MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESURG – FROM humble beginnings to be among the leaders in the printing industry, 24 Hours Printing’s growth has been phenomenal.

The company, based in Bramley, Johannesburg, was borne out of a dream to transform the industry amid concern waiting days for projects to be printed was frustrating clients.

“At the companies where I previously worked, we were doing speed service but still offering clients their products after three to seven days. I said ‘No’, why can’t we do so overnight,” says Michael Mahlakoleng, 24 Hours Printing Managing Director.

The firm was established in 2012.

“We started as a small operation. It was a long journey…….we did not have funding and started from home. We later moved into a small office in Kempton Park,” Mahlakoleng reminisces.

“We started with one machine and now we have a couple more under our belt.

The company provides such corporate stationery as business cards, brochures and fliers.

“We do not have a minimum and maximum quantity,” Mahlakoleng says of the quality that sets them apart from rival firms.

“People come to us because we offer speedy service and offer free delivery locally.’

Apart from quality services and products, 24 Hours Printing prides itself on compliance and empowering staff.

“We have complied with UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund). We are moving into Workman Compensation. We are registering for Skills Development as well. The most important part is to develop my staff members even if they were to leave after training,” says Mahlakoleng.

“I would be more grateful if they can look back and say the company equipped them with skills,” the executive says.

24 Hours Printing Graphic Designer, Thatho Mongale, is passionate about his job.

“Graphic design has always been my passion. I have always liked playing around with stuff such as colours and creating stuff just out of my imagination,” says Mongale.

The job, he concedes, can be challenging but he is ever up to the task.

“It is unlike previous companies where one had all the time to come up with concepts. At 24 Hours, as the name suggests one has to be quick because of clients ever coming in. One has to keep everyone happy,” says Mongale.

Thando Marhwa, the company’s Sales Executive, forecasts a brighter future for 24 Hours Printing.

“We are growing as it is! I think we can even grow bigger. We are going to be one of the top dogs in printing,” Marhwa says.