It is a merger of both print and sales expertise. Dashing print is a well-established business offering new and exciting capabilities
In a sign of the new conditions of the industry, the merger of two growing, financially secure companies – Dashing and On Demand – has sparked a serious investment charge into HP digital equipment. Two HP Indigos from Currie Group, a Scitex FB 10000 and two HP Latex 3000 inkjets are just some of the impressive machines at the new Lane Cove premises.
The merger is an outcome of the growth strategy of Dashing, with Russell Kavnat and Chad Jankelowitz seeking to integrate the production expertise of Chris Pilz, Jaco van Staden and their On Demand team. According to Kavnat there was no question of rescue or picking up a struggling company. On the contrary he said they almost had to plead with them to come on board.
"We're buying their production experience. Chris Pilz is one of the best production operators in the industry. He is quality obsessed and our customers are quality obsessed," said Kavnat.
The two business ethics work very well together, especially in wide format and digital printing. The resulting merger just before Christmas saw On Demand close its Cromer facility and move to Lane Cove, where, according to Pilz, they were up and running in the first week of January.
"It was the perfect deal. Both businesses were growing strongly, both were well set up. It suited Dashing to take advantage of our strong expertise in production. They made us a fair offer and wanted to invest in the new equipment. It's a very positive move for both parties and our clients. We were twenty five percent over budget in January," said Pilz.
The new $20 million plus business is 85 people strong and will take its place as a major force in Sydney printing. Although Dashing has a sophisticated web presence, the company remains client focused with almost 15 individuals working in sales and service delivering personal service to the growing customer base.
Kavnat, a self-confessed workaholic, plans for future growth. "Our focus now is to bed down what we have here. There will be growth in the future, but we have no plans outside Sydney as yet," he said.
The two businesses will continue to trade as separate entities for the present time. The clients are the main focus of both companies. The multi-million dollar HP technology investment catapults it to the forefront of contemporary printing culture.
In that respect Dashing is staying close to its North Sydney cultural heritage.