Trade printer LEP Colour Printers is buying rival Qld Trade Print (QTP), with the QTP equipment and staff being transferred over to the LEP headquarters in Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast.
QTP is a family owned and operated company based in Warana, Sunshine Coast and was established by Phil and Sandy Gallagher in 2007. Sandy Gallagher will be moving to another business venture while Phil Gallagher will take on the role of operations manager at LEP in Forest Glen.
LEP says the amalgamation also gives an extended range of services to the combined client lists.
LEP, a trade only printer, provides offset and digital print services from its Sunshine Coast and Melbourne sites while QTP offers offset, wide format, digital, foiling and finishing services to both trade and retail print clients. Those retail clients will not be part of LEP, they will be moved on to print brokers, so it can maintain its trade only focus.
John Bromfield, CEO of LEP Colour Printers says, “We are delighted that our two companies are joining forces to bring manufacturing strength and broad expertise to Australian printers seeking a trade partner. Our combined operation will be able to provide unparalleled service to printers right around Australia, with a comprehensive range of print products and a commitment to print quality and fast turnaround.”
Phil Gallagher, director of QTP says, “QTP’s integration into LEP is a logical step forward for the company. We had reached the point where we needed to overhaul our IT infrastructure and ordering website, and take steps to further streamline our business. After initial discussions it became apparent that LEP had plans to extend its range of products with wide-format and other specialty products, which we offer. So this is a win for both companies, and of course for all our customers.”
[Related: LEP repositions itself for a new print era]
The QTP equipment inventory includes a HP Latex wide-format printer, HP Indigo digital press, foiling, embossing and binding equipment, which LEP says will be moved over to its Forest Glen and Port Melbourne facilities.
LEP says the transition has been smooth, with both business operations uninterrupted by the acquisition.
Bromfiled says, “The larger transition is the integration of QTP’s product range into ours, and switching QTP’s customers over to the My LEP fully integrated ordering and production system, by the end of the month. To streamline this changeover process we have set up our online chat site and circulated resources to QTP’s clients to help answer any queries and questions they may have.
“Last year we underwent a radical transformation when we launched our new My LEP ordering system and brand. We know how robust and intuitive the My LEP system is, so we don’t foresee any real issues for QTP’s clients. For them it will simply be about changing habits.”
The Gallaghers established QTP as a trade printer, but diversified recently to offer services to retail clients. LEP says it is firmly committed to operating as a trade-only printer, so LEP will assist QTP’s retail clients to partner with other print suppliers.
Bromfield says, “LEP remains a 100 per cent trade-only supplier. But with the addition of QTP’s expert staff, Phil Gallagher’s industry knowledge in the role of Operations Manager and QTP’s equipment inventory, we are looking forward to creating a new paradigm in customer service for the combined client list.”
Gallagher says, “This consolidation brings together two outstanding print companies that, as a single entity, can establish new levels in performance, service and customer satisfaction. We are looking forward to working together to achieve our common goals.”
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