Print franchise group Snap will close its Queensland printing hub, citing the costs of keeping up-to-date with equipment and technology, with an alternative supply solution as yet unclear. The hub has serviced 22 centres in the region for the past 12 years, and is jointly owned by the franchise’s owner-operators. Snap franchise owners were unwilling to comment on the closure.
Stephen Edwards, CEO, talks transformation at the 2013 Snap Beyond all Limits Conference
Snap says its hub shareholders are working with the corporation to create a new supply chain for the Queensland centres, hoping to avoid disruption to existing clients in the area. Details about where the franchises will source their print, or the timeframe of the changeover, have not yet been released. A well-placed source suggests that the move may foreshadow similar moves in other states, as Snap continues its shift from a print-focused to a multi-channel business. The company has two other hubs in Sydney and Perth, which it says will not be affected by the Queensland closure. Trade speculation says that if Snap does not transfer the work to its existing hubs in other states, trade printers with Queensland operations, such as LEP and CMYKhub, may be up for a slice of the pie. Stephen Edwards, CEO of Snap, says, “We are committed to the continuous development of best-in-breed technology for our franchise owners and clients, and the closure of the hub gives us the opportunity to evolve our supply chain model with the latest technology. “This will also allow us to shift our manufacturing model towards expertise in print, design and website services, becoming specialists in cross marketing channels.” Edwards also mentions Snap’s gold partners (Ricoh, EFI, Canon, Konica Minolta, Fuji Xerox, Bloomtools, Australia Post) and industry relationships, which may be involved in developing the new supply chain. Edwards adds that he would like to thank the staff in the hub for their efforts and support in times of adversity, particularly during the 2011 floods. Snap says it currently services more than 500,000 business and retail clients. The business has a turnover of more than $120m per annum, generated by its 179 owner-operated centres across Australia, China, New Zealand and Ireland.
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