In just under 5 years, North York’s Graphic Finishers has established itself as an industry leader in just about every phase of finishing – and the company is still expanding!

The story of how a small, family-run firm in North York, Ontario became one of the best trade finishing shops in the industry is a fascinating one.

While many of today’s successful printing shops started small and prospered by working hard and giving good service in an often brutally competitive environment, they at least had roots in some sector of the industry itself, which helped them acquire new business and retain current clients. Not so with Graphic Finishers – and that’s what makes their rise to prominence all the more amazing.

“We began in 2003 with 10,000 square feet of operating space, one salesperson, and just 15 employees,” says General Manager Ashish Shah. “But the company was actually started by Ashok Shah, our current Vice President.

He was an accountant back then, and had several clients in the finishing industry. He firmly believed that this was a growing industry and that there were numerous opportunities for our family if we got involved. We were basically in the metal coating business during that time.”

With Raju Shah acting as President, the company purchased a saddle stitcher, polar cutter, a shrinkwrapper, polybagger and Kugler high-speed punch.

“With all this growth, we eventually brought in Andy Whyte to handle our sales and production,” said Ashish Shah. “He brought with him not just a tremendous work ethic, but more than 30 years of experience in the printing industry. I firmly believe that this was the best decision we have ever made. Today, we have over 60 employees, run two shifts 24/7, have expanded to 18,000 sq. ft.—and we’re still growing!”

As an example, the company began with one stitcher and just recently purchased its sixth. From an initial two folders, they now have five. They currently operate three cutters instead of two and have added a second perfect binder.

Medium run of perfect bound books

Today, the company specializes in medium-run (100,000 and under) perfect-bound books. These, more than anything, have become a real showcase of their quality and expertise. Having said that, Graphic Finishers is now as close to a one-stop finishing shop as you can get.

The company also boasts a host of specialty services including clip sealing, loop stitching and perfect binding of extremely thin books—a very important service to many printers. Their numerous departments include:

Folding Department

• 4 MBO Folders

‚Ä¢ Stahl Folder (maximum throat size 31”)

• Kirk Rudy Clip Sealer

Cutting Department

‚Ä¢ 2 Polar 45”

‚Ä¢ Schneider 45”

Stitching Department

• 4 Muller Martini Stitchers
(6 pocket + cover)

• 2 Harris Stitchers (6 pocket + cover)

Perfect Binding Department

• Muller Martini AMIGO Perfect Binder

• Muller Martini Panda II Perfect Binder

Wiro & Plasticoil Department

• Kugler High-Speed Punch

• 2 Automatic Wiro Former & Inserter

• Automatic Plasticoil Inserters

• 4 Coil Inserters

Shrinkwrap & Polybag Department

• Shanklin Shrink Wrapper

• Sitma Automatic Poly Bagger

Wire and coil binding specialists

“Recently, we’ve had an increased demand for more wire and coil binding services,” says Sales and Production Manager Andy Whyte. “To serve our existing customers better and to let the industry know of our expertise and skilled staff, we’re currently expanding this area of our company and want all printers out there to know this.”

Indeed, their staff have quickly become specialists in wire and coil binding, clip sealing and loop stitching, but it’s the speed of production and quick delivery, in addition to their quality work, which has amazed current customers – and the word is spreading. The company recently added padding to their long list of specialty services.

Graphic Finishers has also recently expanded into a neighbouring building. But aside from their rapid growth, the management and staff have not lost sight of what brought them success in the first place – uncompromising quality, competitive prices, and extremely fast turnaround.

In this industry, a great printing job demands a great finish. Graphic Finishers have succeeded in raising the bar in this key service sector. Their quality work and long list of loyal clients is proof of that – not bad for a company that started out with an accountant and a couple of metal coating workers at the helm.

Elevate your comfort level and leave the finishing work to the experts. For a fast, efficient quote, extremely competitive prices and quick turnaround, call (416) 745-3456 (Ext. 104), e-mail graphicfinishers@bellnet.ca, or fax (416) 749-6662.

Call today and

experience the GF difference!

Telephone: (416) 745-3456

Fax (416) 749-6662

graphicfinishers@bellnet.ca