The Hemel Hempstead-based supplier has taken on die-making equipment manufacturer Lasercomb and sheet-to-sheet laminator manufacturer Stock Maschinenbau.

Friedheim opened 2012 by signing a distribution deal with converting specialist Kama. Managing director Mark Bristow told PrintWeek that Stock and Lasercomb would both complement its relationship with Kama.

Lasercomb produces a range of die-making equipment including laser cutters, auto rule benders, counter matrix and sample making tables.

Stock supplies sheet-to-sheet laminating machines suitable for all types of corrugated and solid board production, point of sale display and packaging processes. The company also offers sheeters and stackers, and board gluing and mounting machines.

Bristow said: "We decided that if we were going to take our converting division forward, we needed quality machines to support Kama and this move makes sense for all parties.

"John Harrison, who runs the division, already has experience of both companies, which are very well known in their field. Their focus in the UK has perhaps not been what it could have been, they haven't had effective distribution channels, but we believe we are an ideal partner for them."

He added that Friedheim expected to see the converting division expand greatly over its first few years, once it had been bedded in.

"We are actually getting recommendations of other manufacturers from the suppliers we now work with," he said. "We are hoping to focus the division in the coming months and in year two we will crank up further."