Stream Solutions snaps up Vic Government print tender

The contentious tender was the subject of fierce debate when it was first suggested that much of the printing work could be sourced overseas. Printing Industries lobbied hard for the withdrawal of the original tender in order to include safeguards for local printers.

The Toll-owned Stream Solutions announcement immediately sent shock waves through the industry. Known for its tough pricing philosophy, the print management company is likely to redistribute the printing work to leverage margins.

Any move towards a price-driven print buying philosophy will be resisted vigorously by the industry, said Ron Patterson, Printing Industries Victorian manager. Having spearheaded the initial resistance to the tender proposal, Patterson has been in continuing contact with the Government working on industry safeguards.

“I believe we have sufficient assurances that there will be no commodity-driven print buying. We are meeting with Government and Stream representatives on June 6 to review the safeguards. I have every confidence we can work well with Stream Solutions,” he said.

The tender win comes amid reports that Stream Solutions itself is likely to be the subject of a buyout from Toll .

Got a view on this story? Drop us a line and let us know