The opening of the five-staff site follows the creation of offices in Stockholm and Warsaw in 2007, which broadened its initial European beachhead of Amsterdam and Brussels.

It described its European empire building as a recognition of the UK's superior print management skills on the continent.

Charterhouse board director Anthony Hawkins told printweek.com that the moves follow the trends of its customers that increasingly have pan-European requirements.

"Charterhouse has developed strategies alongside its clients to expand its services into Europe – it is a planned growth," he said.

The UK-owned print management firm recently secured a three-year contract with Renault Portugal to produce direct mail and outdoor advertising for the car giant.

The firm works with Renault in the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Hawkins described the opening as "an exciting development for the company", which would allow it to service "not only Renault Portugal but a whole host of European clients more closely".

He added: "We are establishing an impressive base in Europe and expect that side of the business to go from strength to strength in the coming year."

It counts Sony, Unilever and Shell among its other clients.