our team
Tony Kerr and John Thorrat set up Thorsin in 2009 as the “nimble” player in the chemical and ink supply chain in New Zealand, and in some sectors of the Australian and South Pacific print markets. Steve Perkins joined us in 2011 and completed the “loop” of expertise.
Our philosophy is to service the heck out of our clients – to ensure that we are doing everything we can to help them and to only sell them products that will help their businesses.
We saw a gap in the market for a supplier that sources the highest quality chemical and ink products from around the world that meet the current needs of printers in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.
Because we’ve spent many years working as printers and ink and chemical distributors and because we operate in a niche market, we are able to talk to printers about the products they currently use and any unmet needs. We then source reputable, consistent products of the highest quality.
TONY KERR: Director
I served an apprenticeship at Comprint, a Wilson & Horton company as a web offset printer before joining Nova Inks & Chemicals (now Hostmann Steinberg New Zealand). I was heavily involved in growing Nova from a small, local supplier to one of New Zealand’s leading ink and chemical distributors. As General Manager, I used my knowledge of supply chain relationships and quality products to build Nova into a major player in the label, sheet-fed and heatset web offset markets.
I am able to use my knowledge, built up through practical experience, to source better products for printing applications. My key strengths are effective customer service, professionalism, and encouraging social responsibility of printed products within different printing processes.
My goal is to offer printers quality, modern, fit-for-purpose products that are as safe as practical. This enables printers to meet their clients’ expectations in areas of competent advice, fountain solutions, washing mediums, overprint varnishes, adhesives, specialty inks and equipment.
When I’m not working I mostly spend time in and around Auckland. There are many things to do, the beaches are also close by, and my two teenagers take up a good slice of my free time.
JOHN THORRAT: Director
I bring many years of experience at the technical “coal face” of the printing industry, both with sheet-fed offset and self-adhesive labels. One of my personal goals is to ensure that we keep to our standards: honesty and integrity. If we follow what we believe in we should not go too far wrong. In fact my favourite saying is “We need to set our course by the stars not from the lights of passing ships”. That’s what we do at Thorsin.
I served an apprenticeship as a sheet-fed printer, in Scotland, completing my advanced City & Guilds in offset printing and platemaking before moving to New Zealand.
In 1999 I became a part owner of Panprint. I, along with a great team and my business partner Danny Blackam, was instrumental in growing the company from a small sheet-fed company to New Zealand’s most awarded printer in both label and sheet-fed sectors. In 2000, Panprint diversified to become one of this country’s top self-adhesive label printers, specialising in wine labels, while maintaining its reputation as a top tier sheet-fed operation. Blue Star Print Group bought Panprint in 2007.
We want our customers to view us as the people who solve problems for them. Our approach is to work with them and to remain approachable and available at all times.
When I’m not working I like to spend time with my family, grandchildren and friends, and travel now and then. I like working around home especially on renovation projects.
STEVE PERKINS: Technical Sales Director
Apprenticed as a Lithographer in London, I have earned an excellent reputation within the printing industry over the past 40 years with my knowledge, technical skills, problem solving abilities and perseverance to get the job done. I have been working in New Zealand since 1988.
My belief is that the products we sell are to be the best available, socially and environmentally responsible, for the press operator, the customer and the general public that use the products our customers produce. I believe ink should be considered as a “Quality, not commodity” product and I’m dedicated to supplying products that are the best available.
“Big savings and advantages are available for those that understand the true value of using a quality ink”.
I have had an association with T&K Toka for a number of years and have worked extensively with them to develop a number of unique products, now used by printers in New Zealand and across the globe.
Work has to be enjoyable for me, and I like to maintain a good and friendly working relationship with my customers. If you are looking for a supplier to build a trusting relationship with and one that will work diligently to fulfil your needs, then Thorsin Solutions has to be at the top of your list.
Outside of work I enjoy travel and landscape photography.
“.....It is in my opinion, which I base on my 20 years in both printing and new installation work, that Steve Perkins is undoubtedly one of the best men in this field that I have had the pleasure to work with.”
Terry Cornelius, Production Director, Millennium Web Offset plc. UK“…Steve has impressed not only me, but also my colleagues and our customers, with his advanced technical knowledge of the printing process, comprehension of printing presses and his willingness to succeed.”
Mike Kerwin, Business Manager Printing Products, Agfa Graphic systems. NZ“…The rapid growth and success of the present company is due in part to Steve and the dedication he has to his work”
Plant Manager, PMP, Auckland. NZ“….Steven has proven his ability to be hard working and reliable and I have always found him to be an enthusiastic member of our team.”
Earl Baskerville, Managing Director, Inprint, QLD, Australia.“…His commitment, attitude and performance have always been excellent.”
Bruce Park, Factory Manager, St. Ives plc UK.