It is claimed the merger, effective from 1 January 2008, will form a strong and united organisation that represents the full spectrum of UK manufacturers, importers, exporters and suppliers.

Brian Filler, managing director of Screen UK and president of APMI, will take on the role of vice-chairman in the new body.

Filler said: "A merger has been suggested in the past, but it wasn't until now that our objectives matched so closely. It's the right time for us to join together."

He told printweek.com: "It's been long-awaited. APMI can still wholly function within Picon and our members are behind the move 100%. It's a slick operation."

George Clarke, Picon chairman and managing director of Heidelberg UK, heralded the move as "a significant point in Picon's 60-year history".

He added that the merger takes "the best elements of both organisations to emerge as a stronger and leaner association that is more closely tuned to the needs of suppliers to the printing industry today".

The group aims to provide a range of services, information and guidance to its manufacturer and supplier member base, which includes providing advice on environmental legislation to providing exporting and exhibition expertise.

Clarke added: "We are developing a whole new raft of initiatives and will be working closely with our members to ensure that we are a valuable and indispensable service to their business."