Both companies, which specialise in varnishing, lamination and hot foiling, have been part of the FRIP group since their merger in March 2006, but have now rebranded in a £1.2m move under the title of FRIP Finishing.

The group has acquired a new 2,090sqm site in Hinckley and has also invested in two Billhofer Wet/Thermal EK trend line laminators.

Group managing director Leslie Gibson said: "We believe we have created something special with this facility through our investment in high-end lamination equipment, combined with our existing hot foil stamping and embossing expertise."

FRIP Finishing sales director Sean Morris said: "The two companies were 400 yards apart; it made sense to bring them together. We are now more efficient, everything is under one roof and we can provide fast turnaround."

He said the company plans to invest further in B1 and B2 die-cutting equipment.

QC Print Finishing in Redditch, which was part of LVC, has also been rebranded but its site will remain separate. As well as the laminating services, the Redditch facility offers gluing, die-cutting and fold, stitch, and trim work.

FRIP Group, which currently has a turnover of £6m a year and has more than 50 staff, as well as other sites in Croydon, Manchester and Glasgow.