A fast-expanding NSW-based print company with small, rural beginnings, Print Storm, is growing its regional footprint with the recent acquisition of GK Craig Printing in Orange.

The company said its acquisition makes it the largest digital and offset printing operation west of the Blue Mountains. The Orange store will service numerous locations across the Central West, including Lithgow, Condobolin, Canowindra, Molong, Lucknow, Bathurst and everywhere in between.

With offices in both Mudgee and Dubbo, Print Storm is owned by Mudgee-based Paul Cavalier, and is part of the Stormlink Group of businesses.

Cavalier has over 17 years’ experience in the print industry, having established Print Storm more than 15 years ago. Originally a two-person operation, the company has grown significantly and is now internationally recognised.

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce Print Storm’s recent acquisition of GK Craig Printing, which will bolster our existing capacity and capability for our valued clients,” Cavalier said.

“The momentum that we are building as a company is extremely exciting. We want to challenge the perception that the regional print industry is anything less than thriving, and by extension, inspire others to see what’s possible when you have a big vision and a penchant for growth.”

GK Craig Printing was previously a family-owned company servicing the Central West and beyond for over 40 years and was one of the largest printing companies in Orange. It was run by Ivan and Justin Littlewood.

Cavalier confirmed with Sprinter that following the acquisition, Ivan has joined the Print Storm team as regional sales manager.

Print Storm said its new ownership of the company adds to its offering an experienced team of operators, administrative staff and designers, and in-house services including foiling and die cutting.

“The main printing presses from GK Craig Printing are a Komori four-colour press and a Ricoh C9210 digital colour press. The acquisition adds a total of four offset printing presses to our arsenal, and we’re currently considering the purchase of a five-colour A2 sized press as well. We now also have over 32 staff across our three offices,” Cavalier said.

He added that strengthened efficiencies in the offset, digital and signage aspects of its operations will be attractive to clients seeking a go-to commercial printer with an even wider range of services offered.

“Our clients appreciate the ease of dealing with one company that can deliver on all their various print requirements, rather than needing to go to multiple different companies,” Cavalier said.

“Working directly with our teams in Mudgee and Dubbo, Print Storm will now add hundreds of products and services to our line-up, including foiling, embossing, debossing, die cutting, letterpress printing and more.

“Our expansion, not only in service offering, but also in the far-reaching expertise and experience of our staff, means we can be the ‘one-stop shop’ our clients are increasingly seeking. We continue to work tirelessly towards our vision to grow the print industry in regional communities, and attract more people to work in the industry, especially offset press operators.”

In March, Print Storm also acquired Dubbo-based business, Alexandria Digital Communication, adding further services to its offering including copywriting, graphic design and more.

“We’re now better positioned than ever to achieve our goal of helping small businesses do big business,” Cavalier said.

“With photographers, videographers, animators, designers and experts in marketing and brand development joining our company, the acquisition of Alexandria Digital Communication has significantly increased our overall capacity, and has moved us further into the marketing and brand development space.

“We see this as a hand in glove fit that perfectly complements our extensive range of products and services. We’re very excited about the next chapter for our business, and look forward to bringing a whole range of new products and services to the market in the coming months.”

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