The new firm will be known as HPM Addo.

HPM managing director Richard Mortimer has become chairman of the new firm, while Addo managing director Keiran Bayley takes on the same role at the combined entity.

Addo’s 10-staff and key equipment including a Heidelberg SM74-5, MBO folder and Duplo System 5000 bookletmaker, have been relocated from its Darlington factory to HPM’s Newton Aycliffe site, where they join a 10-colour Speedmaster SM74 and Muller Martini perfect binder.

HPM had sales of £3.7m and 40 staff, while Addo had sales of £1m and 10 staff. Following the merger, all staff will be retained and it is expected that sales will continue to grow, creating a 50-staff £5m firm.

Bayley said that the combination of the two firms brought considerable synergies in client base, services and production capabilities.

HPM brings marketing and design services, medium volume litho, digital printing and in-house finishing, while Addo has a short run litho focus. HPM’s client base has been direct and to agencies and designers while Addo has focused on trade print and print management companies.

“We can help grow work for HPM clients on the back of Addo’s expertise in short runs, while Addo’s clients will benefit from us being able to offer longer runs, perfect binding, die-cutting and laminating,” said Bayley.

Bayley began Addo on a part time basis with “a couple of Ryobis and a guillotine" when working as a minder at another firm. In 2010 he decided to concentrate full time on Addo with a two-colour Sakurai Oliver and a HighWater Python platesetter. In 2012 the firm, which then had a turnover of £150,000, moved into process colour and up to B2 with a secondhand five-colour Speedmaster 74.