Currie Group: 75 Years of Innovation & Service

Currie Group celebrates its 75th anniversary this year as one of the industry's largest and most comprehensive suppliers and an evolving portfolio of solutions that encompasses everything from digital and analogue print and finishing equipment to sign and display solutions, software and consumables, backed by the industry's leading technical support and service operation.

It started as a small print engineering business, Currie & Southward, established by a young William 'Bill' Currie and Tom Southward in 1949.

The two worked together as maintenance engineers with the Herald & Weekly Times, and Currie's expertise soon had other printers requesting his assistance with servicing their machines after hours.

While Southward would move on, it was the start of a life-long commitment to the industry for Currie.

Currie & Southward, now known as Currie Group, has marked significant milestones in its journey to becoming a market leader, built on the foundational principle of customer service.

The company's success has been tied to its customers' success, a value emphasised by founder Bill Currie. Known for his reliability, Currie ensured that no request was too difficult and no call too late. This commitment to service was passed down to his son, David Currie, who joined the business in 1969 and currently serves as Chair.

The print sector has significantly transformed from offset printing to digital technologies. Currie Group has adapted throughout these changes while focusing on service, innovation, people, and partnerships.

Key milestones in the company's evolution include:

• The addition of a transport service.
• The supply of second-hand equipment.
• The move to providing new presses in the 1970s.

During this period, David Currie established agreements with manufacturers in Europe and Japan, including Shinohara and Horizon.

In 2002, Currie & Co became the exclusive channel partner for HP Indigo Digital Presses in the ANZ region, a pivotal moment in its history, solidifying its position as a comprehensive solutions provider.

Rob Mesaros, who became CEO in 2021, has continued the company's modernisation across three key areas: updating and expanding systems and tools, evolving service capabilities, and broadening the product portfolio. Under his leadership, the product range has expanded to include additive manufacturing (3D printing) and a full range of sign and display solutions. Future growth areas under consideration include media and robotics.

In addition to product expansion, Currie Group has invested in enhancing its engineering expertise and product knowledge to support its customers. These efforts reflect the values established 75 years ago by Bill Currie, which are evident in the professionalism and commitment of staff across Australia and New Zealand, the quality of relationships with vendors and customers, and a robust service infrastructure.

Celebrating 75 years of success, Currie Group's ongoing commitment to evolving and modernising its business ensures that its customers can achieve their full potential, continuing its proud history for many years.