Integrity.
Innovation.
In Print.
About Hemlock
Our Mission
Our dedication to craftsmanship, technical leadership, best-in-class equipment and responsive customer service is combined with a commitment to sustainability and accountability for all our stakeholders. These values are embraced by our team throughout the print experience.
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Hemlock
Now celebrating our 50th anniversary, Hemlock is consistently recognized as one of the leading commercial print providers in North America. This legacy means we have become the trusted printer for leading brands and organizations of all sizes, and inspires us to seek out new and innovative ways to help our customers every day.
We are equally committed to evolving the sustainability aspects of our business, from measuring and reducing our own environmental impact to offering solutions that help our customers reduce theirs.
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Our Team
Hemlock effectively blends the benefits of a closely-knit, family run business with unparalleled scale and resources to hire and retain the best professionals in the industry. Our staff maintains a culture of integrity, high performance and transparent communication. Enhanced by our commitment to training and promotion from within, the result is industry-leading staff retention.
We actively support and recruit from the top graphic communication schools across the continent to complement our passionate and highly skilled team.
Are you interested in joining Hemlock’s team? View current opportunities.
Leadership
Richard Kouwenhoven
President & Chief Operating Officer
Richard has served as Hemlock’s President and Chief Operating Officer since 2012. Obtaining his Bachelor of Technology Degree from Ryerson’s Graphic Communication Management program in 1996, Richard has 25+ years of hands-on print industry experience in a number of roles, from Production to Senior Management. A second-generation family member in the business, taking over from his father and the company founder, Dick Kouwenhoven, he is responsible for setting the strategy and goals for the organization as well as being deeply active in its day-to-day operations. Richard is also the key lead on Hemlock’s Sustainability Initiatives.
Frits Kouwenhoven
Managing Partner, Hemlock Printers USA
Frits started his career at Hemlock in April of 1971, following in the footsteps of his brothers all the way from Delft, Holland. In 1991, Frits became the VP of Sales and Marketing and Partner at Hemlock. He led the Canadian Sales team until 1999, until he and his family moved to California and firmly established Hemlock’s presence in the USA. Frits’ passion and love for print is evident and contagious, which you find out once you meet him. He manages USA sales efforts and leads a highly successful team of ten USA-based employees.
Doug Climie
Vice-President, Sales & Marketing
With almost three decades of sales management experience in manufacturing, publishing and printing, Doug joined Hemlock in 2010, and leads Hemlock’s Canadian sales and support teams, as well as the many marketing initiatives for the company. He is active in developing and implementing innovative, client-focused solutions for our established and rapidly growing base of new and valued clients.
Jeff Taylor
Senior Vice-President, Manufacturing and Operations
Jeff graduated from the VVI Graphic Arts Program in 1976, and spent 16 years developing his career with one of Vancouver’s largest prepress companies, eventually becoming President of that organization. In 1998 Jeff joined Hemlock, and now successfully guides a myriad of complex press and finishing equipment installations, process improvement systems and technical mentorship. Jeff’s experience, insights and commitment to quality and efficiency make him a valuable resource and leader to staff and customers alike.
Peter Madliger
Vice-President, PrePress
Peter’s career in graphic arts began over 40 years ago in Switzerland, where he received training in offset lithography, specializing in print colour reproduction. Peter joined a top Vancouver graphic arts company in 1976, where he eventually led the entire electronic prepress operation. With Hemlock since 1990, Peter now leads a team of over 30 skilled technicians, sharing his remarkable colour expertise, experience and insights with Hemlock’s design and corporate clients.
Barb Mallin
Director, Fulfillment Services
A graduate of Ryerson University’s Graphic Communications Management Program, Barb joined Hemlock in 2006 and has played many key roles in critical client and company initiatives. Barb oversees the Fulfillment activities at Hemlock’s sister company, Hemlock Harling Distribution Ltd. in Richmond, BC and is an active contributor to the Leadership team on this high-growth component of our business.
Mike Breukels
Vice President, Finance
Mike graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1987, and is a CFA Charterholder and CPA. Mike has extensive experience working with public and private companies from startups to multinationals. He joined Hemlock in 2015, and in his Vice President Finance role is responsible for corporate accounting, budgeting and other related financial matters.
Stan Potma
Director, Estimating & Sales Support
Stan began his career in the printing industry in 1985 and with training in the VVI Graphic Arts program, worked in prepress production for several years before transitioning to supervisory and management roles. In 2006, Stan joined Hemlock and has worked in project management roles and currently leads the Estimating Department, while providing technical support to the Hemlock sales team.
Daren McKewan
Director, Customer Service
Daren began his career at Hemlock Printers in 1984, graduating from the Financial Management Program at BCIT in 1992. Over the past 34 years, he has served in various management roles within the company, covering all aspects of Manufacturing and Operations. Daren is currently the Director of Customer Service of the Main Plant Division and the Manager of our Digital & Display Division. His vast knowledge and extensive experience in all aspects of print not only makes him a valued member of the Leadership Team, but a leader and mentor to staff and colleagues.
