effective solution to shorter press runs, made and supported by an Indian company.

Speeds of up to 300 metres per minute are being talked of, with an anticipated market for 30-35 units.

Monotech has recently announced alliances with GM Denmark - for label presses - and with Agfa Graphics to market its UV flatbed large-format digital printing systems.