Graham Kirk, founder and owner of Australasia's largest flexo platemaking business was sole recipient of the Hall of Fame at the Flexo Packaging and Label Making Association awards ceremony.
Kirk established his business in 1972 in Minto NSW to produce digitally engraved gravure cylinders, at one point exporting them to China then opened a second site in Melbourne shortly after. In 1983 he recognised the potential of digital flexo, and went on to become the nation's biggest flexo platemaker.
Kirk Group has 120 people across four production sites, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. It services both print convertors and major FMCG brands with a variety of products and advanced technology solutions.
Kirk continues to pioneer new technologies that benefit brands and printers. From being the first to use dot-based digital proofing for packaging, digital pre-press workflows, through to today with cloud based infrastructure to the latest imaging and plate systems Kirk's business now spans Australia and New Zealand with mirrored production facilities together with centre of graphics excellence in Malaysia.
The business now consists of two divisions. The Image carrier division, Kirk, is the largest producer of flexographic plates and gravure cylinders in Australia and New Zealand. The Task division delivers design execution services, transforming packaging designs into outstanding printed products.
The FPLMA paid tribute to Kirk's vision to develop a local business into a global player, and to bring the best technology and solutions to the benefit of the Australian flexo market.
Receiving his Hall of Fame award Kirk said, “It has been a wonderful journey. I am honoured and humbled to receive this award from my peers, and grateful to have been able to make a contribution to the industry. I would not be here today without the backing of my wife, nor without the hard work and talent of many people over the years.”
