Steven German & Jim Gavitt from The Harrier Group share the journey from analog, to toner, to Inkjet
This film explores the transformation of the Harrier Group, a company that began as a single photo-printing operation in the United Kingdom and, over time, became part of a much larger global production network.
Nearly two decades ago, the operation consisted of one building and one digital production area alongside traditional silver-halide photo processing. From those early days with a handful of digital presses producing cards, calendars, books, and posters, the business expanded significantly. As it grew, the company eventually became part of a wider international organization, connecting its production capabilities with other photo-printing specialists around the world.
Today, Harrier operates as part of a global structure that includes District Photo in the United States and Prima Printing in Australia. Each company maintains its strong local brand and heritage, but together they form an interconnected production ecosystem that shares expertise, technology, and operational resources across continents.
The film follows this journey through the voices of the people behind the company, revealing how the photo industry has evolved—from traditional chemistry-based production to digital printing and now to large-scale inkjet manufacturing. It also shows how collaboration between facilities, shared workflows, and internal software development enable the group to manage enormous seasonal demand while maintaining flexibility throughout the year.
Ultimately, this is a story about transformation—not only of a company that grew and was integrated into a global production network, but also of an entire industry moving rapidly toward faster, more automated, and more scalable print technologies.
Legacy Book Printer Adding Digital Production · Enrique & Armando Espinosa · Grupo Espinosa
Grupo Espinosa is a family-owned printing company in Mexico City. In this episode, we are invited to see the latest branch - the digital book production site. Enrique & Armando Espinosa are leading the digital transformation and have the family's go-ahead to invest in one of the smartest and most modern printing companies around. The legacy of Grupo Espinosa, where production of high-quality books is in focus, the digital branch continues to invest in HP Advantage T-2200, Indigo 120K, and Harrison Bruno coatings, and this is why we have been invited to Espinosa: a nearline book setup consisting of Hunkeler and Müller Martini equipment. However, one thing is the technology at the site; what impresses us is the mindset. In a market where mass-production is still the most common way of producing, the investment in a digital setup, as described above, is clear evidence of how Grupo Espinosa invests in a future that in Mexico also is a given. The future is digital!
Massive Heidelberg Investment · Diamantis & Giannis Arvanitidis · Pressious Arvanitidis
Commercial print is still alive and kicking, and the best proof of this is when companies like Pressious Arvanitidis not only invest in new Heidelberg technology but also plan for the future with a new, young, and very optimistic 3rd generation taking over the leadership. About an hour's drive from Athens, we find Pressious Arvanitidis - not difficult to find, as it's practically the only building in the area. The weather is fantastic, and the hospitality is great as well. We are visiting Pressious Arvanitidis as they have invested in an XL-106 8-color 21K. Together with new plate setters and folding machines, the new technology will increase productivity, speed, and profitability, taking over the job from two older roll-fed Speedmasters. Pressious Arvanitidis also became FSC-certified to serve customers, increasing the sustainability needs. By all means, a fantastic day with our new friends from Greece - thank you guys!
