Litho Supplies has sealed a major deal with Imation which will see the firm take on the majority of Imations "traditional" customers.


"We will have a much greater responsibility for Imation products in the UK," explained Litho Supplies joint managing director Gerry Mulvaney, who described it as a "major step for us and for Imation to trust us with this business."


Mulvaney said the deal, which encompasses graphic arts film, Viking plates and Matchprint consumables, would increase Litho Suppliess Imation sales by 20-30%, with sales "significantly in seven figures.


Imation will still deal directly with a small number of very large customers. UK business manager Barry Edmonds said that job losses were not an issue, because the firm had already restructured its organisation knowing it would change its distribution model.


Two Imation sales and support staff have already joined Litho Supplies.


Litho Supplies was already Imations largest distributor in Europe, and has worked with the manufacturer for more than 30 years.


Mulvaney said Litho Supplies other partners, which include Agfa and Kodak Polychrome Graphics, were "comfortable" with the Imation news.


"There is pressure on manufacturers to look long and hard at their costs outsourcing distribution makes sense because our sales network is there and paid for so its more cost effective. This wont be the last deal of this type."


Litho Supplies also launched the full e-commerce version of its website at Print UK.


The system has been trialled for the last four months, and is now being used by between 60-70 customers.


Story by Jo Francis