Page 25 - Print 21 Magazine Jul-Aug 2020

Digital Printing
Setting up for the future
Stepping up to the first HP Indigo 12000 HD Digital Press in Australia is a natural progression for the partners at Brisbane-based commercial printer Allclear Print + Signs. It is the next stage for the clear- sighted business that prioritises collaboration and amalgamation. Anthony De Stefani talks to Patrick Howard about partnerships and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Technology is key to successful printing, but it’s not the primary element – people are more important to any organisation that
wants to thrive and succeed. In
the printing industry, that often takes the form of partnerships. An aptitude for working together often separates those who win from those who don’t. It might even be the secret of Allclear’s success.
It has been six years since I first
met the working partners at Allclear in the Brisbane suburb of Yeronga. At that time, Anthony De Stefani and Jason Milligan were taking delivery
of the second HP Indigo 10000 in the state. The B2 digital press, supplied
by Currie Group, was a major upgrade, joining two smaller HP Indigo 5500s. It represented a significant investment for the group, which also includes Leo Moio of PMG as a shareholder.
In the intervening years,
the company has expanded its footprint with facilities up along the Queensland coast in Townsville and most recently Mackay. Taking advantage of opportunities as they came the expansion has delivered extra capacity, company buyouts, and more collaboration.
Proved its worth
While the original HP Indigo 10000 press has more than proved its worth, when Currie Group managing director Bernie Robinson gave him the opportunity, Allclear managing director De Stefani was keen to move on to the latest iteration, the HP Indigo 12000 HD.
“We’ve had the 10000 for seven years, and while it has been good and reliable, it’s time for a change. The new press has better quality, higher screening with better definition. It’s got a higher running speed too. The technology has improved, no doubt about it,” he said. “I did a deal with Bernie. It’s a lot of money, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.”
Technical specification aside, he knows how the new technology will
translate into print benefits for Allclear’s customer base. He talks of the impact of seven colours, of being able to coat any sheet with white or clear, of using violet and orange inks to create stunning colour images,” De Stefani said.
“We can pretty much match any PMS colour. The high-definition screening also has its advantages in terms of quality. Then there’s the higher running speed. We’re just getting the first sheets off now, doing the same jobs we were running on the HP Indigo 10000. There’s no doubt the results are very different.
“Process-wise, it’s much better; it looks really good.”
De Stefani expects to have print samples ready to show clients when
the pandemic lockdown eases and things start getting back to normal.
If he’s concerned at the timing of the investment, he doesn’t show it. There’s
a history of growth and moving at the right time behind Allclear’s success. In February, it acquired BB Print in Mackay. This extends the group’s footprint in the north where it already operates Hastings Printers in Townsville, under the management of Stephen Quine.
Last year saw the acquisition of Rodney Moore’s business, Moore Printing in the Brisbane suburb
of Albion, which added a couple of small Heidelbergs to the group at the Yeronga plant. In addition, De Stefani bought the wire-binding assets of Daroji Print Finishing from owners
Bill and Mary Bassingthwaighte and integrated them into the Yeronga site. Rounding out the group’s enterprises
is the well-known commercial offset printer, Harding Colour in Tingalpa, run by brother Peter De Stefani. Based around a fully specified Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 102, the business, which was acquired in 2016, is a strong player in the competitive A1 market. The well-rounded group is able to complete and deliver any type of printing throughout the length
and breadth of Queensland. With its connection to Moio’s PMG it also has access to national capabilities.
De Stefani said, “It’s a very good combination. I think we’ve still got that family business aspect to it, which is important. Most clients know who I am. We believe in giving back to the community and supporting our chosen charities.
“This year it’s time to consolidate. However, any opportunities that come along we’ll have a look at. My long-term goal is just to keep going. I really enjoy it and I love a challenge.” It’s a tough time to be thinking on
“This year it’s time to consolidate. However, any opportunities that come along, we’ll have a look at.”
Above
further expansion, but Allclear is riding long-term changes in the industry. The two partners have been the beneficiaries of a generational change in printing as older owners look to sell up and move on. Owner Geoff Gelling retired from Hastings Printers in Townsville, a business that started in 1888. Rodney Moore was also looking to retire when
he made contact last year. The exception is Garry Bye of BB Print. He’s still got equal shares in the local business and although he says he’s looking to retire, “he never will. He loves it too much,” laughs De Stefani.
Like everyone else, Allclear had to cut costs during the pandemic, but De Stefani is optimistic there’ll be a good rebound. 21
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Future: Jason Milligan (left) and Anthony De Stefani
of Allclear with the new HP Indigo 12000 HD