The sales and support initiative will operate as part of the group's sign and display division, which incorporates the three companies of A&P Display, Cox Plastics and Paragon Imaging Materials.

Robert Horne Group managing director Toby Marchant said the company had realised there was a strong opportunity to add to its service offerings.

The firm will now sell hardware alongside its consumables to help address the 15% growth per year in wide-format printing.

"Using our strengths we can bring something new and exciting to this market," said Marchant. To aid this, Digital Solutions has signed hardware distribution agreement with four strategic partners: Agfa; Vutek; Roland; and Seal Graphics.

General manager Clint Green, who was previously general manager of Paragon Imaging Materials, and has some 25 years experience with companies such as Oce, Xerox and Gretag Imaging, will head a 15-strong Digital Solutions team.

Green was clear on the firm's intentions, and said the differentiators in the wide format market were now, a complete product range, service, support and relationship.

"Whether the company is a screen or sign printer or a bureau, we will be looking to provide them with equipment, services and support."

A new demonstration unit has been housed at Robert Horne's Northampton base. The unit contains wide-format engines such as a Roland VersaCamm and Agfa Grand Sherpa Universal, along with san HP5000, Epson 10000 and a Seal 62S laminator.

Story by Andy Scott