The ink giant said the arrangement would complement its existing regional Rapide distribution network and would bring benefits and improved business efficiency.

Sun Chemical group managing director Charles Murray said: "To ensure our distribution and delivery meets the standard of our products, we've set up a distribution arrangement with Ultrachem, which has extensive experience and an established distribution network capable of supporting both companies to deliver the most successful supplier solution in the market."

Tony Brinton, Ultrachem managing director, said: "Ultrachem is perfectly equipped and positioned to provide the national service to supply innovative and quality products from Sun Chemical, and we are confident we will add value to the overall customer experience."

Sun Chemical's distribution was previously exclusively through Rapide, which will continue to distribute its products on a regional basis.

In January, it was announced that ink company Stehlin Hostag's Hostmann-Steinberg brand of inks would no longer be distributed via Ultrachem.