York & Ford is part of the European merchanting group IGEPA, which operates in 17 European countries. The maxi range, which is exclusive to both York & Ford in the UK and the IGEPA Group, consists of maxigloss and maxisilk.

UPM-Kymmene (UK) sales director Andrew Causer said the launch marked one of the few occasions that the Finnish manufacturer had made a grade to a merchants specification.

The maxi range is designed for applications including annual reports, brochures, leaflets, books and calendars.

Both grades are woodfree two-side coated graphic papers. Maxisilk is available in weights from 90gsm to 300gsm, while the maxigloss range includes an extra weight, 350gsm.

York & Fords seven warehouses throughout the UK will stock the range, and UPM-Kymmene will hold extensive stocks of maxi-silk and maxigloss at the mill.

UPM-Kymmene will also offer a 10-working-day delivery guarantee for all ex-mill orders.

The IGEPA Group has operations in 17 different countries, purchasing more than 1.7m tonnes of paper and achieving sales of around 900m a year.

Story by Andy Scott