A proud history of printing dating back to 1895

The founder of the company, Hubert Adams, a true pioneer born at Sandhurst during the Gold Rush, published and printed newspapers for the miners on the goldfields at Linton, Pitfield, Kaleno and Lismore – all located between Ballarat and Geelong – before relocating the business to Geelong in 1922.

1895

Hubert Adams, aged 21, starts the Grenville Standard at Linton, near Ballarat.

1898

Grenville Standard office moves to Clyde Street, Linton.

1899

First issue of the Kaleno Banner published from the office at Glenfine Road, Kaleno.

1900

First issue of the Pitfield Banner and Hollybush Times published from the office at Main Street, Kaleno.

1901

First issue of Rokewood Reformer and Corindhap Chronicle published from the office at Main Street, Kaleno.

1910

First issue of the Lismore Advertiser published by Hubert Adams at High Street, Lismore. Hubert sells his share of the Pitfield Banner according to his editorial in the first issue.

1911

First issue of the Lismore, Derrinallum and Cressy Advertiser published by Hubert Adams for the proprietors Adams and Thomas at High Street, Lismore.

1915

Hubert Adams sells the Grenville Standard which continues to be published from Clyde Street, Linton.
Image: State Library of Victoria.

1922

The business moved from Lismore to Geelong. Renamed Hubert Adams & Co and located in the Block Buildings, adjacent to Little Malop Street. Image: State Library of Victoria.

1945

Hubert’s grandson, Bruce, commenced working in the business.

1948

Hubert Adams is knocked off his bike and dies later that night. Hubert’s daughter, Lynn, and grandson, Bruce, take over running the business.

1952

The business name is changed to Adams Printers. The existing letterpress is modernised and offset printing technology is introduced.

1961

Adams Printers is registered as a Pty Ltd company.

1966

The James Street premise is outgrown and a purpose-built factory is erected in Malop Street.

1995

Adams Printers is sold by Bruce Adams.

2002

Rob Hulls, Victorian Minister for the Manufacturing Industry opened the new purpose-built premises in Breakwater, Geelong. The factory is fitted with the latest A1 print technology.

2003

Adams Print expands into the Melbourne market with the establishment of its Southbank office.

2004

Adams Print is recognised at both the National Print Awards and as an inductee into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

2006

Adams Print celebrates a third consecutive gold medal at the National Print Awards and receives a Geelong Business Excellence award for excellence in Manufacturing & Export.

2007

Major investment in press technology improves print innovation capabilities.
The fourth year of consecutive medal-winning performance at the National Print Awards.

2010

Adams Print receives the Heidelberg Award for Excellence in Craft at the National Print Awards.
Further, we were awarded our sixth Gold medal at the National Print Awards since 2004.

2018

Adams Print launch the latest in digital technology with the incorporation of a HP Indigo press.

2020

Adams Print celebrate our 125th anniversary. Our relationship with gold endures: we have received 33 National Print Award Golds medals since 2004.