The Beginning
In the era of the 1940s, our story began within the confines of Emeric Duha VIII's cherished abode. It was here that he sowed the seeds of our family enterprise, as he embarked on the journey into the realm of commercial printing. The venture bore the name Duha Printers (Western) Ltd.
1950s
As the vibrant 1950s dawned, the second generation of our family steered the company through a transformative era. Emeric Duha IX, along with his wife Gwendolyn and sister Margaret, orchestrated the growth and prosperity of our company. The evolution of Duha Printers (Western) Ltd. took flight beyond their cherished dwelling, finding its first physical abode in Osborne Village on Gertrude Street. With determination, we honed our focus on diverse and specialized printing markets, crafting coin and stamp books, BINGO cards, investment products and reports, and even artful paint can labels.
1960s
In the early 1960s, the printing landscape brimmed with many emerging local competitors, prompting us to seek our unique niche amidst the burgeoning industry. We set our sights on mastering the realm of colour-merchandising tools, particularly paint colour charts. To achieve this goal, we made a pivotal decision to acquire a company that possessed the coveted patent for stripe coating, a revolutionary technique. This landmark acquisition paved the way for the establishment of Duha Plastics in Gimli, Manitoba. Within those hallowed walls, we crafted fandeck covers and other innovative vinyl products, catering to the discerning needs of our cherished clientele.
1970s
As the 1970s ushered in an era of technological marvels, our company was at the forefront of embracing cutting-edge advancements. We embarked on a journey into the realm of colour-matching computers, becoming one of the first companies worldwide to embrace this technology. In time, the Gertrude location proved too small to contain our expanding clientele. We transitioned our headquarters to Bradford Street, a move that remains the cornerstone of the Duha Group to this day. Our roster of clients boasted industry giants like General Motors and Toyota, as well as renowned refinish paint manufacturers such as Dupont and BASF.
1980s
The dawning of the 1980s marked a pivotal juncture for the Duha Group, as the third generation joined our ranks. Emeric Duha X, Duncan Duha, and Phyllis Duha propelled the company towards global expansion. We carried our endeavors beyond the borders of Canada, igniting a new wave of growth in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This success necessitated the establishment of a third manufacturing location in Selkirk, Manitoba. Technological advancements such as direct depositing and print finishing technologies became integral to our operations. Moreover, our visionary acumen birthed Chameleon Colour Systems, a trailblazer in the digital colour visualization realm.
1990s
The 1990s heralded an era of globalization for The Duha Group, as we opened our doors to new factories, partners, and acquisitions across the globe. Collaborations with entities such as Chameleon Color Cards in New York, Duha Group Australia, Asuka Colour Inc. in Singapore, and Metamorfosis in Mexico expanded our horizons, fostering synergies and sharing technological advancements. With each venture, new regional and multinational customers embraced our expertise. This transformative period also brought forth a strategic shift, leaving behind our commercial print industry roots to embrace the global decorative paint market.
2000s
The onset of the new millennium witnessed our unwavering commitment to global outreach, culminating in the establishment of new partnerships in Exact Colours Germany and Asuka Colour China. Our endeavors expanded into uncharted territories, with a steadfast focus on Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Driven by an unwavering dedication to operational excellence, we wholeheartedly embraced Lean Manufacturing principles, revolutionizing our production processes. The Duha Center of Excellence emerged as a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement, offering external training and consultation to a diverse customer base. Our operations in Manitoba were centralized, and the footprint in Winnipeg expanded threefold, serving as a testament to our remarkable growth.
2010s
The decade of the 2010s brought the 4th generation into the mix, Emeric Duha XI and sister Samantha Duha. This company addition brought forth a commitment to technological advancement. Annual investments into state-of-the-art technology remained a steadfast tradition, fueling a customer-centric approach. Our information systems underwent comprehensive upgrades, aligning seamlessly with our global customer base. We embraced emerging technologies such as robotics, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT), in addition to continued investments in advanced printing and finishing technologies. The visionary acquisition of Colour Hive, a trend forecasting and consulting business based in the UK, expanded our purview, illuminating the entire colour journey.
2020s
In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, we showcased our resilience, partly due to our expansive global footprint. Adapting swiftly to shifting circumstances, we adeptly navigated operational hurdles, seamlessly shifting work between locations to overcome raw material and logistical obstacles. Concurrently, our expertise in consulting for other businesses blossomed. The advent of social media in the business-to-business sphere ushered in a new era, and we harnessed the power of digital platforms to connect with a global audience. Innovation became our guiding principle, propelling us forward as we continued to shape a world united by the vibrant hues of colour.