About
Max Paper, a new independent Irish paper merchant is aiming to take on the big guns of the industry, by offering an enhanced product range and service to the sector. Max Paper, which officially started trading on November 1st 2009, was established by experienced paper personnel John Havel, David Walsh and Noel Carroll. Located in Blanchardstown, Dublin, the all-Ireland company aims to bring a new type of service to the Irish market.
All three of us have worked in the industry for many years and have listened to the concerns and demands of our customers. We know that there is a market for a customer-orientated Irish owned and operated paper merchant,’ says John Havel, former chairman of the Irish Association of Paper Merchants (IAPM).
John brings a wealth of experience to the company, having worked with McNaughton Paper for 25 years, ten as managing director. David Walsh also worked at the multinational paper company as commercial and purchasing director for 27 years. In establishing their business, Max Paper bought the shareholding of Platinum Paper Limited from its founder Noel Carroll who in turn has taken an equal percentage in the new venture. Platinum Paper Limited was established in 2002 as a specialist material supplier to the self adhesive label industry. In May 2006 Platinum Paper installed a log slitting unit for the slitting of self adhesive materials for the sign industry and in September 2008 they installed a reel slitter to convert master rolls of paper and synthetic material for the narrow web label industry. As such Max Paper already has a portfolio of products to service the industry. Survival
Starting a business in the depths of a recession in theory often sounds like a good idea, but given the current state of the printing industry it is certainly a risk. However, John states that he is optimistic, yet realistic about the future of the sector. “I think the fact that we are investing in the industry at this time demonstrates our confidence in the sector, and its long-term potential. I believe that there is a requirement for another Irish independent paper supplier of scale to address the needs of the Irish printing sector directly
But how will Max Paper survive in the short-term?
There are three core elements for a paper merchant, a supportive customer and supplier base and adequately financed working capital facilities. Thankfully we have personal strong experience in all three. The simple fact that the banks have given us the financial backing demonstrates our strong relationship over the years and the confidence they have in us to succeed in this business.
Obtaining adequate finance and credit insurance are two issues affecting printing businesses in this current climate with John stating that such concerns can be rectified.
Printers get funding from three sources, private capital, banking and suppliers with all three now hard to obtain. As an independent supplier we can be more flexible and assist companies in managing their finance and supply.’
Max Paper stocks include coated and uncoated sheets and reels in all the standard sizes and weights, in addition to a full range of packaging and adhesive paper products.
We have the full range of products that one would expect to find from a leading paper merchant and we will shortly have a full catalogue available for all customers.
A part of Max Paper’s offering is an efficient delivery system to reflect the just-in-time demands of printing companies. As for the long-term, John says they have their eyes set on setting up a subsidiary in the UK and further afield.
I genuinely believe that Max Paper can be an international brand. It is something that we are definitely aspiring to.
Contact
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Max Paper Unit D1, Centrepoint, Blanchardstown, Dublin 11 E-Mail: info@maxpaper.ie Tel: +353 (0) 87 2566134 |
