Johnson, who was previously managing director of Redwood Books, joins former Mateu Cromo UK sales director Peter Leach as the other shareholder of the business which was sold on 2 March in a deal worth up to £400,000.

He said that the plan was to expand the plant and bring on new publishers to complement the work the site will be completing for Haynes.

"We have lots of contacts in the publishing world and are hoping to bring some publishers over from Europe," he said.

"Our markets vary, the plant can cope with various types of book from short-run to high end. We envisage growth in the colour book market in particular."

As part of the deal the company will print Haynes titles as well as being provided the opportunity to expand its market. Johnson declined to specify an exact turnover target although he said that he expected to double the plant's revenue.

Leach said that Johnson's 35 years' experience in the print sector would be "invaluable as the company embarked on its strategic plan to become a very significant player in the book manufacturing market".

See also:

Director behind JF Print's bid for Haynes' UK site revealed

UPDATE: Offer tabled for Haynes Publishing Group UK print site