Rawson Print and Packaging has announced its co-director Shane Wildash will retire on 28 November.

The company confirmed with Sprinter that following Wildash’s retirement, there will be no changes in management except its head of operations Gary Pool working more closely with directors Lachlan Finch and Andrew Price to manage the operational aspects of the business.

Wildash’s position as co-director for Rawson Print & Packaging since 2013 stems from his 40-year experience in the print industry. He started his career working in a production environment – as an apprentice at Rawson Graphics.

He moved up the ranks across his career, working for companies including ID Printing and Offset Images before becoming managing director at Artvue Printing. He was in this role for 15 years before becoming co-director at Rawson Print Co. (now Rawson Print & Packaging) when Artvue Printing and Rawson Print Co. merged in 2013.

“My early career as an apprentice bookbinder at Rawson Graphics gave me the experience to begin my professional journey in the industry. I was involved in a start-up business called ID Printing, with a role in production which saw me managing floor staff and scheduling,” Wildash stated on LinkedIn, recounting his professional experience.

“Within four years, I was approached to start up another new business called Offset Images in an operational and talent recruitment role. I gained sales and managerial skills from these experiences.

“In 1998, I was approached to run the production and sales teams at Artvue Printing, becoming the business’ sole director in 2000. With a wealth of experience and connections in the industry, I built Artvue Printing from an annual turnover of $900,000 to a business with an annual turnover of $8.5million.

“Finally in 2013, after 15 years of operating Artvue, I merged forces with Rawson Print Co.”

Reflecting on his 40-year career, he said, “It has been one hell of a ride, but all good things must come to an end.
 
“I’ve worked alongside incredible professionals, artisans and tradespeople, and many clients have become friends. A special thank you to Kylie Baxter, who has worked alongside me for over 18 years. I wish the Rawson team every continued success.”

Rawson Print & Packaging managing director Andrew Price thanked Wildash for his support and ‘mateship’ over the past 11 years, with Rawson Print & Packaging saying in a statement that Wildash’s knowledge of print is unmatched.

“His career is intertwined with the Rawson story, and we thank him for making our company what it is today. Business will continue as usual for all your print and packaging needs,” it added.

Rawson Print & Packaging director Lachlan Finch said, “Shane is a bit of legend in our industry (and the Northern Beaches) and his retirement marks the end of an incredible chapter for us. His leadership, experience, and commitment to excellence have been a huge part of our success, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything he has done.

“The three of us have had some great times together, accomplishing a lot along the way, and he will leave a lasting legacy of hard work, ‘mateship’, and a strong company culture. We’ll miss him around the place, but we’re excited for him as he kicks off this next chapter.”

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