Brian, who had been working on a consultancy basis following the MBO from Global Graphics led by chairman Gary Jones in May 2002, left the firm last Monday (28 June). Jones has assumed the role of managing director.

Brian's departure, instigated by Heights, was described as "amicable".

Financial director Mark Grant said: "The board of directors believed it was in the best interests of the company, shareholders and indeed customers."

"Primarily it was based on performance of the company in the last six to 12 months plus a change in group strategy," he added.

Jones, who said that he was looking forward to taking a more hands-on role, added: "We've had the company since 2002. We've got it somewhere back in shape and we are now moving onto other things."

Other changes in management structure include the promotion of Kevin Norman to the main board as group commercial director for both the UK and French businesses.

Heights UK, which manufactures plate processors for Fuji and KPG, is also looking to add more OEMs and is in discussions with Agfa and Heidelberg.