Rob Baker
Director, Manufacturing
Rob began his career in the print industry in 1990. After completing a five-year apprenticeship in lithography in 1997 and after several years in prepress, Rob had many roles in customer service and production, including Project Manager, Production Scheduler, Production Management and Director of Operations. Rob’s attention to customer needs and focus on quality is what drives him everyday. In 2015, Rob joined Hemlock as the Production Scheduler before transitioning into his current role, Director of Manufacturing.
Paul Mackie
General Manager, Hemlock Harling
With 20 years of industry experience and 13 of those at Hemlock, Paul brings a hands-on approach to his role at Hemlock’s sister company, Hemlock Harling Distribution Inc. in Richmond, BC. Paul oversaw the introduction of digital print technology at Hemlock and went on to manage the successful expansion of Hemlock’s Digital & Display operation. He recently transitioned to the General Manager role at Hemlock Harling, where his strong customer focused leadership style will continue the growth and expansion of Hemlock’s print related offerings.
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Richard Kouwenhoven
President & Chief Operating Officer
-
Richard has served as Hemlock’s President and Chief Operating Officer since 2012. Obtaining his Bachelor of Technology Degree from Ryerson’s Graphic Communication Management program in 1996, Richard has 25+ years of hands-on print industry experience in a number of roles, from Production to Senior Management. A second-generation family member in the business, taking over from his father and the company founder, Dick Kouwenhoven, he is responsible for setting the strategy and goals for the organization as well as being deeply active in its day-to-day operations. Richard is also the key lead on Hemlock’s Sustainability Initiatives.
-
Frits Kouwenhoven
Managing Partner, Hemlock Printers USA
-
Frits started his career at Hemlock in April of 1971, following in the footsteps of his brothers all the way from Delft, Holland. In 1991, Frits became the VP of Sales and Marketing and Partner at Hemlock. He led the Canadian Sales team until 1999, until he and his family moved to California and firmly established Hemlock’s presence in the USA. Frits’ passion and love for print is evident and contagious, which you find out once you meet him. He manages USA sales efforts and leads a highly successful team of ten USA-based employees.
-
Doug Climie
Vice-President, Sales & Marketing
-
With almost three decades of sales management experience in manufacturing, publishing and printing, Doug joined Hemlock in 2010, and leads Hemlock’s Canadian sales and support teams, as well as the many marketing initiatives for the company. He is active in developing and implementing innovative, client-focused solutions for our established and rapidly growing base of new and valued clients.
-
Jeff Taylor
Senior Vice-President, Manufacturing and Operations
-
Jeff graduated from the VVI Graphic Arts Program in 1976, and spent 16 years developing his career with one of Vancouver’s largest prepress companies, eventually becoming President of that organization. In 1998 Jeff joined Hemlock, and now successfully guides a myriad of complex press and finishing equipment installations, process improvement systems and technical mentorship. Jeff’s experience, insights and commitment to quality and efficiency make him a valuable resource and leader to staff and customers alike.
-
Peter Madliger
Vice-President, PrePress
-
Peter’s career in graphic arts began over 40 years ago in Switzerland, where he received training in offset lithography, specializing in print colour reproduction. Peter joined a top Vancouver graphic arts company in 1976, where he eventually led the entire electronic prepress operation. With Hemlock since 1990, Peter now leads a team of over 30 skilled technicians, sharing his remarkable colour expertise, experience and insights with Hemlock’s design and corporate clients.
-
Barb Mallin
Director, Fulfillment Services
-
A graduate of Ryerson University’s Graphic Communications Management Program, Barb joined Hemlock in 2006 and has played many key roles in critical client and company initiatives. Barb oversees the Fulfillment activities at Hemlock’s sister company, Hemlock Harling Distribution Ltd. in Richmond, BC and is an active contributor to the Leadership team on this high-growth component of our business.
-
Mike Breukels
Vice President, Finance
-
Mike graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1987, and is a CFA Charterholder and CPA. Mike has extensive experience working with public and private companies from startups to multinationals. He joined Hemlock in 2015, and in his Vice President Finance role is responsible for corporate accounting, budgeting and other related financial matters.
-
Stan Potma
Director, Estimating & Sales Support
-
Stan began his career in the printing industry in 1985 and with training in the VVI Graphic Arts program, worked in prepress production for several years before transitioning to supervisory and management roles. In 2006, Stan joined Hemlock and has worked in project management roles and currently leads the Estimating Department, while providing technical support to the Hemlock sales team.
-
Daren McKewan
Director, Customer Service
-
Daren began his career at Hemlock Printers in 1984, graduating from the Financial Management Program at BCIT in 1992. Over the past 34 years, he has served in various management roles within the company, covering all aspects of Manufacturing and Operations. Daren is currently the Director of Customer Service of the Main Plant Division and the Manager of our Digital & Display Division. His vast knowledge and extensive experience in all aspects of print not only makes him a valued member of the Leadership Team, but a leader and mentor to staff and colleagues.
