Panprint’s majority shareholder John Thorrat, who will remain as general manager says it is an exciting opportunity for the company that he and his now-retired partner Danny Blackam acquired in a management buyout nine years ago.

He says he greatly admires the Blue Star business model which leaves the companies it acquires as stand alone units, allowing staff to get on with the job. Panprint was established as an off-set printer 51 years ago, and over the past eight years Panprint has increased its self adhesive label printing capacity to 25 per cent of turnover.

“The acquisition by Blue Star means that as a medium sized printing business we are able to realise our full potential and I consider it a privilege to be part of the Blue Star Group,” he says.

“It has given us a bit of critical mass and it is certainly Blue Star’s objective to grow the  business in both sectors”.

Panprint has been engaged in an aggressive push
into the self-adhesive label market in the past couple of years.

While it will be business as usual, all members of the senior management team entering into long term employment agreements with Blue Star. The management team consists of John Thorrat, Jeff Marsh, sales manager and John Lowther, commercial manager.

Glen Climo, CEO of Blue Star New Zealand says: “Panprint consists of a good management team that will compliment us well.

“Meanwhile Blue Star will continue to seek out acquisitions that strengthen our customer relationships and broaden our service capabilities … It is part of a cohesive strategy based on acquisitions, capital investment, people and innovation."

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