Owner Tom Lusch told ProPrint that the 80-staff operation had “double” the packaging capacity of any Queensland rival.

The past two years have seen Platypus invest in two Bobst 106 diecutters and a six-colour plus coater KBA Rapida 106 to go with an existing six-colour plus coater Manroland 700, said Lusch.

Packaging now comprises 65% of the Brisbane company’s business, he added.

“Packaging has been growing steadily for the past five years… Packaging is the future for us.”

According to its most recent ASIC filing, for 2010-11, Platypus revenues rose 7.4% year-on-year to $20.2 million but post-tax profits fell 53% to $606,000.

Lusch said in the 12 months since the report was filed, revenues had climbed to about $21 million despite the more challenging market, and looked set to continue rising.

He said trading conditions had become slightly more favourable due to the demise of a few printers who were undercutting the market.

The Queensland government’s recent decision to exit commercial printing may also benefit Platypus, said Lusch.

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