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McDonald Printing Group had its beginnings over 100 years ago
when John McDonald began business on his own account as John McDonald
Printer.
John McDonald emigrated from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1864 where he was
born.
Subsequently his business was taken over by his son Norman
McDonald and later by Norman's two sons Jack and Ron McDonald.
Ron McDonald sold out his interest, to his brother in 1971 and commenced
business, with his son Michael, Ron's wife Betty and Michael's wife Margaret
in 1972, trading as Braeside Press.
The business prospered in the printing market of the Darling Downs in
general and Toowoomba in particular.
However it was soon realised that to grow the business, customers would need to be sought in bigger markets, namely Brisbane.
At this time Robert McDonald had also joined the firm after completing
a Bachelor of Business degree at the University of Southern Queensland.
Concentrating on real estate franchise groups and law firms the business
enjoyed considerable success in the Brisbane market.
In the early 80's the business expanded in one write accounting systems
and associated products.
This led to forming a joint venture with Safeguard Business Systems
Inc in Philadelphia, USA in 1984. Safeguard was the world's largest
manufacturer of manual accounting systems.
Safeguard introduced colour coded filing systems to the business, which currently represents a quarter of the firm's total sales.
The business also ventured into continuous computer forms and cheque
printing at this time.
In 1990 the business moved from its then very overcrowded premises,
to the former Carlton and United brewery building in Toowoomba.
This 5,500 square metre construction offers ample room for existing
operations and further expansion.
In 1995 the McDonald family purchased the shares owned by Safeguard
Business Systems Inc., and shortly afterwards changed its name to McDonald
Printing Group.
With the downturn in manual accounting systems the effort of the business
moved to visitor pass systems to enable us to use the specialised equipment
needed for manual systems.
Print management now forms a major part of the business with professional services firms being the main customer base.
Color printing is also a significant part of our investment and product
offered.
From the beginnings of the business, over 100 years ago, the firm has
always welcomed change and the opportunities it brings.
That philosophy continues in the business today, when change in the
printing industry has, perhaps, never been stronger. |
