Butler joins from Andersons where he was a colour specialist responsible for support, installation and colour management.

Graphica Plus, which traded as Andersons, went into administration with parent company Litho Supplies on 22 December 2009.

However, it was bought from administrator MCR by Slough-based signage consumables specialist All Print Supplies in January this year.

Bell set up DPI after he was made redundant in December. DPI sells and supports Meital, WP and Esko Kongsberg products, which were handled by Andersons prior to its fall into administration.

In his new role as technical director at DPI, Butler is charged with leading the support service for the Seiko II printers, as well as Esko Artwork’s Kongsberg cutting tables.

Commenting on the appointment, Bell said: "Richard’s extensive practical knowledge of a plethora of RIP platforms and printing technologies is the perfect complement to our start-to-finish wide-format options, and we are very excited to welcome him on board.

"His pedigree in both colour and technology support is unbeatable. With Richard on the team, our customers can be reassured that they are exploiting the utmost from their kit as they receive a professional service of the highest calibre."

Litho Supplies was also bought out of administration by a new company headed up by former shareholder and group sales director Eddie Williams.