BLUE STAR PRINT GROUP BSPG
Index Introduction News Products and Solutions Business Units Case Studies Directors and Management Team Corporate Social Responsibility Contact us
 
Craftsman Press

BUSINESS UNIT OVERVIEW: Craftsman Press

Craftsman Press was established in 1926 and has for many years been a leading provider of print and related services to Melbourne businesses and institutions. Over the generations Craftsman has made a significant contribution to the industry through the training and development of many staff in the craft of printing.

Number of staff: Permanent staff of 122

Key strengths

Craftsman possesses a unique capacity across a broad range of capabilities to deliver projects from the small and uncomplicated to the very large and demanding. The experience of staff throughout our business provides our customers access to a depth of skills and talent that are critical in the complex and fast moving world of print production.

Under Craftsman's umbrella we operate a integrated business unit called CraftsmanXpress that focuses on short-run, fast turn around projects using a mix of digital and offset technologies. Craftsman's customers can seamlessly get the best of both worlds.

As a part of the Blue Star Print Group we can access a regional network of people and technology that is unrivalled in Australasia.

Capabilities and Technology

Key markets and customer sectors

Biggest market sectors are:

  • Government Agencies (including Education Institutions such as NZQA) at 32% of revenue
  • Publishers (Educational, Legal, Specialty) 28%
  • BSPG Group Contracts 25%
  • With general Corporate/Commercial 15%.

Significant equipment

Craftsman operate a fully digital prepress solution including digital proofing (paper and soft proofs), computer to plate technology supported by sophisticated file management and tracking software. We accept all files in pdf format or in the native file output of any of the recognised publishing applications.

  • 3 x A1 perfecting presses - 10 colour, 6 colour, 2 colour
  • 1 x A1 press - 5 colour
  • 1 x A2 press - 6 colour

Our press capability is complimented by 6 folders of various configurations, 3 guillotines and 2 stitchers. Supporting finishing equipment includes various gluers, letterpress cylinders, wrappers, banders, etc

Range of products and services

We offer a full range of services in prepress including typesetting, scanning, as well as conventional file processing, proofing and CTP output. Printing covers a vast array of products from single colour to multi-colour, on light weight papers to board. All binding options can be provided either in-house or through our specialist finishing partners . Packaging services include labeling, collating, film wrapping, carton or bulk packing. Distribution locally is by our own drivers with intra and interstate deliveries provided by our freight partners.

Key themes

We take our business seriously and each year we survey our customers, our staff and our suppliers. This vital, objective feedback is a barometer of our non-financial performance and is a key measure of the health and well-being of business.

Health and Safety is another thing we take seriously and we maintain an active OH&S Programme that involves staff and management working together. We call it "Our shared commitment".

We also take the environment seriously and we maintain and develop a real Environmental Management Programme within the business. We have a "Green Team" dominated by our younger staff who are charged with finding initiatives to improve our business and it's impact on the environment.

2006 Relocation and new technology

In June 2006 Craftsman Press will relocate to a purpose built 8,200 square metre facility in Clayton, Melbourne. This state of the art, climate controlled facility will be complimented by a multi-million dollar investment in new press technologies, finishing equipment and a number of important environmental initiatives.

People

Craftsman Press has an incredibly proud tradition in our industry. We are recognised as one of the "power houses "of commercial printing in Melbourne. That legacy is something our team takes a real pride in maintaining and developing.

Each year Craftsman Press maintains a "Team Plan". The plan is the final outcome of the annual survey of customers, staff and suppliers and team workshops that review the results and put in place a plan for staff to live and breath in the new year. The plan is a mix of behavioral and performance objectives with this year's theme being "Eye on the Ball".

  • Glen Draper, General Manager, 0-3-8514 6019
  • Luke Tindale, Sales Manager, 0-3-8514 6015
  • Jamie Gallagher, Production Manager, 0-3-8514 6036

3 Nursery Avenue, Clayton Business Park
Clayton
Victoria 3168

Website Address: www.craftpress.com.au