Big birthday bash for Kayell

Friends from long ago joined with current clients and customers to celebrate the often byzantine trials and trails of the graphic arts colour technology supplier.

Owners and directors, Rob Gatto (left)  and Andreas Johanson (right) (with company founder John Koons) threw a massive party in Sydney last week to celebrate the 40th birthday of the high profile company. Reflecting Kayell's photograhic origins, snappers from across the decades turned out in force to relate the twists and turns of an enterprise that has always managed to position itself at the forefront of technology.

War stories from the battles between digital and photo sensitive material encapsulted the technology changes of the past half century. Perhaps only the photographic industry has undergone a more massive change than the graphic arts. But according to Rob Gatto, managing director, it was the self evident change to digital in the camera industry that encouraged him to move into printing and the graphic arts.

During the transition from film to digital cameras the need for colour standards and proofing became the impetus for Kayell to enter the inkjet and colour calibration market with Epson and GMG. Sine then it has become a major palyer in the critical market.

However, much of the celebratory night remained with the clients who still hanker for the days of film and darkrooms. The large turnout at the North Ryde RSL was a testimony to the loyalty the Kayell brands still commands after 40 years. They must be doing something right.