Nexus forms as South Australian industry consolidates

Jack van Gastel has sold his award-winning business to Gillingham Printers after 28 years in the printing sector, claiming his decision was in response to the 'get big or get out' environment currently prevailing in the industry.

“Competition is fierce (and) I feel that with the merger of the two companies, we will be in a better position to attack. I also feel more relieved that all our staff will be employed for a lot longer than they might have been,” van Gastel told the Adelaide Advertiser.

The merged businesses will be known as Nexus Print Solutions and Jack van Gastel will stay on in a technical support role. The new company will have 64 staff, 40 of which are moving over from Gastel Printing. The majority of its work is expected to be in books, packaging, catalogues and binding.

Craig Thornquest, managing director of Gillingham Printers, says that while consolidation is not as common in South Australia as it is in the rest of the country, the new Nexus Print Solutions will be the frontrunner and it is a trend that is sure to pick up in the state in the near future.

“The change of name is part of our attempt to reposition ourselves in the marketplace, which will also see us adopt the corporate image and logo of Gastel Printing,” says Thornquest. “It's the biggest change the company has had in 130 years, as we've been operating in the South Australian industry since 1876. I'm a great believer in growth and consolidation and we're in a great phase at the moment.”