-
Rob Baker
Director, Manufacturing
-
Rob began his career in the print industry in 1990. After completing a five-year apprenticeship in lithography in 1997 and after several years in prepress, Rob had many roles in customer service and production, including Project Manager, Production Scheduler, Production Management and Director of Operations. Rob’s attention to customer needs and focus on quality is what drives him everyday. In 2015, Rob joined Hemlock as the Production Scheduler before transitioning into his current role, Director of Manufacturing.
-
Paul Mackie
General Manager, Hemlock Harling
-
With 20 years of industry experience and 13 of those at Hemlock, Paul brings a hands-on approach to his role at Hemlock’s sister company, Hemlock Harling Distribution Inc. in Richmond, BC. Paul oversaw the introduction of digital print technology at Hemlock and went on to manage the successful expansion of Hemlock’s Digital & Display operation. He recently transitioned to the General Manager role at Hemlock Harling, where his strong customer focused leadership style will continue the growth and expansion of Hemlock’s print related offerings.
Hemlock has established and adheres to a clearly defined set of guiding principles for Corporate Social Responsibility, including:
- 01Bringing social benefits to the community through employment, volunteerism and financial support of charitable and nonprofit organizations.
- 02Treating all employees with respect and dignity by offering a healthy and safe work environment, regular and open channels of communication and equitable compensation.
- 03Being fair, honest and forthright in our business practices with customers and suppliers.
- 04Researching and applying the use of sustainable materials in all areas of the production process.
- 05Considering the impact all decisions have on the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
History
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1968
Starting from a humble, 600 square foot storefront producing one- and two-colour stationery products, Hemlock opens with one A.B. Dick press and a manual platen letterpress. Incorporated in 1968 by Dick Kouwenhoven, Hemlock establishes an early reputation for quality and innovation.
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1975
Equipment expansion include two large format presses and producing two-colour direct mail for leading department store chains.
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1986
Hemlock moves its operations to the current location, building a 75,000 sq ft facility at 7050 Buller Avenue in Burnaby, British Columbia.
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1993
The early ‘90s marks an expansion of the Burnaby headquarters to house the new prepress department, as well as expanded press capacity, and now operates from a facility expanded to 79,000 sq ft.
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1999
Hemlock expands to five sales offices along the west coast of North America, becoming the first BC-based printer to begin serving clients in the United States.
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2004
Hemlock forms its first Sustainability Committee, driving new internal initiatives and forging innovative partnerships with mills and NGO’s.
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2005
To meet growing demand, Hemlock initiates a division dedicated to Digital Print, offering offset-calibre quality, greater flexibility, lower minimums and faster turnaround for clients with HP Indigo press technology.
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2012
Hemlock embraces UV technology with the installation of a Heidelberg six colour XL UV press, widely expanding the scope of substrate and treatment options available to our customers.
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2015
The company grows again, to include Hemlock Display, in a dedicated wide format and display graphics facility powered by progressive Durst and Zund technologies.
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2017
Hemlock, in partnership with Harling Direct, acquires Kirk Marketing and establishes a company with dedicated data, mailing, warehousing and distribution. Our Digital and Display production equipment and staff consolidate into a high-efficiency single facility on North Fraser Way in south Burnaby.
-
1968
Starting from a humble, 600 square foot storefront producing one- and two-colour stationery products, Hemlock opens with one A.B. Dick press and a manual platen letterpress. Incorporated in 1968 by Dick Kouwenhoven, Hemlock establishes an early reputation for quality and innovation.
-
1975
Equipment expansion include two large format presses and producing two-colour direct mail for leading department store chains.
-
1986
Hemlock moves its operations to the current location, building a 75,000 sq ft facility at 7050 Buller Avenue in Burnaby, British Columbia.
-
1993
The early ‘90s marks an expansion of the Burnaby headquarters to house the new prepress department, as well as expanded press capacity, and now operates from a facility expanded to 79,000 sq ft.
-
1999
Hemlock expands to five sales offices along the west coast of North America, becoming the first BC-based printer to begin serving clients in the United States.
-
2004
Hemlock forms its first Sustainability Committee, driving new internal initiatives and forging innovative partnerships with mills and NGO’s.
-
2005
To meet growing demand, Hemlock initiates a division dedicated to Digital Print, offering offset-calibre quality, greater flexibility, lower minimums and faster turnaround for clients with HP Indigo press technology.
-
2012
Hemlock embraces UV technology with the installation of a Heidelberg six colour XL UV press, widely expanding the scope of substrate and treatment options available to our customers.
-
2015
The company grows again, to include Hemlock Display, in a dedicated wide format and display graphics facility powered by progressive Durst and Zund technologies.
-
2017
Hemlock, in partnership with Harling Direct, acquires Kirk Marketing and establishes a company with dedicated data, mailing, warehousing and distribution. Our Digital and Display production equipment and staff consolidate into a high-efficiency single facility on North Fraser Way in south Burnaby.