Wilkinson brothers buy Allkotes Melbourne

Former owners of Protectaprint in Adelaide Richard and Steven Wilkinson have bought the Victorian branch of Allkotes, and will rebrand the company with their former business name.

The brothers sold Protectaprint to McPherson’s in December 2015, who bought it for its book embellishing prowess in laminating and foiling, although ironically at the time almost all Protectaprint’s work was for McPherson’s arch rival Griffin Press.

The new Protectaprint will remain in its Melbourne facility, with the brothers relocating there. All current Allkotes staff will be kept on, and the new owners say they will be looking for additional staff and will be investing in new equipment.

Richard Wilkinson says, “We were out of the industry for 18 months, and missed it. We see the potential of this Allkotes business in Vic, and it is our intention to grow the business. Allkotes has extensive equipment in all areas, foiling, embossing, spot UV, UV coating. There is a lot of finishing equipment, and we plan on adding to it.”

“We are investing in new laminating and coating equipment. We will be also investing heavily in the screen side of the business, screen making, screen coating, and re-claiming in-house. The screen coating will be installed within the next three months.”

The surprise move by Allkotes to offload its Victorian business brings to an end its 60 year operation in the city, and means it will focus on its Sydney business, which it started in the 1970s as an expansion of Melbourne.

Allkotes managing director, Graham Wickett says, “The sale is pleasing as the Wilkinsons will continue the quality, service and respected work of Allkotes in Melbourne. With 25 years in laminating, coating and foil stamping, the Wilkinsons will bring considerable technical and servicing experience to Victoria.”

 

Wickett says, “Allkotes will now concentrate on the Sydney and NSW market.”

 

He also says, “The two companies will continue to work closely together in areas such as technical development and material purchasing.”  

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