KPW celebrates 70 Years in business in Ballinasloe

 Kelly’s Printing Works or KPW as it is now known, was founded by the late Sylvester Kelly in St Michael’s Square in 1949. Starting in a 200 sq. ft. workshop, the business purchased the old “East Galway Democrat” premises in Society Street in 1950 and in 1983 they moved to Poolboy Industrial Estate where they now operate from a 30,000 sq. ft. unit, catering for all types of printing for the home and international markets. Now trading under the name KPW Print Management with Brendan and Michael Kelly as directors, the company now employs over 30 people and it proudly boasts the third generation of the Kelly family employed in the business.

Celebrating its 70th Birthday this year is truly a momentous milestone in the history of Ballinasloe after a 33-year-old man had the foresight to establish a “New-look Printing” outlet. Unfortunately Sylvester passed away inside six months of its opening but his brother Michael took over the reins when he purchased “The Democrat” in 1950. He was joined by his sons, Ken in 1955, Michael S. in 1969 and Brendan in 1980 before modern technology forced the family to seek more space. They became the first occupants on the new Poolboy Industrial Estate, when in November 1983, they moved into a 5,000 sq. ft. specially designed plant.

Soon the company was employing for the first time and as the business grew they were forced to add new equipment and enlarge their factory space to a massive 30,000 sq.ft. over a few years. They became the first printers in the West of Ireland to introduce computer continuous printing, with the installation of a £1.2million machine, which attracted customers from every county in Ireland as well as overseas. KPW was even contracted to print Electricity Bills for the Ugandan Government as well as customers in South Africa and Australia. Now employing over thirty workers, the company have six graphic designers to meet the needs of its medical and corporate customers nationwide.

“Customer relationships are paramount here in KPW” said MD, Brendan Kelly. “We have a great team here who can cater for all types of designs, printing and delivery. Our 24-hour express colour printing service is in big demand while our range of Memoriam, Wedding and Baby Cards is comprehensive” he explained. Brendan further added “Printing has changed a lot over the past seventy years and we have moved with it. We have now one of the most modern plants in Ireland, producing everything from a raffle ticket to programmes, hardbound books, cheques, continuous stationery, all-weather outdoor signs, rollup display signs etc. The recent elections saw up print for candidates in ten constituencies which was an indication of our quality service.”

KPW have kept abreast with many changes in its industry – an industry that has claimed the demise of so many print companies over the past 12 years. KPW has invested wisely and conservatively over the same period and has made crucial decisions to partner with like-minded companies where they share expertise and particular types of work that is to each other’s satisfaction. While KPW now boasts a major producer in the production of Pharmaceutical and medical life instruction leaflets to many of Ireland’s leading companies, it still relies on commercial print work and continues to design, print and stock hold products for Ireland’s biggest hotel chains, supplying not only their Irish sites but also their UK outlets.

To meet the needs of their loyal customers, five years ago KPW made a significant investment in the production of sign making equipment. In particular for the past month they have been very busy producing Election signage for all the parties in the Local and European elections. “KPW wishes to acknowledge the loyalty shown by so many politicians who continue to support their local printer. Likewise we are fully aware of all the local businesses who have supported KPW since 1949. The company makes every effort to support local businesses and to buy locally and to always offer our own customers any business we can!” concluded Brendan Kelly.

Find out more by visiting www.kpw.ie