Our history

Buckland Press is a family owned business that has roots as far back as 1898. With acquisitions over the years, the company became owned exclusively by the Weaver family in 1972.

Because of our owners philosophy we have been on our own site in Dover in our current format since 1964.  This brings stability and security and many of our staff have spent their whole working lives with us.

There have been many milestones over the years and the strategic decision making, and continual re-investment in our business, put us ahead of many of our competitors.

Notable dates include:
1856  Original company established by William Smeeth
1898  William E. Giraud opened printing business in London Road
1913  William Giraud took over William Smeeth’s business
1932  Arnold Stanway bought Buckland Printing Works
1964  Built the new factory at Barwick Road
1972  Denis Weaver Ltd. amalgamated with Buckland Press
1980  Installation of first drum scanner
1981  First 4-colour Heidelberg installed
1986  First Apple Mac installed
1990  5-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster installed
1996  Complete update of pre-press equipment
2000  Denis Weaver retires – Jeremy Weaver takes over ownership
2001  Complete update of pre-press equipment
2001  Kevin Snoad appointed as MD – Jeremy Weaver moves to CEO
2002  New 5-colour with coater Heidelberg Speedmaster installed
2006  New 5-colour CD “Air Transfer” litho press + Digital mono press installed
2007/8 Complete update of Bindery equipment, new folders and stitching line
2008  Complete update of pre-press equipment
2009/10  New Heidelberg and Digital presses planned.