Page 19 - Print 21 Magazine Jul-Aug 2020

Profile
site made perfect sense, especially as it already had the slabs for
the presses from its former days. All the business in one location leveraging each other’s expertise and technology.”
Not all equipment that Shergill buys when he takes over a business comes into the site. He has dealers who are more than happy to move some of it. His key firepower on the offset side is the 10-colour Heidelberg XL, and a five colour with coater Komori Lithrone, both B1 presses.
“It is a real family business, my wife, all of my children, we are all involved in running the place. The younger generation means the future is bright for Focus.” Mark Shergill
back each and every creditor and staff what they were owed. It was a great decision. I am happy he is now working here – that kind of integrity is invaluable.”
This consolidation of print
talent, experience and equipment runs through the DNA of Focus Print Group. Even the building
now housing the business has a substantial print heritage. It was the site of JR McMillan & Co, one of the biggest printers in the country. The company was run by well-known industry identity Bob McMillan before it was bought in the private equity splurge that splashed into the industry a decade and a half ago. In McMillan’s case, it was Champ who came with their cash, so the kit ended up being shipped out to the Blue Star plant. But, Bob McMillan retained ownership of the building, and is now the Focus landlord. Shergill says, “Bob pops in for a cup of tea from time to time, it is always good to see him.”
Shergill started in the print business by way of taking an opportunity that presented itself. That has been the story of his journey so far – opportunities arising and him taking them. His first employer was a franking machine supplier that
bought a print business, then closed it. As Jack Kroon, one of the press operators, was walking out of the door, he asked Shergill if he wanted to start a print business. He replied that indeed he did. And so 35 years ago Jamar Printing was born, with a Davidson 500 as the main print kit.
Shergill says, “A GTO was a dream, way beyond us then.” Kieran Singh then came on board as the third partner to help in sales, before Shergill bought both of them out around the turn of the century.
Shergill then began his acquisition strategy, which over the past two decades has seen upwards of 15 different print businesses come into his company. When Focus Press
was acquired following its demise
in 2008, Shergill decided to rebrand under that name, although Focus Print Group rather than Focus Press. He says, “Focus Press had a good reputation – well, until the end – it suited us to go under that branding.”
Shergill moved his business
into the current site two years
ago, following his acquisition of Sydney Allen. He says, “That was based in Condell Park, Focus was
in Strathfield. And I had the Ragi Packaging business, which I wanted to grow, located in Punchbowl. This
Packaging has been brought on board in the last couple of years, with the acquisition of FlexPack last year, and Ragi Packaging prior to that. Shergill says, “Packaging offers opportunities in both flexible and board, it gives us another revenue stream, and on that is probably a bit more stable than commercial offset. We moved into food packaging and will be expanding further.”
Like many print business owners, Shergill finds himself in his 50s and looking towards the long-term future of the business. However, unlike many of his peers, his three children are all involved in the business. His eldest has been there for 13 years. Shergill says, “It is a real family business, my wife, all of my children, we are all involved in running the place. The younger generation means the future is bright for Focus.”
There are fewer and fewer large- scale independent print businesses, as the challenges in running them successfully have grown. However, Mark Shergill has shown that,
with a clear strategy and a commitment to excellence, print businesses can thrive, even in the most trying of times. 21
Above
Champion: Shergill is the Australian Masters
belt holder following success in the Clash in Caloundra
For those who want to check out the boxing skills of the Focus boss enter the following in your browser: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=sHoIk8Y2Wew www.youtube.com/ watch?v=byLJx8aWRa0
Print21 JULY/AUGUST 2020 19