"It was a mutually agreed decision and is very amicable," said a spokeswoman.

Cartwright joined the firm in October 2003.Prior to that, he was with MAN Roland GB, where he was director of sales for sheetfed presses and finishing. He had previously held a sales role at Muller Martini between  1983 and 1992.

"My sincere thanks goes to Roger for his valuable input during the past two-and-a-half years," said Muller Martini UK managing director Andreas Schillinger.

Cartwright officially left the firm yesterday. He is believed to be covered by a six-month non-compete agreement.