Robinson has decided to move back to the US so he and his wife can be closer to their families and their children can go to school there.

He returns to a post with Bertelsmann Arvato Print in the US, a subsidiary of the German Bertelsmann media group, which owns part of the Prinovis gravure group.

In a statement, Robinson (pictured) said: “This is not an easy step for me to take, especially as I haven’t yet completed my tasks here in Liverpool.”

Robinson’s leaving date has not yet been announced, although Prinovis has confirmed that chief executive Stephan Krauss will act as provisional managing director of the site following Robinson’s departure.

The announcement came as Ross Borton, former sales director at Southernprint, prepares to take up his new role as sales director at Prinovis Liverpool on 16 April. See story below.

Magazine print sources said Robinson’s departure could cause disruption at the plant, which began production last summer. One said: “It’s beneficial if the person responsible for the big decisions is around to ensure they’re made to work.”