JR Digital specialises in short-run digital printing, proofing and copy book production. It will complement the service JEM offers through its BookFile division. A spokeswoman for JEM said that initially JR Digital will be a standalone firm, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of JEM.

However, once the lease expires on its Whitstable base the company will be moved into either of JEM's plants at Ashford or Sittingbourne in Kent.

All seven staff at JR Digital have been retained.

JEM cited its increased involvement in print-on-demand as the reason for the buy and when approached it decided to acquire JR, which was one of its suppliers. JR Digital will add scanning, printing and binding services to the  mailing and handling services JEM provides to educational publishers.

JEM is part of the Orbital Marketing Services Group, a supplier of distribution and marketing services.

Story by Andy Scott