The Italian manufacturer, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, produces book sewing, back gluing and nipping systems.

PBS managing director Steve Giddins said: "Over the years, Smyth machines have always been regarded as among the best in their field.

"Modern reel-fed digital lines with integrated fly-folding have opened up a new area for the automated short-run sewing machines and this is one area that I expect to do well."

"However, Smyth has also developed some really innovative lines for the conventional sector to give much greater flexibility in terms of product size and run length," he added.

PBS specialises in distributing machines for the professional book production sector. Other manufacturers include Gantebein, Bufalo, DGR, WST, Horauf, Rebord and Samed.