In a major strategic move, Queensland-based trade-only operation LEP Colour Printers has set up a brand new production centre in Melbourne, which mirrors its existing site on the Sunshine Coast.
Located in the central business hub of Port Melbourne, the new 1561sqm facility, which opens August 11, will effectively double LEP’s production capacity when fully operational by the end of the month, and will enable the growing company to deliver print jobs to its southern state customers in record time.
The new facility is practically a duplicate of its current Forest Glen site in Queensland, using the same technology, including presses, plates and inks as the Forest Glen site, to maintain LEP’s renowned high quality print services.
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The new premises’ print technology includes a Ryobi 925 press, an Agfa Avalon N8 platesetter, as well as Heidelberg, G&K and Osako equipment.
LEP chief executive John Bromfield says: “This site was specifically chosen because it is in the heart of Port Melbourne, and only a stone’s throw away from couriers.”
“That means we can deliver printed products to our customers even faster than previously. For example, Fastways can do a 5.30am pick-up for delivery the same day.
“Our main emphases for this new facility are reduced freight costs and even faster turnaround times. Another bonus is a reduced risk of goods being damaged in transit.
“It is a greenfield operation, embodying our lean manufacturing methodology and practices, just as we have in our Forest Glen site, to produce consistent quality outcomes in record time.”
LEP general manager Rob Walters is heading up the new operation, with skilled staff from the company’s Queensland operation heading south to ensure print production schedules and standards are met immediately, and to train new employees in LEP’s lean manufacturing processes.
“This is an important step in LEP’s strategy for growth and business development,” Bromfield says.
“This new site will enable us to improve our services to clients in Victoria, southern New South Wales, the ACT, South and Western Australia, and Tasmania.
“Our clients in Queensland, northern New South Wales and the NT will continue to be handled by our Forest Glen facility.
“By effectively doubling our capabilities and being closer to our clients in southern states, LEP Colour Printers can provide better service than ever to all our clients.
“We will prosper and grow by meeting and exceeding the expectations of all our customers in the wider business community.”
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