The Adams Print Story
130 Years of Innovation and still going strong
Founded in 1895 by Hubert Adams in Linton, near Ballarat, Adams Print began as a newspaper publisher for local miners. Over the years, Hubert expanded his business with several local papers and moved to Geelong in 1922, renaming it Hubert Adams & Co. In 1952, the company became Adams Printers and modernised with offset printing technology.
The company grew through the decades, earning multiple gold medals at the National Print Awards and expanding into Melbourne in 2003. In 2018, Adams Print entered the digital printing space with the installation of an HP Indigo Press.
In 2024, Adams Print merged with Complete Colour Printing, continuing its legacy as one of Victoria’s leading print companies. Through innovation and dedication to quality, Adams Print has been a major force in Australian printing for over 130 years.
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.
Image: State Library of Victoria.
1922
The business moved from Lismore to Geelong. Renamed Hubert Adams & Co and located in the Block Buildings, adjacent to Little Malop Street. Image: State Library of Victoria.
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
Major investment in press technology improves print innovation capabilities.
The fourth year of consecutive medal-winning performance at the National Print Awards.
2010
Adams Print receives the Heidelberg Award for Excellence in Craft at the National Print Awards.
Further, we were awarded our sixth Gold medal at the National Print Awards since 2004.
2018
Adams Print enters the Digital Printing space with the installation of an HP Indigo Printing Press.
2020
Adams Print wins Gold at the National Print Awards.
2024
A move to bring two well-established, trusted and innovative print brands, Adams Print and Complete Colour Printing, together.
2025
Adams Print celebrates 130 Years in operation!