appointments  printing - screen 
Owner-operator screen printer Matthew Foster views his Pride in Print Awards success as a crucial element in his goal of competing in the international market. Auckland-based Fosters Screenprinting Ltd, which Foster launched in 2000, was Highly Commended this year in the Labels section for its Aeroqual Control Panel label. The company was also Highly Commended last year for a business card. Fosters Screenprinting specialises in control panels, labels, name plates and product printing for the electrical and engineering industries.

Foster, who runs the company with the help of his wife Adrienne and has no other staff, said he entered the Awards firstly because he was proud of his high quality products but also because of the positive exposure it gave him in the marketplace.

As a result of last year’s placing, he received a dozen enquiries from potential new clients. He expects the same sort of response from this year’s placing.

"The recognition that is achieved through the Awards gives me more credibility and demonstrates the quality of my work. I also receive good word of mouth from my current customers as they certainly talk to others about my win."

Mr Foster said he wanted to ultimately export his goods overseas as well as competing in the domestic market and was currently researching new products.

"To achieve a gold award at Pride In Print, now that would be a real feather in my cap. That level of recognition would certainly help my reputation grow."

Foster has screen printing in the blood as he is the third generation in his family to work in the industry. His grandfather Ronald Vernon started Foster Name Plates and Signs in Christchurch in the early 1960s and was one of the country’s original anodising name plate manufacturers. His father Tony joined the business then started up Foster Graphics, where Mr Foster did his apprenticeship 16 years ago.