Brisbane printers merge and launch online

Brisbane’s Valley Edge Design Centre has expanded its family further as it prepares to launch into the online printing space, acquiring Brisbane printing supplier Handy Printing Service (HPS).

OK Rosemary Grier and Rocky Cassaniti_Valley Edge

Joining forces: Rosemary Grier and Rocky Cassaniti at Valley Edge

Valley Edge owner Rocky Cassaniti is also keen to speak to any other local print business who may be interested in joining his operation. Like the award-winning Valley Edge Design Centre, HPS has been recognised across its 25 year history, receiving a Printing Industry Craftsmanship Award for its quality workmanship. With its building set to be demolished, HPS directors Rosemary Grier, Ray Hodges and Andrew Potter were faced with a tough decision about their future, but a conversation with Valley Edge Design Centre managing director Rocky Cassaniti saw them decide to continue the business under the auspices of the Newstead printing, signage and design company. Under the merger Grier has become part of the Valley Edge team and will continue to service her existing clients under the HPS name, while taking advantage of Valley Edge’s in-house design and signage services. Hodges will continue in the industry in die-cutting and scoring with HPS utilising his services, while Potter will relocate to Maleny. Grier is forecasting a 40 per cent growth for HPS’ bottom line within the next 12 months as a result of the merger. As part of the move HPS has been able to drastically reduce the high overheads associated with running a successful printing company, thanks to being able to take advantage of Valley Edge’s existing infrastructure. Grier says, “We had many offers from interested parties when we were considering the future of Handy Printing Service, but we saw an enthusiasm in Valley Edge which really appealed to us.” Grier has been a HPS director for 17 years. She says, “We chose to work with Valley Edge as the arrangement enabled us to continue to service our clients uninterrupted, while being able to offer our clients a range of additional services such as signage, displays and in-house design services. “Once we made the decision, we were able to quickly and easily sell our printing presses and get on with what we saw as a true win/win situation: HPS is able to continue in the industry without having the stress or overheads of running a printing company, HPS’ clients have access to a wider range of quality and award-winning services, and Valley Edge has the opportunity to welcome around 1000 new clients to its family. “With our overheads drastically cut and the majority of our clients following us to our new home, we are very hopeful for the times ahead and are tentatively forecasting a 40 per cent growth in our bottom line over the next 12 months, which is very exciting for us.” Following the move of HPS to Valley Edge, Cassaniti is keen to talk to other businesses who may be interested in finding a new way of working towards success. “As an award-winning provider with an established client base and a commitment to quality service, Handy Printing Services ticks all the boxes for us and will help us to further deepen our printing services while injecting new business and energy into our company,” said Cassaniti. “I think there are a lot of small printing companies out there who are struggling under the weight of the massive overheads associated with our industry, and with Christmas just around the corner there will be some out there who are really hurting. “Mergers like the one we have just struck with HPS provide a real opportunity for everyone involved, and I would be pleased to chat with any other companies who might like to discuss the possibilities – we have lots of room.” The acquisition of Handy Printing Services is just the first step in Cassaniti’s expansion plan for his company’s printing services. “In the coming months we will be looking to further broaden our printing services by launching a online ordering product called Handyprint.com.au which will allow consumer and business clients the convenience of accessing full colour printing online through a easy web portal at a cost-effective price,” says Cassaniti. “We are currently in the process of setting up this new service and look forward to launching it to the market in the first half of 2014. We won’t stop there however, with plans to also expand its use to our signage services sometime in the future.” The release of Valley Edge Design Centre’s printing service expansion follows on from confirmation by Valley Edge Design Centre during November of the introduction of a new hot desk system for design, marketing and media professionals. The Valley Edge Design Centre of Newstead (Brisbane) offers design, printing and signage services to a wide range of local, interstate and international clients. Started by Rocky Cassaniti in 1989 with a Kodak bromide camera, some type-setting equipment and $8.20 in the bank; the business is today one of Brisbane’s leading providers of high-quality, fast-turnaround printing, design and signage services to local, interstate and international customers. For more information on the Valley Edge Design Centre, please visitwww.valleyedge.com.au

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

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required

Advertisement

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Advertisement