Access Print Group has bought Adelaide heatset outfit Cadillac Printing in order to expand its market offering, and will rebrand it as GraphicWeb.
Cadillac had been slated for closure by owner Wayne Sidwell – who runs ASX listed Wellcom – however Access owners Norbert D’Souza and Mark Holmes saw an opportunity and have stepped in to save the business, and around 20 of the jobs.
Access is a Sydney based print business operating out of the western suburbs, and a year ago bought Graphic Print in Adelaide from retiring owner John Barker, which effectively doubled its size. With Cadillac the Access group now has around 140 staff, and extensive sheetfed, digital and web printing capabilities.
Access says that on hearing the news of the Cadillac Plant closure in North Plympton the Graphic Print Group directors immediately realised the potential to integrate two SA based companies and cross-sell to the market with a greater product offering.
Within only a few weeks of the closure being announced, Access Print Group has acquired the assets and real estate while saving as many personnel as possible. The metamorphosis into GraphicWeb has transpired with the commencement of operations on Monday.
As well as the production staff GraphicWeb has retained two sales staff, and will be using its group sales team to sell print from its new business.
Describing it as ‘a good news story’ Access spokesperson Brenda Esterhazy says, “The new business is a great fit for Access and for our clients.”
Esterhazy says, “The economic impact to SA will be considerable. Customers will again be able to purchase colour web printing at competitive rates, without the additional cost of interstate shipping. When launching new marketing campaigns, timing is always critical. Being a large scale print manufacturer, GraphicWeb can facilitate and service mass market penetration by maintaining a local presence in SA.”
The sheetfed Graphic Print business is now running at capacity in its Richmond base. GraphicWeb will continue to be based at its current location.
Sidwell took 100 per cent ownership of Cadillac in 2010, prior to that he owned 50 per cent with the other half owned by Wellcom.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter