TLC rises from the ashes with new Braeside factories

Trade finishing house TLC Digital + has opened a pair of new factories in Braeside, three years after fire claimed its West Melbourne premises.

It has operated out of its Mordialloc site for the past three years while its new plants were constructed in Braeside.

In operation since 1997, the company has shifted gears to large-format laminating for the packaging industry, in addition to its commercial print activities.

TLC lost all the equipment and materials in the West Melbourne plant when it burned down; according to Barry Webster, managing director, nobody was harmed in the blaze.

“It was a real blow as we had just incorporated our sign business into the premises and that too was lost in the fire.

“We have since brought in new equipment focusing on the packaging industry – we were a little bit packaging-focused before, but we’ve brought it up to our main area of business. We’ve re-equipped for both the general print and for the packaging industry and we’re ready to go,” said Webster.

“All our old staff have come across to the new plant, so it’s business as usual and we’re also looking for more staff.”

TLC now produces large-format lamination for sheet sizes up to 1030 by 1430 in both wet and thermal, including metallised films in silver and gold; clear polyester for overprinting; and gloss and matte films plus anti-scuff and soft touch. It also provides screen spot UV varnishing, with three dedicated screen presses now installed.

According to Webster, the packaging sector, including packaging printers, represents an opportunity for the company.

“It’s more of a niche area, the barriers to entry are higher. We aim to have a diversity of work balance between the commercial and packaging areas of the industry,” he said.

“We have plans for new equipment in the new year, as well as potentially talking to current businesses that are looking to sell that could add to the services TLC offers going forward.”