Supporting locals and environment behind 30-year success of Printing Ideas

Written on the 12 April 2017

Jo Armstrong has been a leading business woman in Broome since the 80's.  Hailing from a strong line of publishers,  printers and signwriters it was a natural progression that she would start a printing house when her family moved to Broome.  In fact it was her father who started the Broome Advertiser, a challenge issued by Jo when her retired father seemed to need something to keep himself occupied.

Printing Ideas has established itself as a leading supplier to Broome businesses, but what is the back end that makes this business so fast to respond to orders and in such high quality?

Alongside son Alistair I was given a tour of the Printing Ideas production room where a speedway car was being wrapped.  Flicking through their product catalogue it seems there's almost nothing they can't do - cars, wallpaper, outdoor signs, stickers, digital and offset printing. They're completely self sustainable, with an in-house graphic design department, machinery and skills to execute almost any printing platform.

Standing proud in the production room is their new eco-friendly printer machine.

"The two most important things to us is the environment, and supporting local," Says Jo with a sincerity nobody would question.

"This machine has won several awards and it's the only one in Broome."

Gone are the days that a new sign would emit fumes that have lead to restrictions within sensitive spaces such as schools and hospitals.  Printing Ideas invests in state-of-the-art technology to ensure it's always able to deliver to the Broome market at the best possible quality.  Their new printer is a certified GOLD by Greenguard, certified for low chemical emissions and reduced environmental impact.  It's the best of the best Alistair proudly explains as the machine produces a current signage order for Cable Beach Club's holiday program.  "The prints from this machine come out ready to go with no need for drying, and there is no smell to the ink.

"That's why we can turn orders around the same day if they're urgent," Alistair explains.

Having a look at the proudly wrapped Printing Ideas business cars parked out the front of their Clementson Street workshop, it's amazing to think this local business has all the tools for such fine work.  At the back window is the one-way vision which allows the driver to see out, but appears to be a solid image from the outside.  The colours are durable and rated for the Kimberley to ensure that clients get the best possible value for their investment.

"We look after our clients," Says Alistair.

It would appear so.  Considering the lifespan of 30 years in business, the high values of Printing Ideas supporting local and the environment have set the benchmark.