Vulcan blankets for the sheetfed and packaging sectors are to be distributed by Nottingham-based Stehlin Hostag Ink UK.

Reading-based BFS, which began distributing the blankets on 1 January, said it has a long-standing relationship with Trelleborg and that it has added the range alongside Trelleborg’s Rollin series of blankets, which it has been converting and distributing since 1995.

The family-run, £5m-turnover business, which is celebrating its 25th year in business, specialises in manufacturing and distributing pressroom consumables that are designed to last longer and improve productivity.

BFS managing director Robin Hope said: "With the sudden downfall of Manroland, our first objective was to ensure the supply of Vulcan blankets to the UK was maintained. Some former Manroland customers had not been supplied with blankets since the company went into administration.

"Bringing the converting of Vulcan blankets back to the country will improve service levels and we aim to maintain and grow the brand’s market share. At the moment we’re trying to get the word out."

BFS operates from three factories located in the UK, manufacturing rubber rollers from its facility in Haverhill, Suffolk, ink in Leighton Buzzard and blanket converting from its head office in Reading.