Pride In Print winner makes Heidelberg finals

GTO Printers, winner of this year’s at Pride In Print supreme award, has made the top 10 shortlist for Heidelberg’s international video competition, alongside companies from Spain, Brasil, Indonesia, the Philippines and, of course, Germany.

Anyone can vote for the Birkenhead company’s one-and-half-minute promotional video by visiting the competition link (click here). Voting closes by July 1. The world’s largest offset press manufacturer created the competition to highlight the Speedmaster press’s operating capabilities. However, the GTO video features something slightly different, and slightly irreverent, but still affectionately Heidelberg.

Obviously, the German judges have a sense of humour. Graham Judd, GTO owner, says, “Our video is tongue in cheek using the Heidelberg platen, but it must have impressed the judges. If you love letterpress and our letterpress printing, please vote for GTO Printers.” See the video

Judd made the video with his assistant, graphic artist Christina Koot. Both share a passion for letterpress, which Judd returned to six years ago. The company has subsequently become a specialist in the production of high-quality wedding stationery.

GTO Printers has featured at Pride In Print in previous years but 2014 marks its only supreme award win. The work came through Napier painter and artist Rakai Karaitiana. Judd says, “It was quite a challenging print job, but I was happy with the result and thought it might have a chance of recognition in the Awards. I was overwhelmed to find it had won the supreme award.

“There is great satisfaction in turning out a pleasing print job and to have a satisfied customer. Although it is graphically and artistically a great job to have printed, for me it is using the Heidelberg that is just as great. I am a machinist at heart and am happy just running the presses.”

Over the past few years, GTO has hosted successful letterpress workshops, where a mix of graphics enthusiasts and professionals have received a hands-on education in this craft. The next workshops take place on June 21 and July 26. Anyone interested should phone or visit  its website here

Pictured at the top: been there and got the T-Shirt. Christina Koot and Graham Judd from GTO Printers with their version of a speed master

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