Graphic Warehouse opens a new 20,000sqft facility with an important mission to champion young talent
Graphic Warehouse, formerly Matic Media, officially opened the doors of its newly refurbished 20,000-square-foot facility to local schools and stakeholders on June 26. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the company’s growth—it was a bold statement about the future of UK manufacturing and the vital role young people can play in it.
The open day welcomed students from two high schools and a primary school in nearby Coatbridge and Glasgow, offering them an immersive look at the high-tech, creative world of large-format print and display manufacturing. From touring the production floor to engaging with hands-on design activities, the event was designed to showcase real career opportunities beyond the traditional academic path.
The young people toured the expansive production floor, saw their own school logos printed on flags and plaques, and even examined ink droplets through clip-on microscopes provided in goody bags.
Grow your own
For the past five years, Graphic Warehouse has implemented a “grow your own” talent strategy—recruiting young people through apprenticeship schemes delivered by providers like Print Scotland, and training them from the ground up. This approach has proven not only more sustainable but also more rewarding.
Founder and Managing Director Richard McCombe, a former primary school teacher, says, “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.”
He explains, “In 2019, we decided that we did not want to recruit from the industry anymore. We didn’t want to recruit other sign-makers, because that was the closest industry to us. We didn’t want to recruit other large-format printers because the only way we could do it was by advertising and poaching from the people we were trying to make our customers. So we decided we were just going to grow our own.”
The true impact of this policy became clear recently. Following a conversation about making a social contribution, Richard went to his production team and asked what percentage of their operational staff are under 25? The answer was about 80%. “We took most of these directly from school. Often, they were disengaged from learning and had no plans to pursue further education. This meant they had limited job prospects when we provided them with employment opportunities. It was a powerful realisation that what we’ve done for these people is life-changing.”
Richard says this path offers an important and viable alternative for those who aren’t suited to the traditional academic route. “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. It’s really important that businesses utilise the opportunities within their community networks to encourage young people to realise that their options aren’t limited to warehouse picking or door-to-door deliveries. There are alternatives that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.”
Empowering young people
This investment extends beyond just giving young people a job; it involves empowering them with the latest technology and operational principles. “We are very, very IT driven and systems orientated,” says Richard, adding, “Young staff are being trained in lean manufacturing processes like the ‘5S’ methodology and mistake-proofing techniques such as Poka-yoke. This empowerment creates a motivated and skilled workforce. One lad here is absolutely amazing on the sewing machine, and he has said that he wants his own signage department. He’s only 22, but we’re going to make that happen.”
The opening of the new premises was a call to action, raising awareness among young people and other businesses about the opportunities within the industry. Through its partnership with Print Scotland, which facilitates apprenticeships, Graphic Warehouse has created a powerful pipeline for talent.
Richard encourages other businesses to adopt similar strategies. “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,” he concludes.