40 Years of Leach Printers: A journey of Innovation and Community Spirit

Date: 07 November 2024 By: Anton van Zyl

In October 1984, Charles and Bev Leach took a bold step to fulfil a shared dream: starting their own print shop. After several years of commuting to teach at Mbilwi Secondary School in Sibasa, they were eager to work together, believing it would be the ultimate reward.

The couple's plans gained traction when they sought advice from Bev's father, Sedley. A trained printer with extensive experience as a print buyer for a major Johannesburg company, Sedley's insights and connections gave Charles and Bev the confidence they needed to purchase their first litho printing machine - a second-hand Hamada Star. Finding a location was the next hurdle. They secured a shop below the municipal gardens, rented from Mr. Roelf Steyn, and set their plans into motion. At 42, after 16 years in education, Charles used his entire pension payout of R16,000 to finance their venture - a decision some friends viewed as a mid-life crisis.

In the early days, growth came primarily through outsourcing to city associates. Charles would place orders by midday and collect finished products the next morning at the Louis Trichardt Railway Station, aided by a trusty fax machine for sending designs.

By 1990, Leach Printers moved to its own premises at 16 Rissik Street, where they began to diversify extensively in the printing and signage industry. Their ability to adapt to new trends and client needs has been essential for their sustained growth in today's unpredictable economy. With a diverse array of production capabilities including wide-format, high-volume, and digital printing, as well as lithography and silk-screening - Leach Printers now employs 36 highly skilled staff members. Together, they design, print, and supply a wide range of corporate requirements.

Under the management and leadership of Greg and Hazel, in keeping with modern advancements, Leach Printers is harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence and implementing automation software to enhance customer experiences.

Their online platform, www.easyphotobooks.co.za, allows clients to create photo books and other personalised products, complete with live chat support and doorstep delivery. Years of strategic networking have built a strong support base of reliable national and international suppliers, many of whom have partnered with Leach Printers through thick and thin. Their loyal clientele in Louis Trichardt and the greater Limpopo area has also been instrumental in the company's success.

Looking ahead, the entire team are excited about the future of their industry, which demands constant awareness of new trends and products. They attribute much of their success to their dedicated team, emphasising that their collaborative spirit has been vital to Leach Printers' journey.

As they celebrate 40 years, Leach Printers stands as a testament to hard work, innovation, and community commitment. Here's to many more years of success!

Celebrating 30-40 years at Leach Printers. At the back from left: Vincent, Charles, Bev and George. Un front are Thandi, Lucille and Minah.

Celebrating 20-30 years at Leach Printers. At the back (left to right) are Mariaan, Olva, Greg and Gilbert. In front are Khauki and Londi.

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Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.