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Crafting a career in industrial print: Louise's growth journey at VMG Group
Louise joined VMG Group as a young mum looking for a new start. Nine years later, having spent the past decade learning everything from circuitry to signage, she has now officially earned her trade certificate in signwriting. Her story is a reflection of VMG’s commitment to growing capability from within, supporting its people, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
Q: Louise, you’ve just completed your signwriting apprenticeship — congratulations. Can you tell us how your journey at VMG started?
Thank you. I started at VMG about nine years ago. Judy knew me personally and gave me an opportunity to join as a jack of all trades. At the time I was a young mum, and it was my first full-time job. I started out supporting different parts of the business — say I started in hot stamping, then moved into screen printing and into electronics.
From the beginning, it was a steep learning curve, but that is what made it exciting. It started as a job, but it became a career. I kept learning and developing across different areas of industrial print.
Q: You’ve spent a lot of time in electronics — what makes that work unique?
I have been really lucky to spend time in VMG’s electronics print division, which is one of the most specialised parts of our business. It is not just about printing a label or a sticker — it is about understanding materials, inks, conductivity, durability, and getting it right at a micro level.
Some of the projects we do in electronics are incredibly sophisticated and also quality-driven. Our customers are in all industries such as automotive, defence and aerospace. It is hands-on, technical work, and every step matters. If you do not print it correctly, it might pass the first test, but it can fail later down the track. So there is a lot of knowledge involved — and we keep building on that every day.
It is also one of those areas where not many people come in with the right experience, so training and support are really important. That is what VMG does well — they make sure we all learn properly and understand the full process.
Q: What led you to expand into signwriting?
I have always loved the creative side of things like design, colour, detail. VMG has had a strong signage capability through the Mackay branch for years and Brisbane has been relying on them in this area.
We saw there was a need to grow that offering locally and support our manufacturing clients with not just print, but also safety signage, vehicle graphics, floor decals, factory signs and more. Our aim is to provide a complete print and signage solution tailored to industrial needs.
Our Brisbane branch is now actively expanding into this space, and having qualified staff is key to delivering that vision. That is why I decided to step into the signwriting space and take on the apprenticeship.
I studied externally through an RTO, most of my development was done mostly in Mackay, and completed the practical components while still working full time in Brisbane. It took three years, but it was worth it. I am now a qualified signwriter, and we are already growing that capability here in Brisbane.
Q: What kind of signage work are you doing now?
It is a great mix, decals, safety signs, vehicle wraps, large-scale floor graphics. One of the projects I really enjoyed was creating and installing full floor graphics for an expo, printed in Mackay and installed by our team here.
We are increasingly working with manufacturers who need complete site branding, everything from factory floor signage to vehicles and external building signage. It is exciting to be part of that growth.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work in industrial print?
I love the balance. There is so much variety. One day I might be screen printing, the next fitting a vehicle wrap, the next in electronics. That keeps it fresh and interesting.
But I also enjoy the structure and focus that comes from working on one job at a time. Seeing something through from start to finish, making sure it right gives me a lot of satisfaction.
Manufacturing is constantly evolving, and so are we as a business. VMG is always looking at what is next, whether it is sustainability, new technology, or improving how we work. And even with all that change, we still rely on the core skills. I love that we never stop learning.
Q: VMG is known for its strong internal culture. How has that shaped your journey?
The support here has made all the difference. When I was studying, juggling work and family, the business was flexible. But it is not just about flexibility, it is the way everyone pitches in. When one person is stretched, others step in. We are a great team.
People often ask me how I feel working in manufacturing, which is traditionally a male-dominated industry. And I don’t even know how to respond to this. In our team, no one is treated differently because of gender or background. What we care about is capability, skills, work ethic, and willingness to learn. It’s great because it makes you feel valued.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about a career in manufacturing?
Do it. There is so much variety and opportunity, especially if you are curious and enjoy learning new things. Manufacturing today is creative and technical, it’s not dirty as people sometimes think. I love that you are not stuck doing one task all day and every day. If you are hands-on, and you like solving problems, you will thrive.
Q: Lastly, you have been part of the Moreton Bay community for a long time. What makes this place special to you?
I have lived in the same house since I started at VMG. I love it here. Moreton Bay still has a bit of that country-town feel in some areas, even as it grows. There is space, a sense of calm, and a really strong local community. You are close to the city, but not stuck in the rush. It is a great place to live and work.
Meet Judy: Leading VMG Print Group with Vision and Values
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At VMG Print Group, leadership means more than managing operations—it meansbuilding a culture where people thrive, customers succeed and communities flourish.Meet Judy, our General Manager of VMG Print Group, whose strategic vision andpeople-first approach have transformed our business and strengthened our positionas a trusted partner in the printing industry.
Building Sustainable Growth
Judy's leadership philosophy centres on sustainable growth through diversificationand strategic investment. She has guided VMG Print Group through carefulexpansion of traditional signage offerings, strengthening the company's marketpresence and broadening its revenue base.
Judy takes a thoughtful, practical approach to business development. She relies ondata, trusts her instincts, and stays alert to market shifts and technologydevelopment. This balance that has helped VMG Print Group evolve with theindustry, utilise the most high-end digital solutions and stay true to a personalisedcustomer-first approach.
Innovation Through Customer-Centric Solutions
Judy's commitment to solving real customer problems has driven significantinnovation at VMG Print Group. She is currently leading the rollout of the VMGAutomotive Customer Portal, that streamlines quoting, ordering and tracking forautomotive dealerships.
This centralised approach gives customers greater control, clearer workflows, andfaster turnaround times—practical improvements that reflect Judy's consistent focuson removing friction from business processes. The portal eliminates the hassle ofemail chains and minimum order limits, delivering the kind of practical solutions thattruly make a difference to busy dealership operations.
Fostering a People-First Culture
One of Judy's greatest strengths lies in her ability to build and nurture high-performing teams. She has created a workplace culture that prioritises flexibility,particularly for working mothers, ensuring that local families have access tomeaningful employment opportunities that fit their lives.
Her leadership style emphasises connection, practical problem-solving andcontinuous learning. Judy encourages her team to grow professionally while
Aug 2025maintaining a supportive environment that values both individual contributions andcollective success.
Community Engagement and Industry Leadership
Judy's influence extends beyond VMG Print Group's walls. She actively participatesin industry initiatives and local business networks, building collaborative relationshipsthat benefit the entire Moreton Bay business community.
Her participation in Council-supported programs, including Lean Manufacturingworkshops and the Manufacturing Excellence initiative, demonstrates hercommitment to continuous improvement and industry best practices. In 2024, Judyrepresented VMG Print Group as part of a council-led delegation to AustralianManufacturing Week, resulting in new contracts and strengthened industrypartnerships.
Leadership That Makes a Difference
Judy's leadership proves that challenges can become opportunities whenapproached with purpose, compassion and strategic thinking. Her ability to adaptwithout losing sight of core values has positioned VMG Print Group for continuedsuccess in an ever-changing marketplace.
At VMG Print Group, we are proud to have a leader who embodies our commitmentto excellence, innovation, and community. Judy's vision continues to drive our growthwhile ensuring we remain true to the values that define who we are as a company.
Looking Forward
As VMG Print Group continues to evolve, Judy remains focused on deliveringpractical solutions that create real value for customers. Her advocacy for simpler,smarter ways to manage print needs reflects her ongoing commitment to innovationand customer service excellence.
To discuss how VMG Print Group can support your business, contact Judy Woolf on+61 7 3205 2248 or judy@vmgprintgroup.com.au to arrange a consultation today.