September 2005

Historical treasure found in family firm

Tonypandy-based printing firm, HSW Print recently discovered a historical memento of its beginnings 57 years ago.

Adding to the sentimental value of the invoice was the fact that the late Mrs Hackman had written her shopping list on the back of the invoice, to remind her to buy baby milk for her children, who now run the business.

The invoice for £85 was for the purchase and delivery of a 9” x 6” Swift Treadle Platen which would have been used to print invitations, tickets and small handbills.

Malcolm Hackman, 59, Director at HSW Print said:“We couldn’t believe it when we found the invoice, not least because it proves just how far we have come. Our most recent purchase of printing equipment was for a 10 colour Heidelberg speedmaster perfector which was priced at £2million.

“The Treadle was kept under the stairs in our home on a bit of old carpet so that my parents could pull it out when they had a job to print. My brother and I started working on it ourselves when we were just 10.”

The Swift Treadle, a valuable printing antiquity in itself, is now displayed in the reception area of HSW print.

Mrs Hackman, who died 3 years ago, had quickly scribbled her shopping list on the back and it included Cow and Gate baby milk, bottles and teats as well as lightbulbs, sugar, wide tape, pipe cleaner and a log book. Proving that even 57 years ago women were juggling families and careers.

Malcolm added, “We were delighted to find it and it is very precious to us for obvious reasons.”

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