OTTAWA/KINGSTON—Delta Printing in Ottawa has acquired National Printers in the same city.

"Naturally we will be integrating the business down the road," said Usman Shaikh, group president and CEO, when asked if Delta will move into National's facility. He added, "I can't control two plants in Ottawa now, that would defeat the purpose."

As far as changes to staffing between the two Ottawa facilities, he didn't offer specifics, but said, "There will definitely be some streamlining."
Delta in itself was not able to offer some of the services as National Printers, such as large format, he added. "Their infrastructure is much better, it's a 52,000 sq. ft. building, it definitely helps us. National is already established ... with staff with very valuable knowledge."

Delta is part of a printing group that also owns Sisca Business Solutions (formerly Nashville Printers), a 100,000 sq. ft. plant in Quebec. The group's holding companies acquired Delta in 2005, Shaikh explained.

Sisca Group includes Sisca Business Solutions, Sisca Mailing and Distribution, Delta printing, Sisca Business Management and Nashville Holdings Ltd. Sixteen retail digital centers operate under different brand names including Copie Express, Copie Lab, Copie Select, Pro Copie and Copie Delux, he added. Fifteen of the outlets are in Quebec, with one in Kingston.

The group also recently acquired DigiGraphics in Kingston, he said. DigiGraphics' website notes the business offers a number of services including printing, graphic design, website design/hosting, desktop publishing and direct marketing.

"With all due respect, the printing business is going nowhere ... the only way we can grow is by consolidation," said Shaikh. "The organic growth doesn't exist anymore, especially with the advent of the  internet and higher Canadian dollar ... it's not helping the printers."

The companies are now shifting to new technology to meet demands, he added. "We are more digital in Montreal and Ottawa's future will be more digital as well," explained Shaikh. "Offset is dying ... because the volume is reducing and naturally everyone wants to go on print on demand, it's cheaper for the customers."