A Personal Connection to Printing

Jonathan Lewis, the managing director of Gomer Press, reflects on his childhood spent near the factory, located just 50 meters from his home. “When I was a young boy, back in the 1960s, I used to go on my own to the factory… I remember the smell of the lead and the noise of the casters,” he shares.

A New Achievement

Lewis recently spoke with The Bookseller about Gomer Press’s recent accolade: winning Printweek’s Book Printer of the Year award. He expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “It’s a huge accolade for us and we’re really pleased. Hopefully, it will help us win some new customers.” The focus remains on delivering high-quality, distinct work.

The Company’s Rich History

Founded in 1892 by Lewis’ great-grandfather, Gomer Press has evolved significantly over the years. Initially a key player in publishing Welsh-language books for educational institutions, the company now emphasizes case-bound hardbacks for prestigious clients in London, including the Royal Academy and the Folio Society.

With a turnover of £5.5 million and a workforce of around 50 employees, Gomer Press stands as a pillar in the Welsh printing industry. Lewis notes the challenging market for Welsh printers, many of which have closed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leadership and Changes

Taking the reins from his father in the mid-1990s, Lewis has orchestrated significant transformations at Gomer Press. The press relocated in 2004 after 112 years at its original site, transitioning to a more modern facility on the outskirts of Llandysul. In a strategic move, he decided to close the publishing division, which had operated for 66 years, to concentrate on the printing business, noting, “It wasn’t making enough money. We wanted to focus on printing.”

A Family Legacy

Even with operational changes, the essence of family involvement remains strong. Lewis’s 93-year-old father visits daily, enjoying a routine check on the factory and engaging with the staff. “He has a routine: he comes in, has a cup of tea and has a look around the factory,” Lewis explains, chuckling at his father’s insightful interjections.

From Tradition to Technology

Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Lewis shares details about Gomer’s early printing methods. The first two books printed by Gomer are dated 1894 and 1896, illustrating the painstaking process of letterpress printing, where each letter was picked by hand. Today, production utilizes advanced technology such as the B1 Heidelberg XL106 LE-UV perfecting press and Kolbus binding line, capable of intricate designs including foil and edge printing.

“We bought a book-edge printer about two years ago. I think it just adds to a book having the edge printed in a nice pattern,” Lewis elaborates, showing enthusiasm for an upcoming new machine that can handle both spot UV and foil blocking simultaneously.

Looking to the Future

Despite the family’s deep historical ties to the business, Lewis acknowledges that the next generation is currently uninterested in taking over. “My children both live in Cardiff and, unfortunately, they’re enjoying it too much,” he remarks, leaving the door open for their eventual return should their interests change.