COMPLETE COLOUR ACQUIRES ERWINS PRINTING

Complete Colour has acquired Erwins Printing, putting it back in the B2 market,  in a move the company says is set to continue the growth of environmentally-responsible on-shore Australian printing.

Tim Michaelides, founder and managing director of Complete Colour, which has a ten-colour A1 Heidelberg, and digital printing, said, “The opportunity was there, we are in a position to consolidate other print businesses into Complete. Erwins has a great set of long-term customers, and has been run with the same ethics and values that Complete has, with a commitment to quality, integrity and service."

Long time Erwins owner Mick Edwards is retiring, with his son Sean Edwards, and daughter Stacey Minutello joining the Complete team, along with other key long-term staff across the business in customer service, pre-press and production areas. Complete Colour now has around 30 staff.

Michaelides said, “When we heard Mick was looking to retire and sell the business, we were keen to continue the legacy of this trusted, reputable family business, Mick has been instrumental in solidifying Erwins’ position as one of the most respected Melbourne offset printing companies around. The business has great values; and like us enjoyed lifetime clients and staff.

“It’s a great fit for the future of all concerned. Now we want to continue the growth of Melbourne’s trusted print industry, with a strong environmentally responsible focus. Acquiring Erwins is a significant step in that direction.”

Complete will integrate a five-colour Komori from Irwin into its Cheltenham base, taking it back into the B2 market. MIchaelides said, “We had a B2 press until a couple of years ago, when demand for half size seemed to be dipping. But now demand is back, and many of the Irwin jobs are well suited to the half size press.”

Mick Edwards, former owner of Erwins Printing, said, “Complete operates on the same principles that we have based our business on over the past 32 years; quality, honesty and respect, which made them an excellent fit to continue servicing our clients’ needs into the future."

Edwards and Ron Hall purchased Erwins Printing in 1990 from Erwin Luettin, who started the company in 1970. They grew the business substantially through excellent customer service; providing quality work for commercial and not-for-profit clients.

Complete Colour is one of Melbourne’s major A1 print houses. It was founded by managing director Tim Michaelides, 30 years ago, with director Geoff Lawyer joining a decade later.

Complete has periodically acquired other print businesses over the years. It bought BD Graphics 15 years ago, and acquired Braeside based Flow Printing in 2015. Michaelides said, “Consolidation is a good strategy for us, but it has to be carefully considered. We are always open to opportunities.”

Complete director Geoff Lawyer said, “We’re really excited to continue the great work that Erwins Printing has undertaken for the last 50-plus years. Industry consolidation and integration is inevitable in this post-Covid climate, and we’re delighted to have secured a future for a business that has operated under the same values and principles as Complete. Erwins is a great example of how solid operational ethics creates pillars of strength and longevity – for staff, suppliers and clients alike. Erwins is a natural fit for Complete, and the future of environmentally responsible on-shore printing in Australia is looking positive.”

The auction for some of the equipment from Irwin Printing is now open through Gollants, with a five-colour B2 Komori L528 the star attraction. Also up for auction are guillotines from Polar and Horizon, a Kodak Magnus CTP and rip, a Muller Martini, a MOB folder with glue unit, and Heidelberg Platen, along with a hundred lots that are commonly found in B2 printshops.