JOHN WATSON SAYS CHEERS AS TURNOVER SOARS
Leading Glasgow-based UK printer John Watson and Co has announced a 25 per cent rise in turnover in the last financial year taking the total to £9million.
The company which is still a family-run business says it is toasting the increase thanks to a blend of its long-standing commercial printing work and increased business from whisky and spirits labelling .
Now the business based in Kyle Street, Townhead, says it is seeking to boost staff numbers from its current level of 80 just to keep up with increased business while investing £5 million in new state of the art printing presses.
Chairman and Chief Executive John Watson said: "We are delighted to be announcing such an impressive increase in turnover in what remains a difficult market for printing in the UK. Undoubtedly, we are bucking the trend in a fiercely-competitive market.
"One of the main reasons for this is our ability to combine the commercial print operation with demand for our expertise in printing high-quality colour labels for the whisky and spirits industry.
"Having embraced up-to-date printing technology we are able to produce labels of exceptional high quality and in many cases with incredible intricacy which enhance the product and meet the understandably high demands of our clients. It is in this area in particular where we have seen the greatest level of growth.
"The technology required to perform such tasks will be further enhanced with
the arrival of two new Heidelberg presses which will be in place for early
2008."
Watsons has a number of blue-chip clients among its impressive customer base
including Chivas Brothers, William Grant's, Morrison Bowmore and Whyte and
Mackay.
The Company is also well known in the Irish whiskey market and also prints
labels for drinks producers in France and Russia.
John Watson and Co can trace its Glasgow roots back to 1857 and control of
the company has been handed down with each passing generation to the current
Chairman and Chief Executive John Watson who has been in the business for 44
years.
He was awarded an OBE last year for "Services to the printing industry and
for charitable work in Scotland."
Joint Managing Director Robert McLachlan added: "The level of investment in
this latest technology is a clear sign that it is John Watson & Co's
intention to provide a world-class manufacturing facility here in Scotland.
"It is our further intention to build a new factory in due course within the
Glasgow area demonstrating our determination and dedication in keeping the
Scottish printing industry vibrant."
Simon Fairclough, Chief Executive of the Scottish Print Employers'
Federation said: "This has to be the biggest investment by any printing
company in Scotland in recent times and should ensure that John Watson &
Company continues to prosper in the highly-competitive label and commercial
market."
*This news release appeared in The Herald, The Scotsman and the Daily
Express.
