Business

West Yorkshire-based printers Raiseprint and Millprint have merged their operations in order to make cost-savings and diversify into new markets.

Raiseprint, which specialises in the leaflet and stationery market, and Millprint, which focuses on the packaging market and produces merchandise for football clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal, have combined forces but will still operate as under their individual trading names.

Millprint has moved out of its Russell Street premises and into Raiseprint's headquarters in Royds Way, Keighley. The merger will enable the two companies to save costs in areas such as rent and energy.

The combined company is being managed by Raiseprint founder Steve Bell and Millprint founder Robin Milsted and the move will be finalised in the next fortnight.

Bell explained that the savings have meant Raiseprint has been able to buy out one of its business partners, Andrew Hobson, who has retired.

He also said the company is also looking to invest around £360,000 in a new four-colour Ryobi B3 press to potentially replace an older machine.

The merger has created a combined workforce of 34 and has not led to any job losses, although Bell said three sales people who had left the business beforehand would not be replaced.

Raiseprint was founded in 1981 at Hermit Hole in Keighley. It was expanded into larger premises three years later and moved to its current base in 1995.

Millprint was founded in 1991 in Bradford and moved to Keighley 12 years ago.