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Graphic Warehouse has officially opened its new facility with an open day for local schools, leading to a wider call for businesses to inspire young people
Graphic Warehouse, a trade supplier of wide-format printing and signage, has officially opened the doors of its newly refurbished 20,000sq ft facility.
The opening of the facility in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, was marked with an open day event on June 26th, with a number of local schools and stakeholders invited.
The open day welcomed students both from the local town of Coatbridge and nearby Glasgow, offering a tour of the production floor, as well as a range of hands-on design activities.
The event was designed to showcase career opportunities beyond the traditional academic path. Graphic Warehouse, formerly Matic Media, described the day as being “a bold statement about the future of UK manufacturing and the vital role young people can play in it.”
Richard McCombe, founder and managing director of Graphic Warehouse, who was formerly a primary school teacher, says he has seen first-hand the challenges facing young people who don’t find their place in mainstream education.
Speaking about the opportunities open for young people, McCombe says: “Some young people are not destined for university or college – and that’s not a failure.
“It’s an opportunity for businesses like ours to step up. Our open day was about showing them a future they might not have imagined. One that’s skilled, creative, and rewarding.”
For the past five years, Graphic Warehouse has implemented what it labels as a “grow your own” talent strategy. The company recruits young people through apprenticeship schemes delivered by providers like Print Scotland, training them from the ground up with the goal of providing long-term opportunities for them.
This approach has proven not only more sustainable but also more rewarding.
McCombe explains: “Hiring experienced staff from the industry doesn’t always mean they’re the right cultural fit.
“By training young people ourselves, we’ve created a team that reflects our values, understands our systems, and is deeply invested in our success.”
McCombe is calling on other businesses to adopt similar strategies, saying: “It’s not always easy, but the long-term rewards – for your team, your culture, and your leadership – are immeasurable.
“Supporting disengaged young people to find their vocation changes lives, including yours.”
Graphic Warehouse completed its transition from Matic Media Services in February, revealing a range of significant operational advancements and sustainability efforts alongside the revamp.
The £1.1m investment in a new facility came alongside an update to its printing technology. Among the new kit, the facility now houses a Liyu Platinum Q3 wide-format printer, which the company reportedly purchased for its ability to print on a broader range of eco-friendly materials.
