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In this issue:
The Foremans - Leaders in Plastics
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Print House has had the privilege of printing a number of local history documents written by various authors together with photographic compilations which provide Hamilton and the Waikato with an invaluable collection of literature depicting the development of our region.
David Coy's account of 'The Foremans, Plastics Manufacturers of Hamilton, 1940-1995' which was published in November 2009, adds substantially to our local history records with an in-depth look at the progression of two companies - Plastic Products Ltd formed by J D Morton (Mortie) Foreman and Trigon formed by his son JWF (Bill) Foreman whilst they were in private ownership - Plastic Products 1940-1963, Trigon 1970-1995. The Author London born David Coy has been widely published in academic journals and the professional and business press on public sector accountability, spreadsheet applications and management accounting. On his retirement in 2005 he was made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Waikato and a few years later was approached by Yvonne Foreman, widow of Mortie Foreman, inviting him to write the Foreman story. The Book The many documents and papers which Yvonne had retained from the Plastic Products years were combined with much detailed information from Trigon supplied by Russell Cassey (the book's publisher) who spent his whole career working for the Foreman businesses. David was able to expand on the information by working closely with Russell. It is intriguing to learn how Mortie turned his hand to developing plastic products in response to a decline in his motor trade business. In fact, Mortie was experimenting with methods of making plastic and developing his own techniques in the back of his Hood Street garage for months before he had what would become the first plastic doll produced in New Zealand. The motor business continued to decline as doll production increased and in 1940 the company known as Plastic Products was formed. Although the company was built on the success of the plastic dolls, Plastic Products moved into other markets including torch cases, toy cars and planes, houseware, kitchenware, sandals... the list goes on. Much of the machinery required was built or adapted to accommodate the new designs and technological advancements of the various plastics produced. Mortie's son, Bill Foreman joined the Plastic Products team in 1953 (then aged 27) and held a leading role with the company until 1966 when he resigned. Having been involved in a number of non-plastics related enterprises in the meantime, a chance meeting in 1969 led to the idea of starting a new plastics manufacturing business - Trigon. Bill and two other shareholders established Trigon with the objective being to specialise in plastic film (effectively avoiding direct competition with Plastic Products) and with the aim of becoming the most efficient and technically professional in their field in Australasia. Bill's company followed a similar pattern to his father's becoming a major player in the New Zealand market and also achieving considerable international success. 
The Production
The 120 page book was designed by Richard Stowers who supplied a print-ready PDF file to Print House. The inside pages were Printed in 4-colour process throughout on 150gsm Neo Satin. The full colour cover was printed on 285gsm Superfine Hi-Gloss and finished with a gloss laminate. A VIP run of 10 books was case bound with a hard cover. Print House are proud to have the opportunity to produce another high quality local history volume and commend all involved in the preparation of this valuable record. 
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 Did anyone ever become what they wanted by remaining as they were?
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