Alan Dove (pictured) just couldn’t stay away, as the recently retired consumables expert backs up the industry and buys back into print. Alan and wife Karen step out of retirement to take over Sydney’s Mal Graphics, and they have their sights set on a bright future for the industry.
Established in 1982 by Mick and Alice Leeming, Mal Graphics handles servicing and equipment for the offset market, with a growing focus on supplies and consumables. Dove brings 25 years industry consumables experience to the table and plans to grow the business into a “tradesman’s one-stop shop”.
“I look forward to continuing the excellent service Mick and Alice have given customers over the past 32 years. I think with my contacts and experience on the consumables side, I hoping to take it to the next step. We’re still doing work in spare parts and I’ve got a portfolio of technical people out there, but I’m going to concentrate on consumables moving forward,” Dove tells Print21.
According to recent retiree Dove his passion for the industry just proved too much for him to stay away, and that he is keen to get back on the support team. He says that business has been solid and he sees a positive future for print.
He adds, “The industry’s not dead, it’s still alive and kicking and there are opportunities out there. We need to start talking the industry up, instead of kicking it in the guts. Print will always be needed, and there are still people out there who are prepared to have a go.”
Mick and Alice Leeming extend their thanks to all their customers for their support over the years, confident that the business is in safe hands. Heading the other way to Dove, Mick says he has no plans for his retirement but he is looking forward to a well-earned rest.
“Alan’s a great guy to be taking over. We think along the same lines, and I know it’s in good hands. There’s no two ways about it, he knows the industry and he’ll do well,” says Leeming.
Dove has worked in the printing industry for the last 25 years, with AM International, Currie Group and Focus Paper, before finishing up with BJ Ball around July last year. He has also been an active member of the NSW Printing Industry Golfing Society for over 15 years.