The History Of Cowan
Since our inception in 1945, Cowan Graphics Inc has become one of the largest digital and screen printing companies in Canada. Our head office in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, boasts a 150,000 sq ft state of the art facility. With an in-house graphics design team, cutting edge digital & screen print equipment, a fabrication shop and an extensive finishing & quality control department, we are well-positioned to lead the Alberta Graphic and Screen Printing industry in both R & D and new product development.
Operating out of Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Toronto, Cowan Graphics delivers the goods to multiple markets; small, medium and large with an extensive offering of corporate branding services such as; Decals, Fleet Graphics, Architectural Signage, Retail Signage, Promotional Products. We work closely with our manufacturer partners to ensure that new development in raw materials comply with our strict quality requirements and expectations prior to introducing them into the marketplace. Meeting and exceeding expectations in quality, service and delivery is our commitment to you, our valued customer.
A Snapshot in Time
1940's
1989
2014
2017
2018
Executive Team
President
Blaine is the majority stakeholder and started with Cowan as a part time employee in 1971. From 1979 – 1988 Blaine was very active in the day-to-day workings of the business and worked in virtually every department. Very hands-on experience was the result. In 1988 he took over operational control of the business and in 1998 and 2007 respectfully he purchased 100% control of the family business from his siblings and his mother.
During his tenure as President Blaine has been responsible for taking the Cowan Group of Company’s revenue from $2 Million to their current level of $22 million. Blaine has orchestrated the acquisition and growth strategy that saw the purchase of Arco Display and Awesome Images. He has been responsible for the strategic purchase of timely equipment acquisitions and resources to support the significant revenue growth.
Vice President
Jason is also a part owner of Cowan Graphics, and founded one of Western Canadas first Digital print companies, Awesome Images when he was 23 years old. Awesome Images was a pioneer in the digital printing market. With all his hard work and growth, Jason eventually sold Awesome Images to Cowan Graphics in 2003. Jason left Cowan a year later to pursue other business interests, but in 2011 decided to make a return to the industry he was so passionate about. With his in-depth knowledge all facets of the business, and passion for quality solutions, sets him in the production center of all Cowan’s projects, and is an invaluable partner in the organization.
Vice President
Dustin is a part owner of Cowan Graphics and has been with the company for the past 17 years. In 2004 he worked the evening shift as digital printing and converting coordinator, during this time he obtained his N.A.I.T diploma in Administrative Management. In 2006 Dustin transitioned into Marketing/Sales before moving to Vancouver and overseeing Cowan’s 2010 Vancouver Olympic program. After winding up the Olympic program Dustin took the role of General Manager Cowan Saskatoon. In 2011 under Dustin’s leadership Saskatoon increased its revenue 66% in one year from $1.16 million to $1.93 million. Presently he oversees satellite facilities while leading our sales team and market strategies. He has a vast amount of industry and special project experience.
Operations VP
With over two decades of Operational and Management experience, Pauline’s expertise encompasses many sectors of the printing industry, most notably; sheet-fed printing, direct mail, specialty commercial printing, and high-volume retail web printing. Pauline joined the Cowan team in 2010 as Vice President – Operations, re-focusing her skills to screen and digital printing. Her specialties include customer service, purchasing, engineering, art, screen-printing, digital printing and shipping & receiving.
Production Manager
Vinh has over 30 years of graphic print and process experience. He has worked in all departments of the plant and has participated as a key member in many of the varied projects that Cowan has been involved in.
State of The Art Facility & Diverse Equipment
In 2016 we moved into a 150,000 sq.ft. facility. It was the former home of the Edmonton Journal’s Eastgate press plant. Previously we occupied two nearby buildings containing a total of 70,000 sq.ft.
Take a tour of our home with the video above, the largest graphics manufacturing facility in Western Canada.