Print pioneer Ron Hall passes away

Ron Hall, print identity and co-founder of Pinnacle Print Group, was farewelled this week, with family, friends and industry colleagues gathering to say goodbye to one of the leading lights of the late 20th century Melbourne print industry.

Pinnacle said “Ron was a pioneer in the printing industry here in Melbourne. He loved experimenting with new processes and machinery. But not only was he a print genius, he was kind hearted, extremely hard working, very cheeky and knew how to turn a business into a family – a legacy we continue here at Pinnacle. Goodbye Ron – thanks for making us love print as much as you did.”

Ron Hall co-founded the Pinnacle business in 1982 with Don Mewburn. The pair, who were printers, bought a GTO and putting it underneath Don’s house. Their focus on customers and attention to detail saw the business grow rapidly, especially as they were technology pioneers, and at the height of the success they had 50 people on staff. They retired in 2003, selling the business to Ron’s son Justin Hall, and Pedro Carlos, who have owned it ever since.

Among the many tributes Dane Totham, CEO of Mitch Down Design said, “The number of times the service of Ron and Pinnacle came to the rescue are too many to mention. Ron was a true gentleman, blessed with the values of decency, integrity and trust.”

Tim Nickells, CEO at TLC said, “He was practically staff during Holeproof's heyday. Ron was definitely one of the good guys.”

Ron’s son Justin Hall is now one of the owners of Pinnacle. Ron was the co-founder of the business, back in 1982. Today the company runs both offset and digital, with an HP Indigo, and a full gamut of associated services including graphic design and warehousing.