The Story Behind the Ink.
The Story Behind the Ink.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders.
Through decades of innovation, growth, and family dedication, AAA Print Group has evolved from a backyard operation to a powerhouse in the printing industry. Each decade has brought new challenges, milestones, and advancements, shaping us into the trusted print partner we are today.
Humble Beginnings.
In 1976, Brian Lewis, our founder, made a bold move by using his long service leave entitlements to purchase a printing machine from his employer, the Docket Book Company. He set up operations in the back shed of his home in St James, Western Australia, marking the beginning of St James Print. With a contract in hand to continue printing for his previous employer, Brian worked relentlessly to establish the foundation for what would eventually grow into a lasting family legacy.
By 1978, the business had outgrown the shed, leading to the move into a small factory unit on Pilbara Street, Welshpool—the first of many expansions that would come in the decades ahead.
As the business grew, so did the family involvement. In 1984, Brian’s son, Russell, joined St James Print, bringing fresh energy and a passion for the trade. Determined to learn the craft, Russell began his Print Machinist apprenticeship in 1986, quickly proving his skill by winning Apprentice of the Year in both 1986 and 1987.
With growth came the need for more space, and in 1987, the company moved into a newly built factory in Mallard Way, Cannington. This expansion marked an exciting new chapter, positioning St James Print for greater opportunities in the years to come.
Innovation & Growth.
The 1990s ushered in an era of technological advancements and business expansion. In 1990, St James Print installed its first Heidelberg press, a single-colour GTO46, taking production capabilities to new heights. Russell, now General Manager, steered the company into a period of innovation while upholding the quality and service customers had come to expect.
Opportunities continued to emerge, and in 1992, St James Print secured the WA school diary printing contract with Bookland. This project kept the factory running at full capacity year-round, with over 400,000 school diaries being produced annually.
The mid-90s saw significant investments in technology and space. Between 1993 and 1996, the company installed a 2-colour GTO52 press, a Horizon collating and stitching machine, and expanded the factory to double its size to accommodate growing demand. Then, in 1998, diversification became a focus with the creation of AAA Promotions. Starting with a single pad printing machine, the division quickly grew to include branded pens, embroidered clothing, and a range of promotional products.
A Legacy Continues into the Digital Age.
By the 2000s, printing technology was evolving rapidly. In 2009, Russell’s son, Shayne, joined the family business, becoming the third generation to carry on the legacy. That same year, St James Print embraced the digital revolution by installing its first digital press, the Konica Minolta C6501, enabling faster turnarounds for customers.
A year later, the company made another leap forward with the purchase of a 5-colour Heidelberg offset press, enhancing its ability to produce full-colour large-run brochures. This decade reinforced the company’s adaptability, blending tradition with cutting-edge advancements.
A New Chapter: AAA Print Group.
With decades of success behind it, the company set its sights on a bold new future. In 2014, construction began on a purpose-built factory and office space in Canning Vale. Upon its completion in 2015, St James Print rebranded as AAA Print Group, marking a fresh identity that better reflected its growing capabilities.
Shayne, now with years of hands-on experience across print, design, and promotional products, stepped into the role of General Manager in 2015, ensuring continued stability and innovation. That same year, AAA Print Group upgraded to the high-speed Konica Minolta C8000 digital press, further improving production efficiency.
Meanwhile, diversification remained a key driver of growth. In 2019, Russell identified a gap in the market for envelope supply in WA and founded Premier Envelopes Australia. What started as a small import operation soon transformed into a thriving business, handling multiple container shipments each month.
Expansion & Industry Leadership.
The 2020s saw AAA Print Group solidify its leadership in the industry. In 2020, the installation of a 4-colour Ryobi press enhanced large-run envelope printing, strengthening Premier Envelopes’ competitive edge.
A year later, the company invested in a next-generation Konica Minolta C3080 digital press with inline booklet finishing, reinforcing its commitment to quality and efficiency. Growth continued in early 2023 with the third generation of the family joining the business, as Nikita stepped into a promotional sales and customer service role, further strengthening AAA Print Group’s client relationships and personalised service.
This period of expansion was followed by key acquisitions, including Daytone Print and the WA Envelope and Overprint division of Opal – Australian Paper, cementing Premier Envelopes Australia as the sole envelope importer and overprinter in WA. Now operating from a dedicated facility in Bassendean, the company boasts six Halm Jet Press machines and a stock of over five million envelopes, supplying government entities, banks, councils, and businesses across the region.
Recognising the need for continuous improvement, 2024 brought new investments, including a Cron CTP machine for enhanced pre-press efficiency, a Horizon collating machine for bookbinding, and a Morgana crease and fold machine for small-run digital finishing. With a reputation as one of Australia’s leading docket book printers, AAA Print Group remains committed to innovation and quality.
Looking Ahead.
From a humble backyard shed to a thriving, industry-leading print group, AAA Print Group has built a legacy of quality, innovation, and exceptional service. With three generations of family leadership and a dedication to staying at the forefront of technology, we continue to empower businesses with strategic print solutions. Our story is still being written—let’s create the next chapter together.
Businesses We Support.
Experience the Difference with a Trusted Print Partner.
At AAA Print Group, we don’t just offer printing services; we offer the expertise and reliability built over 50 years of industry experience. From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner for businesses, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, innovative print solutions tailored to your needs.