Printing since the Gold Rush

Based in Alexandra, Dash Design and Print has its origins in the gold rush days of the 1860s, when the Stevens family founded the Dunstan Times and the Alexandra Herald. The name changed to Otago Daily Times Print in 1999 when the company was owned by Allied Press. Today it’s owned by Natalia and Steve Morait, who purchased and took over the business at the start of this year.

Now, they’ve purchased a newest A1 UV printing press – the newest machine in the South Island – and are looking forward to the improvements this will make to their business. The machine uses UV print technology for a more efficient, vibrant, cleaner finish, meaning you get a the highest possible quality in the fastest turn-around time possible.

“A lot of our clients actually require these specs in printing now. In Otago and pretty much in Southland there are no A1 UV printing press here,” Natalia says.

The last machine the business had was about 20 years old, while the printing press is state-of-the-art and totally different. Since its installation, there has been an adjustment period as everyone in the company is learning something new. Steve and Natalia say that it’s a big improvement overall.

“This machine allows us to compete and probably win some of the orders that we would never be brave enough to even quote and I would say that a lot of clients are happy that we can provide such a service.”

Prior to taking over, Steve had been managing the business for 30 years before the couple were presented an opportunity to purchase it, while Natalia had been working on the pre-press side of things for 11 years. Her background was originally in landscape design and architecture before she studied graphic design at a college in Auckland. In the beginning she really enjoyed preparing files for print and the graphic design side of things, where now she finds the opportunity to make decisions on which direction the printing will go exciting.

“With taking ownership of the company, we now have to multitask more than we used to. Now, instead of doing just the graphic design work and running the digital printer, I’m taking on more of the sales and admin jobs.”

Natalia is also really excited to continue to develop and learn more – she’s well on her way to understanding every part of the finishing process. Natalia explains it’s nice to have the freedom to not be bound to her department – able to dabble in other areas, even if just to gain that knowledge.

Looking forward, the duo are excited to expand and innovate. Last year they went to Germany to the biggest printing show in the world, which inspired them to purchase some new machinery in the future.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what’s happening in the industry in other countries. Maybe if we’re lucky enough we’ll be there in the next three years and if we’re in a position, hopefully we’ll bring some other new equipment here.”

Their customer base has already grown with the introduction of the new machine, stretching as far as across the ditch in Australia, as well as Christchurch, Invercargill, and here in Queenstown – in fact, they printed this very issue in your hand! They’re both looking forward to what the future holds.

“I think the whole thing is just very exciting – to see what we can do with it and where we can take it. It really excites both of us to think about what’s going to happen and where we’re going to be in five years,” Natalia says.