2020

Partnering with PDI Group, Hemlock acquires PrismTech Graphics, an established wide format printing company in Burnaby, BC. Hemlock’s Display division moves into the PrismTech Graphics facility.

2018

On July 31st, the Hemlock team celebrates the company’s 50th birthday. The same year, Hemlock installs a new Heidelberg 8-colour UV LED perfecting press with CutStar technology.

2017

Partnering with Harling Direct, Hemlock launches a new business venture—Hemlock Harling Distribution. The new business focuses on digital print, mailing, fulfillment, and distribution services. Hemlock installs a new 12-pocket Muller Martini Alegro perfect binder.

2015

Display and wide format printing are established at the company with three wide format presses and new finishing equipment. That same year, Dick Kouwenhoven is recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Printing Awards.

2013

Hemlock introduces the next generation in printing performance with the installation of a Heidelberg 6-colour 106 XL UV press which prints 18,000 impressions per hour.

2012

Richard Kouwenhoven becomes President and General Manager of Hemlock. Dick transitions to the role of chairman and CEO.

2007

Hemlock becomes Canada’s first carbon neutral printer after partnering with Vancouver-based Offsetters, which guides people and organizations seeking to reduce their climate impact. The same year, committed to building online ordering tools for customers, Hemlock establishes its web-to-print department.

2005

Hemlock purchases its first digital press—an HP Indigo 5000. That same year, Hemlock is named Canada’s Most Environmentally Progressive Printing Company at the first annual Environmental Printing Awards, later to become the Canadian Printing Awards.

2004

Hemlock becomes the first printer in the Pacific Northwest to receive Forest Stewardship Council(R) certification (FSC(R) 014956)—the global non-profit dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. That same year, Hemlock forms its first Sustainability Committee.

1999

Hemlock enters the California marketplace with the opening of a sales office in the San Francisco Bay Area. Frits Kouwenhoven heads up Hemlock’s US sales efforts from his new Walnut Creek office.

1993

Hemlock celebrates in 25th Anniversary. The company opens its first US sales office in Seattle and completes a 19,500-square-foot building addition, housing the full-service prepress department, more office space and a staff lunchroom. In its 25th year, Hemlock’s sales surpass $20 million, and its team includes 160 employees.

1990

Peter Madliger joins the company to help launch Hemlock’s electronic prepress department—which includes high-quality drum scanning.

1989

Hemlock establishes a presence on Vancouver Island with a Victoria-based remote sales office. Meanwhile, Hemlock Express opens in Vancouver to produce stationery and quick-turnaround print products.

1986

Vancouver hosts the world at Expo 86. Expanding to 54,000-square-feet, Hemlock moves its location to Buller Avenue—where it remains more than three decades later. Three Heidelberg presses are joined by a new 40” 6-colour press. Company sales climb to $9 million and the Hemlock family expands to 90 employees.

1980

Hemlock acquires and leases two adjacent buildings and the Curragh location doubles in size to 14,000-square-feet.

1977

Hemlock introduces phototypesetting, a paste-up department and design/layout services. Sales growth climbs to $1.9 million and the company roster reaches 30.

1973

Hemlock moves to a 7,000-sqaure-foot facility on Curragh Avenue in Burnaby. Installation of a 2-colour 28” Miehle, a single colour 18” Heidelberg GTO and later that year, Hemlock’s first 40” press.

1972

John Kouwenhoven joins Hemlock as both a partner in the business and its production manager.

1971

Hemlock moves to a larger 2,500-square-foot facility on Elgin Street in Burnaby. Installation of Solna 125 25” single colour offset press. The company now includes five employees, as well as a recent arrival from the Netherlands—Frits Kouwenhoven.

1968

Dick Kouwenhoven incorporates Hemlock Printers Limited in June 1968. There were two employees that first year, with sales at $85,000. Equipment included a Challenge Gordon letterpress, a Heidelberg “Windmill” Platen, and an A.B. Dick offset.