Bluestar

On Friday 24th July, Webstar New Zealand received the Non-Trade Supplier of the Year Award at The Warehouse Annual Supplier Awards, held at SkyCity convention centre in Auckland.

The Warehouse is one of New Zealand’s largest retailers, employing more than 8,500 staff throughout a network of 85 stores. In Financial Year 2008, the company generated revenue of NZ$1.73billion and profit after tax of NZ$90.9million.

Each year, Webstar prints several million catalogues for The Warehouse, which has become one of Webstar New Zealand’s largest heatset commercial print clients. In addition to printing the catalogues, Webstar works collaboratively with distribution company, Reach Media, to deliver the catalogues to 1.2 million homes per week.

The Warehouse Annual Supplier Awards is an opportunity for The Warehouse Group to recognise the myriad of suppliers that support The Warehouse brand each year. It also provides the opportunity to raise funds for The Warehouse aligned charity - Variety Club.

There are five categories of awards, of which Webstar was awarded the Non-Trade supplier of the Year. Richard Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at The Warehouse, explained in his speech that this award is dedicated to suppliers whose “support and expertise is critical to our success at the front end of our business”. In awarding the prize to Webstar, Mr Lewis commented “Webstar produce The Warehouse mailer and are responsible for printing millions of mailers per annum all delivered on time without returns or complaints.”

Stuart Yorston, General Manager Marketing at The Warehouse, commented “We've been working with Webstar for almost 5 years and they have been a great partner in that time. The product is always DIFOT [Delivered-In-Full-On-Time] which is critical in the short time frames we work to and the importance of the mailer to our business.

Mr Yorston explained the importance of Webstar and The Warehouses’ working relationship: “We have a very open relationship where there is openness and transparency on all matters that impact our business. They have made efforts to get more environmental accreditation which is in line with our own corporate philosophy. I firmly believe that…the whole [Webstar] team are committed to our mutual success”.

Bernie Roberts, General Manager Webstar New Zealand accepted the award on behalf his team, stating, "Five years ago The Warehouse took a risk in making the switch to a relative newcomer in the catalogue print game - we've been intent on paying back that vote of confidence ever since".

Mr Roberts continued, "The award we have received tonight would not have been possible without the passion and commitment that our team in Masterton brings to their work week in and week out. It’s fantastic to be recognised in this way and it’s a real credit to everyone there.”

Webstar is part of Blue Star Group, which is a leading trans-Tasman communications group, providing integrated solutions across sheetfed, digital and web printing, print management, direct mail and national logistics operations. In Financial Year 2008, Blue Star generated sales in excess of NZ$650million and EBITDA of more than NZ$60million .The Group employs 1,600 staff across Australia and New Zealand.