Eureka Printers hits the jackpot with Webb & Son merger

South Australian printer Webb & Son has been in business for 120 years, but in less than two weeks' time the company will embark on a new beginning with Eureka Printers.

After much deliberation, Webb & Son's director, Laurence Sutton, put the word out last year that he was looking to merge with another business. He received a few offers, but decided upon joining with Eureka Printers. The Kidman Park business opened in 1966, is owned and run by Graeham Mansfield with his three sons: Stephen, Paul and Philip and shares a similar family philosophy to that of Webb & Son.

"Most of the staff will be employed at Eureka and some will simply retire," Sutton said. As for Sutton, he intends on working at Eureka as a consultant for a year before phasing gently into his own retirement. "I have travelled before but now I can take my time to look at all the nooks and crannies," he said.

Leaving school, Sutton spent time in the army and then began working as a printer at Webb & Son where he has remained for the last 32 years. His father, Lance, joined the company in 1927 as an apprentice, before later acquiring it. He stayed at Webb & Son for 72 years, eventually retiring in 1999 and earning himself the honour as the longest serving printer with the same printing company in Australia.

Not surprisingly, Sutton is feeling a little nostalgic about the company's last days. "It's very sad because it's the end of an era but things are also exciting," he said.

While it may be the end of an era, Sutton believes that it is the start of an even brighter future. "Eureka Printers is an entrepreneurial company with a good plant and good people," he said. "We will all live happily ever after."