Experienced print sector professional Alan Thomas has joined our Gardiner Colours team.

With 40 years’ experience within the print industry, Alan spent eight years with Varn Products where he was involved in R&D and press chemicals, going on to work for American firm Anchor (later acquired by Fuji Hunt). Alan was also with Ultrachem for 20 years, working as factory and technical manager with varied responsibilities including production, product development, R&D, technical and sales support, and health and safety.

In his new role with us, Alan will be working alongside James Gardiner to develop a portfolio of new products which will include fount solutions, plate care products, blanket and roller washes, speciality chemicals and pre-press chemicals. Since being established in 1981, Gardiner Colours has grown into a multi-million pound turnover business manufacturing inks, sealers, varnishes and consumables which are used by printers and distributors around the world.

Alan comments: “Having had a long career in the print sector, working with market leaders such as Ultrachem, Fuji and Varn, I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise to Gardiner Colours. It’s a well-established independent business with huge further potential – with a 22,000sq ft manufacturing facility and an experienced team, the company has the capacity and now the formulations to extend its range and become a one-stop-shop for all printing needs.”

James Gardiner comments: “We are fortunate to have found someone with Alan’s breadth of knowledge and he will play a key part in helping us to take the business to the next level by developing and launching a new range, giving us a complete porfolio of pre-press and press room products.

“Gardiner Colours is already renowned for our expertise and innovation with many leading printers and distributors choosing our products because of their consistency both in quality and technical performance. Over the last three years, we have been working hard to build our sales and product lines, both in the UK and overseas, and Alan’s appointment is a major step in helping us to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”

Gardiner Colour’s technical expertise includes developing products to optimise performance of the latest high speed printing presses. The company also designs and mixes bespoke coloured printing inks with the ability to supply batch consistency on a rapid turnaround when needed.