History

Adams Print has a proud history of printing that dates back to 1895

The founder of the company, Hubert Adams, a true pioneer born at Sandhurst during the Gold Rush, published and printed newspapers for the miners on the goldfields at Linton, Pitfield, Kaleno and Lismore – all located between Ballarat and Geelong – before relocating the business to Geelong in 1922.

Hubert was a well known Geelong identity. For many years he cycled around Geelong on a daily basis. He was also one of the hardy band of year-round swimmers, and an active member of the Corio Tennis Club and East Geelong Bowling Club, up until the time of his death.

1895

Hubert Adams, aged 21, starts the Grenville Standard at Linton,
near Ballarat.

1898

Grenville Standard office moves to Clyde Street, Linton.

1899

First issue of the Kaleno Banner published from the office
at Glenfine Road, Kaleno.

1900

First issue of the Pitfield Banner and Hollybush Times published
from the office at Main Street, Kaleno.

1901

First issue of Rokewood Reformer and Corindhap Chronicle published
from the office at Main Street, Kaleno.

1910

First issue of the Lismore Advertiser published by Hubert Adams
at High Street, Lismore. Hubert sells his share of the Pitfield Banner
according to his editorial in the first issue.

1911

First issue of the Lismore, Derrinallum and Cressy Advertiser
published by Hubert Adams for the proprietors Adams and Thomas
at High Street, Lismore.

1915

Hubert Adams sells the Grenville Standard which continues to be published from Clyde Street, Linton.

Memories of Adams Print,
1950s – 1960s

“I was employed by Bruce Adams at Adams Print from about 1954 until 1971 (17 years) as a book binder. I arrived in Australia as a 20 year emigrant from England and had already completed 6 years of training in book binding.

The firm then was in James Street, next to 3GL radio station before re-locating to Malop Street.

I was very happy working there all those years. I did bench work, collating, book binding, setting up, handfeeding and running the folding machine. Adams was always very busy. When I had young children and was caring for them at home, they would bring work to me to complete part-time.”

Mrs Betty Pate
England

1922

The business moved from Lismore to Geelong. Renamed Hubert Adams & Co and located in the Block Buildings, adjacent to Little Malop Street.

1945

Hubert’s grandson, Bruce, commenced working in the business.

1948

Hubert Adams is knocked off his bike and dies later that night. Hubert’s daughter, Lynn, and grandson, Bruce, take over running the business.

1952

The business name is changed to Adams Printers. The existing letterpress is modernised and offset printing technology is introduced.

1961

Adams Printers is registered as a Pty Ltd company.

1966

The James Street premise is outgrown and a purpose-built factory is erected in Malop Street.

1995

Adams Printers is sold by Bruce Adams.

2002

Rob Hulls, Victorian Minister for the Manufacturing Industry opened the new purpose-built premises in Breakwater, Geelong. The factory is fitted with the latest A1 print technology.

2003

Adams Print expands into the Melbourne market with the establishment of its Southbank office.

2004

Adams Print is recognised at both the National Print Awards and
as an inductee into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

2006

Adams Print celebrates a third consecutive gold medal at the National Print Awards and receives a Geelong Business Excellence award for excellence in Manufacturing & Export.

2007

A major new investment in press technology at Adams Print again transforms the print innovation capabilities of the company.

Adams Print celebrates the fourth year of consecutive medal-winning performance at the National Print Awards with three silvers and one bronze.

2010

Adams Print celebrates 115th anniversary.

Adams Print is the recipient of the coveted Heidelberg Award for
Excellence in Craft at the National Print Awards.

The gold medal for the Mark Wilson 2009 calendar is the 6th gold National Print Award the company has won since 2004.