NEW MD TO DRIVE CLARION INTO THE FUTURE
October 2007

Blake Currie has been appointed managing director at Clarion Printed Products, taking over from Steve Loughton who headed the company for 35 years.

Blake's appointment follows eight successful years with the company, first as a divisional sales manager, and later as operations manager and most recently, operations director. During his time as sales manager he developed and expanded the Clarion marking systems Texprint product range of heat applied transfers for the clothing and textile manufacturing industry.

Blake was also the driving force behind the expansion of Clarion's digital print offering from a single Mimaki Printer to a range of machines that cover the full extent of the markets' needs from large format outdoor to high resolution and speed 1400 DPI, and direct and indirect sublimation digital print for textile products.

He has adopted an approach that "Customers need to have Confidence and Trust in their Preferred Supplier". To this extent he has driven a message both internally and externally that Quality, Reliability and Service are the values that Clarion offers to its clients.

"On the back of Blake's success to date, his vision and energy, I am very comfortable handing over the reins of Clarion Printed Products to him," said Steve Loughton. "Blake's understanding of the business and excellent management skills are hugely beneficial to Clarion. He has forged good relationships with long standing customers as well as new ones. He has the respect of both his clients and his staff."

"Clarion is well-geared to achieving its business objectives in the future and I have no doubt that with Blake at the helm, our cornerstones of Quality, Reliability and Service will continue to be built upon and appreciated by our clients."

Blake's vision is to grow Clarion as a respected major national player in the digital, screen and litho printing industry of South Africa by the acquisition of the latest technology, equipment and specialty products.

"I intend to focus on our core areas of competency, with the continual addition of new technology and products. I will also be looking to expand our national service network," said Blake.

"Clarion Gauteng is going to grow but in a very controlled manner. At the end of the day our customers must be satisfied with Clarion's quality and service. This will give them every reason to want to repeat their Clarion experience. I intend to give our clients an experience that is different - one that is stress-free and built on confidence and trust. I'm committed to the long term business relationships that Clarion has earned."

Steve Loughton has been appointed as chairman of the Clarion board of directors. In this capacity his experience from both a technical and business point of view will not be lost.

"I look forward to a new role, being able to focus on the bigger picture of the Clarion business with Blake and to be able to undertake a few technical projects," said Loughton.

Clarion Printed Products lists Woolworths, British American Tobacco, Chevron, Daimler Chrysler, Levis, Tiger Brands, Parmalat and Brand House among its clients.

For information visit www.clarion.co.za or call (021) 534 2521 or (011) 704 0200.

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