Ferag UK will trade as WRH Marketing UK from 1 April in a move that aims to reflect its evolving business model with an increased emphasis on trade products.


Over the last three years the company has signed agreements with nine trade partners including Swedish web stitcher manufacturer Tolerans Ingol and UK waste systems manufacturer Impact.


At the moment, trade of non-Ferag-manufactured products represents 33% of our order input. In a few years that could be 50%, said Ferag UK managing director David Powell.


Its about adding value to the printed product. Weve signed partners and are looking at others, but it has to be with like-minded family-owned companies. Wed rather not have a load of partners, but have a hand-picked few.


WRH Marketing UK will continue to exclusively supply Ferag equipment to the UK and Irish newspaper and commercial printing sectors. The trade products will not be re-badged and will be guaranteed by their respective manufacturers.


Sales, support and service for our trade partners products will all be through WRH. Weve already got service teams on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said Powell.


The move by the company follows other Ferag divisions in Singapore, Holland, the United States and Germany, all of which are autonomous and can choose their own trading partners.


Other companies contributing to WRH Marketings portfolio include Elettra, Betz, Segbert, Recmi, QI Press Controls, Luwa, Alvey Europe and EasyStrap.


Story by John Davies