Toronto-based independent publisher Dundurn Press announced yesterday that it is switching its U.K. sales and distribution to Ingram Publisher Services and a print-on-demand system in the territory.

“There are several reasons for the shift,” Margaret Bryant, Dundurn’s director of sales and marketing explained in the announcement. “The most salient, without doubt, is that with Ingram we now have the opportunity to move to an inventory-free arrangement that relies exclusively on print-on-demand.”

Bryant added that the move will nearly eliminate overseas shipping costs, result in faster availability of new titles for European readers, and help reduce the company’s overall environmental footprint.

The change, effective Sepember 1, ends Dundurn’s 11-year relationship with Gazelle Book Services in the U.K.

Ingram Publisher Services already manages Dundurn’s distribution in the U.S. “Ingram continues to be a reliable and forward-thinking business partner in an ever-evolving industry. We’re eager to begin work with their team in Milton Keynes this fall,” said Bryant.

Dundurn is one of Canada’s largest independents, publishing more than 100 books each year. It was founded in 1972 by Kirk Howard, who still owns and operates the company.