The company, which already has partners in North America, India, the Middle East, France and South Africa, has appointed Cosmo Ultraviolet as its agent for New Zealand.

Benford managing director Marc Boden said: "Cosmo’s UV experience and market share make it an ideal company for us to work with. Without the right locally based partner, it would be very difficult for companies on the other side of the world, such as ourselves, to find business in the first place."

Cosmo is a supplier of replacement infrared and UV lamps and equipment to the New Zealand printing industry. Owner Bryan Davies said: "Our potential clients in the printing industry are companies looking to upgrade, retrofit or add additional units to existing equipment so the Benford range fits well into our portfolio."

Benford has also appointed David Pelling as technical consultant at its UK site to aid the company's international expansion. Pelling has more than 30 years’ experience in the UV curing market as well as having experience in the graphic arts sector.