13/08/2026
When Bill Johns started his own business in 1976, it was a literal backyard operation.
After finishing his day job, he would come home and create screen prints by hand in the evenings.
But as the client list grew, he was able to relocate the business to Stepney before settling in its current home in Glynde.
The business formerly known as Johns Printing Centre has come a long way since those humble origins and is now South Australia's largest wide format digital print company.
The company started transitioning to the name JPC when Bill retired, and there have been plenty of other changes since Director Chad Rachwal joined the team 17 years ago.
The key driver for that change has been a constant investment in new equipment.
What was once an industry dominated by time-consuming manual procedures has become increasingly technology-driven.
Now, in addition to printing, JPC can design and install everything from banners and light boxes to van wraps, stickers and business cards.
“We regularly purchase the latest wide format printers and finishing equipment,” says Chad.
“That has helped to keep us ahead of the game for many years.”
Jobs that once took three weeks can now be finished in a matter of days, and it's not just productivity that has improved.
That investment has also led to sustainability initiatives like PVC-free vehicle wrap solutions.
Among the most prized pieces of equipment is the Canon Colorado M Series printer.
“It's one of the fastest wide format 1600mm printers,” explains Chad, adding that it's the only printer of its kind that can create matte and gloss print finishes simultaneously.
Even as JPC's interstate reach has expanded, that emphasis on incorporating the latest technology has helped the company work with a range of iconic South Australian clients including Foodland, Bickfords, RAA and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
You'll find JPC products decorating events like Gather Round, the Royal Adelaide Show and Norwood Food & Wine Festival, and Chad says that almost every South Australian has probably seen their work in some form.
“It makes us very proud to see it,” says Chad.
“All the staff are like family and feel the same way.”
More than half of JPC's 27 staff have been with the company for over a decade, and they'll all be able to celebrate the business' 50th anniversary in style at an upcoming luncheon.
But far from looking to the past, Chad already has his sights set firmly on the future.
He is already eyeing another rebrand to JPC Visual as the company moves into the visual communication space.
“We will continue to lead the way with wide format innovation, grow our signage capabilities and become the strongest visual media company in South Australia.”
Get in touch
21-23 Provident Avenue, Glynde
W: johnsprintcentre.au
I: /johnsprintcentre
