Six printing companies join the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Colourcraft Printing, Avon Graphics, Finewrap Australia, STS Creative Printing, McPherson’s Printing Group and PMP Print were honoured for sustained manufacturing excellence alongside 11 manufacturing companies from other industries. Each of these printing companies has won three National Print Award Gold Medals in the past five years.
The Bracks Government set up the Manufacturing Hall of Fame in partnership with key industry associations, including Printing Industries. Manufacturing Industry Minister, Rob Hulls, who presented the awards, said manufacturers were the unsung heroes of our economy.
“The government set up the Manufacturing Hall of Fame to showcase our manufacturing strength and raise the national and international profile of Victorian companies,” said Hulls.



From left to right: Gary Donison (CEO, Printing Industries), Garry Knespal (Executive Secretary, GASAA), Peter Hall, Richard Hamilton, Michael Haycroft (Manager, Colourcraft Printing), Danny Trainor (General Manager, PMP Print), Martin Lovegrove (McPherson Printing Group), Trevor Hone (Avon Graphics), Greg Seabrook (Director, Creative Printing), John Featherstone (STS Creative Printing).

Proud but humble

PMP Print, Australia’s largest commercial printer was represented on the night by the manager of the Clayton site, Danny Trainor.
“The print industry being recognised in this way is good because it’s quite a humble industry and has had little government support over the years. Hopefully this will give us a forum to lift our profile,” he said.

According to Michael Haycroft, Manager, Colourcraft Printing, a 20-year-old company that employs 50 people and produces catalogues, brochures, pamphlets, annual reports, limited edition prints and prestige colour books, the industry has not invested enough in itself.
“We forget about training the young people. Printers need to become more aware of the fact that they are communicators, and more than commodity brokers.
“It’s a very unfortunate situation but at least this might give us some recognition. I hope this will increase volume as a general principle,” he said.
Haycroft added that while the industry was on an upward turn he did not believe it would get back to where it was.

STS Creative Printing was represented at the awards by director, Greg Seabrook who said it was difficult to attract good people to the printing industry and that recognition from the awards was welcome as it would expose the industry to young people.

Clean handed printing

According to Rick Deering, Regional Manager Victoria and Tasmania, Printing Industries Association of Australia, the printing industry was,”very depressed this year."
“The industry must work to improve its image. We are constantly seen as the second cousin to industry – a night like this shows we are up there with the best.”
Deering said sometimes there was a wrong impression attached to the print industry with kids being told they must do well at school or they would end up in a factory.
“You don’t even get your hands dirty anymore in the printing industry. We are working on changing the industry’s image and nights like tonight really help.”