Printing firm sold to son

Gardiner Colours, on Normanton Industrial Estate, was bought for an undisclosed sum by James Gardiner, son of Ray Gardiner.

The younger Mr Gardiner is returning to the firm after five years working as an independent sales consultant in the print sector.

He said: “The business started in the 80s and, despite tough times in the sector in the last ten years, the quality of the products the firm has developed has allowed us to own a niche in the UK and European print sector. Some of the biggest printers in the industry have come to favour our products because of the consistent nature of their quality and technical performance, and that has been our specialism for the last 20 years or so. I recognise the opportunity we now have to expand our sales and product lines, both in the UK and also overseas.”

The firm manufactures inks, sealers, varnishes and consumables used by printers and packaging companies across the UK and Europe. The deal will also see a six-figure investment into new manufacturing capacity and technology.

Mr Gardiner said: “We have a really solid foundation from which to build following the deal and investment.

“This, together with a great reputation for innovation in printing inks, sealers and varnishes and a highly skilled team of expert technicians, puts us in a strong position - we are excited about investing and taking our brand to new markets and customers at home and abroad.”