Our History

Hemlock was once a 600 square-foot storefront operation that serviced the local neighbourhood market, producing one and two-colour stationery products with one A.B. Dick press and a manual platen letterpress. Incorporated in 1968 by Dick Kouwenhoven, a journeyman typographer with a passion for printing and a keen business sense, Hemlock had a reputation for quality and innovation.

During the 1970’s, the company expanded with two large-format presses and began producing two-colour direct mail for Eatons, Simpsons-Sears and others. Further expansion in the 1980’s made Hemlock a force in the Vancouver print market with the installation of more presses and the latest technological innovations - sales and employment tripled. In 1986, Hemlock moved to its current location at 7050 Buller Avenue, which was expanded in 1993 to make room for Hemlock’s full-service prepress department. Seen as a leader in the industry, Hemlock was the first BC-based printer to begin serving clients in the U.S.

After 40 strong years, Hemlock is proud to remain a privately owned, family-run organization and has grown to become a major force in the Pacific Northwest. With sales in excess of $40 million, Hemlock maintains five offices to serve North America’s graphic designers, advertising agencies and corporate end clients. Our 75,000 square foot plant houses 50 printing units on seven Heidelberg presses, and a full-service bindery, producing a diverse array of products including annual reports, marketing materials, books and fine art prints. Hemlock’s talented team of 240 employees stays true to the company’s fundamental values of quality and innovation.

The use of the Internet for data transfer is now a significant and growing part of the business. Hemlock is a leader in the innovative workflow improvements including remote viewing and proofing, online ordering and digital asset management. With the installation of our digital press in 2005, Hemlock is able to work with static and variable data, and has entered into the rapidly developing world of integrated and direct marketing. Online ordering and fulfillment are just a few of the many growing product offerings at Hemlock.

We continue to assess new technologies and client requirements to ensure that Hemlock is well positioned to lead the industry into the future. We’re always thinking two steps ahead, but we will never forget our roots – the love for printing and the passion for craftsmanship.