Lithographic Printers pushes for lower interest rates as it targets the export market
Published:Friday | June 22, 2018 | 12:00 AMChristopher Serju
Sixty years after starting operations, Lithographic Printers Limited is still a pacesetter in the printing business and its operators are planning to continue setting the pace for many years more.
During a tour of its operations at 14 East Avenue, Kingston Gardens, last week, Managing Director Sean Duquesnay offered some insight into how the family-owned and operated business has been maintaining its competitive edge over the decades.
"Initially, we were printing on paper and as the years go by, we have diversified to do digital printing, signage, large-format printing and our newest venture - labels on a roll ... into which we have just made a substantial investment,' he told the tour party led by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Fisheries and Agriculture Audley Shaw.
New Division
The new division now makes the Lithographic Printers a one-stop shop for printing, branding, packaging and labelling solutions, which is critical in providing options for manufacturers.
"As you can see, our technology is first-class, and the foremost goal for this industry is getting the support of Jamaica. Once we grow, we plan to export to the region - Caribbean and Latin America," said Duquesnay.
"We think that for too long, the Jamaican industry has been importing labels, and it's about time a Jamaican-owned-and-operated firm gets into this arena," added Duquesnay, as he made a request to Shaw.
"What we ask, Minister, is access to low-cost financing, four to five per cent that other sectors enjoy."
President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Metry Seaga, who was also on the tour, called for an urgent and comprehensive review of the Government's procurement policy, as well as the provision of affordable factory space, as priority items to be addressed.
Lithographic Printers, which employs between 80 and 100 workers, subject to seasonal demands, is projecting to add at least five and probably as many as 10 more staff posts, a move which left Shaw obviously impressed.
"This story is inspiring, really inspiring," said Shaw.