Sharing the passion for Print, Howard Graphic Equipment Ltd. proudly announces an exciting addition to one of Canada’s largest Print Communication firms.

The Gilmore Group of Companies, led by founder Robert E. Gilmore, has taken delivery of a rare and unique printing press. The Columbian iron press, manufactured in London, England, in 1887, was the first printing machine to do away with the typical Gutenberg-era wine screw and instead used a unique set of levers to impart the needed pressure. Invented by an American in 1813, the Columbian was the first printing machine to be built of iron in mass production.

The Columbian press is considered the most ornately decorated printing machine ever made. It features the American eagle, Jove’s lightning bolts, and the horn of plenty cast in bas-relief. It was used to print every type of newspaper and book throughout the 19th century, but only about 400 of these machines survive today.

Based in Ottawa, Canada and founded in 1983, Gilmore has developed into a print and transactional processing leader with phenomenal growth since its inception.