The deal will include sales, service and spare parts for the range of thermal laminating and UV-spot varnishing machines.

Friedheim will take the project lead with responsibility for the Delta, Sagitta and Sirius ranges of thermal laminators, as well as the Spotmatic UV-coating machine and Fullmatic spot-varnishing machine.

Duplo, which partners Friedheim in the Finishing Alliance, will focus primarily on supplying Amiga thermal laminators, aimed at smaller commercial jobs.

Friedheim managing director Mark Bristow said: "While Friedheim and Duplo have finishing solutions for most conventional post-press, digital and packaging activities, laminating is a particularly important growth area as more and more companies are looking to bring this function in-house for cost and logistic reasons.

"Komfi is an extremely well known and respected brand name in laminating and varnishing, and its versatile range of machines offer significant benefits in terms of high speed, rapid changeovers and user-friendly operation. This new distributorship is therefore a very exciting move for both Friedheim and Duplo."