Company Overview
Kuhnel Graphics Ltd was a private limited company located in Ossett, West Yorkshire, integrated on November 30, 1972. The company specialized in printing services with a focus on large-format solutions including point-of-sale, point-of-purchase, 3D cardboard engineering, exhibition stands, and general signage. Over its 40-year history, Kuhnel Graphics was recognized for delivering quality print solutions at competitive prices. Before its dissolution, it operated with a workforce of 11-50 employees and reported a revenue of approximately $2 million.
Recent Business Status
Kuhnel Graphics Ltd was dissolved on December 21, 2023. The dissolution was a result of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant reduction in orders and affected the company's cash flow, ultimately driving it into administration on September 14, 2021. Administrators attempted to maintain operations to fulfill existing orders and explore potential sales, but the company could not remain as a going concern. Consequently, all 25 staff members were made redundant by September 24, 2021. Following a competitive bidding process, Leeds-based Zebra Print acquired the assets of Kuhnel Graphics Ltd, with plans to integrate them into their operations.
Leadership
The leadership comprised of Simon Kuhnel, who was the Managing and Sales Director, and Jonathan Paul Kuhnel, who served as a Director. Simon Kuhnel played a pivotal role in the company's strategic leadership and relationship management, emphasizing high-quality and innovative print solutions. Their leadership underscored the family-driven nature, with key family members forming the executive team.
Address and Operations
The registered office address was C/O PKF GM, 3rd Floor, One Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HN, while operational activities were conducted from Units 1-4 Warneford Avenue, Ossett, West Yorkshire. The company deployed advanced printing equipment, including Canon Oce Arizona and Colorado large-format printers, alongside Zund cutters, to cater to a diverse range of client needs.
Market Position and Impact
Kuhnel Graphics Ltd was esteemed within the printing industry for possessing dedicated staff and maintaining a credible history of customer service excellence. It held substantial accounts in the retail sector, particularly in producing Free Standing Display Units (FSDUs) and point-of-sale prints for significant UK retailers and brands. The onset of the pandemic, however, presented formidable challenges that led to the company's cessation.
Competitor Profiling
Kuhnel Graphics Ltd operated in a competitive landscape against several notable industry players offering similar printing services:
Notable Competitors:
1. Image Factory UK
- Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
- Industry: Printing Services
- Company Size: 51-200 employees
- Founded: 1961
- Specialties: Large format digital printing, point-of-sale displays, and signage
- Website: [Image Factory UK](http://www.imagefactoryuk.com)
2. McGowans Print
- Location: Dublin, Ireland, with additional facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Industry: Printing Services
- Company Size: 51-200 employees
- Founded: 1989
- Specialties: Digital print production, including small & large format print, and retail point of sale
- Website: [McGowans Print](http://www.mcgowansprint.com)
3. Impact Design & Print Ltd
- Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire, United Kingdom
- Industry: Printing Services
- Company Size: 11-50 employees
- Founded: 1996
- Specialties: Large format printing, exhibitions, and point of sale solutions
- Website: [Impact Design & Print Ltd](http://www.makeanimpact.co.uk)
4. Giffin Graphics
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with several branches across the GCC region
- Industry: Retail focusing on printing and graphic arts machinery
- Company Size: 201-500 employees
- Founded: 1978
- Specialties: Digital machinery and print-based services
- Website: [Giffin Graphics](http://www.giffingraphics.com)
Strategic Notes
Kuhnel Graphics Ltd faced stiff competition from companies like Image Factory UK and McGowans Print, which boast advanced technologies and significant production capabilities. Giffin Graphics exemplifies competition with a focus on digital innovation and an extensive global reach. The shift towards digital advancement in the industry suggests that competitive advantage could be secured through technology adoption and strategic niche market positioning.
