Page 47 - Print21 July-Aug 2018 Magazine

Print business
LEP takes in QLD Trade Print
A major shift in trade printing power comes as LEP Colour Printers (LEP) joins forces with one-time North Queensland rival, Qld Trade Print (QTP) to form a dynamic and responsive trade print organisation.
our business. After initial discussions it became apparent that LEP had plans to extend its range of products with wide-format and other speciality products, which we offer. So this is
a win for both companies, and of course for all our customers.”
QTP’s equipment inventory includes a HP Latex wide-format printer and an HP Indigo digital press, as well as foiling, embossing and binding equipment. LEP will utilise that equipment in its Forest Glen and Port Melbourne facilities.
Smooth transition
The transition into LEP Colour Printers has been smooth, with both business operations uninterrupted as QTP staff and equipment transferred to the Glen Forest premises.
“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,” said Bromfield.
“LEP remains committed to being a 100 per cent trade-only supplier.”
“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.”
The Gallaghers established QTP
as a trade printer, but diversified recently to offer services to retail clients. As LEP Colour Printers is firmly committed to operating as
a trade-only printer, it will assist QTP’s retail clients to establish a partnership with a print supplier that will suit their needs.
“LEP remains committed to being a 100 per cent trade-only supplier,” said Bromfield. “But with the addition of Phil Gallagher’s industry knowledge, we’re looking forward to creating a new paradigm in customer service for the combined client list.” 21
Until now, LEP and QTP have been fierce trade print competitors in the Queensland and national print markets. Now,
though, that rivalry has changed to close cooperation as the two combine the resources and expertise of both organisations. The strategy is to offer a highly competitive and expansive range of trade print services to the Australian market.
The combined businesses will
trade under the name LEP Colour Printers, and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Forest Glen, Queensland. QTP’s equipment inventory and some staff will transfer to LEP’s headquarters.
Qld Trade Print is a family owned and operated company based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and established by Phil and Sandy Gallagher in 2007. Sandy will now focus her attention on another business venture while Phil, a printer by trade, will move to LEP’s Forest Glen site and take on the role of operations manager.
The two companies bring together
a natural synergy of production and management expertise with equipment inventories that provide an extended
range of services to the combined client list. LEP Colour Printers, strictly a trade-only printer, offers offset and digital print services from its Forest Glen and Melbourne sites, while QTP offers offset, wide-format, digital print, foiling and finishing services to both trade and retail print clients.
Stronger together
According to John Bromfield,
CEO of LEP Colour Printers, the merger delivers extra print power
to customers all around Australia.
“We are delighted that our two companies are joining forces to bring genuine 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 unmatched print quality and fast turnaround.”
Phil Gallagher backed this up, calling it 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
47 Print21 JULY/AUGUST 2018
Above: (L-R) Phil and Sandy Gallagher
of QTP,
with CEO of LEP Colour Printers, John Bromfield. LEP and QTP have integrated into a dynamic trade print organisation.