6 minute read
PEOPLE IN PRINT: ADAM MIDDLETON, MINT IMAGING
Adam Middleton builds a dynamic and future focused business
Mint Imaging managing director Adam Middleton aims to continue being at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge solutions that go beyond the ordinary to clients
Launched during the peak of COVID-19, Queensland’s Mint Imaging has made strategic business moves and, in just four years, has set itself apart as one of the leading media production suppliers in the industry.
Mint Imaging managing director Adam Middleton tells Australian Printer more about his plans for the business.
Q: Tell us a bit more about your professional background and how you joined this industry?
Adam Middleton (AM): My journey in the print industry began in 1999, as an apprentice at Soul Sports, where I was introduced to the world of screen printing. From there, I worked with some of the most respected companies in the industry, including PMP Print and Clegg Media.
Over the years, I developed a deep passion for the equipment itself – whether it’s screen printing or grand format machines, I’ve always been hands-on. I love working directly with the machinery and ensuring our team gets the most out of it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing the innovation come to life on the equipment, especially when it’s a project that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.
Beyond the technical side, one of the things I cherish most about this industry is the ‘mateship’. There’s a bond that forms with certain people – those who share the same passion and work ethic. The print industry might be competitive, but the camaraderie between colleagues and partners runs deep. These connections have been invaluable in shaping my approach to business and innovation.
Q: What is the history behind Mint Imaging?
AM: Mint Imaging was launched in June 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough time for many industries, but I saw an opportunity to build something dynamic and future focused.
Later that year, we acquired Clegg Media, which expanded our capabilities in grand format printing. In 2023, we took another key step by purchasing Runtime Design, enhancing our in-house design services. These acquisitions weren’t just strategic business moves – they were about aligning with people who share the same values and vision for innovation that we do at Mint Imaging.
Q: How has Mint Imaging grown since then?
AM: Mint Imaging has seen rapid growth, largely due to our focus on pioneering technologies and pushing the envelope in print. We specialise in lenticular printing, fluorescent (fluro) applications, and our latest breakthrough – grand format invisible ink.
Our services cover both indoor and outdoor applications, and we’ve become known for our ability to bring creativity and technology together in ways that are both unique and impactful. The innovation we’ve achieved is a testament to the dedication of our team and the state-of-the-art equipment that helps turn ideas into reality.
We own an Agfa Annapurna RTR, a Fujifilm Pro 8, two HP Latex machines, an JHF Vista flatbed and two Cyanotype colour flatbeds.
Q: What plans do you have for the business in the next six to 12 months?
AM: Our immediate priority is to solidify our team. We want to build a strong, dedicated group of individuals who share our passion for innovation and excellence. Once we’ve established that foundation, we’ll focus on expanding our product offerings even further. There are so many exciting technologies emerging in the print world, and we plan to continue being at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients that go beyond the ordinary.
Q: What are some of the most memorable and unique projects that Mint Imaging has worked on?
AM: One of the most memorable projects has to be a grand format billboard we produced for an outdoor media company. We used a combination of fluorescent yellow and invisible ink to create a truly spectacular visual.
By day, the billboard appeared in blackand-white, but at night, under UV lighting, the sky transformed into a stunning display of glowing stars. To our knowledge, this application has never been done on such a large scale in grand format printing. It was an exciting project for both the technology and creativity involved, and it pushed us to new heights in what we could achieve.
Another that comes to mind is a Barbie bus shelter that we created for oOh!media. It was a full, customised build during the launch campaign of the Barbie movie. We built all the facia panels, had posters wrapped around the bus shelters, and installed the couch as the seat.
Another unique one we created was a 3D lenticular wall, which was for an entryway into an apartment building. Since it was a flat wall, the building management wanted some depth and ‘movement’ to it as you walked through the building. So, we created 3D lenticular leaves to give it depth – that was made out of 42 LPI lenticular lenses.
Q: What are some business requirements going into the new year and what are some priorities for Mint Imaging?
AM: One of the key challenges we face, like many in the industry, is the shortage of skilled workers. There are many talented print professionals overseas who are eager to migrate to Australia, but the costs associated with bringing them here can be prohibitive.
We’re actively looking at ways to streamline this process and make it more cost-effective, so we can continue to attract the best talent to keep Mint Imaging growing.
However, our main priority is to continue leading the charge in print innovation. At Mint Imaging, we’re all about thinking outside the box, and we want to be the go-to company in Australia for clients who want something truly unique. Whether it’s through groundbreaking technology or new ways of using tried-and-tested methods, we’re committed to pushing the limits of what print can do and delivering results that are as imaginative as they are effective.
