His task will be to increase the sales of its European produced products in the UK.

The company represents a number of mills, including Lenzing, which supplies recycled offset and copier paper; Goricane, which manufactures woodfree coated paper; and Oria's brand of wood-free offset paper and tinted paper from Clariana.

Papico director David Bramhill said: "We saw an opportunity to employ someone with a good knowledge of the paper industry from the perspective of the merchant. It made sense to take on such a well-known, popular and experienced salesman."

Bray, who previously worked at Robert Horne's Leeds office until its closure last year, added: "I am thrilled to have joined Papico and I look forward to using my extensive knowledge of the industry to increase sales in the UK for the company."