Hawke's Bay's three PrintStop franchises have changed their names to printing.com, as part of PrintStop's partnership with the British-based global network of the same name.
Ahuriri-based printing.com @ No.9 franchise owner Amanda Sye said the new partnership provided franchisees with access to an international network of resources and expertise that wouldbenefit customers.
"They will benefit from the research and development in the UK," she said. "We have been doing that ourselves but we don't have access to the millions of pounds that they do - we can piggyback on their research."
She said one of the immediate benefits of joining with printing.com was the use of the Starmarque printing process, that allowed part of a document to be glossy.
"That was an expensive process that is now cost-effective."
She said from her business' perspective it was a "big picture move".
"It means we are in a stronger position for the future, part of a powerful network that is passionate about printing and design."
The first PrintStop franchise opened in Tauranga in June 2005. The network was New Zealand's only nationwide printing chain with a locally owned presence in 49 cities and towns around the country.
Headquartered in Manchester, printing.com had a 2010 turnover of over $30.4 million.
