What inspired the creation of the business?
Human Scale Printers was founded by my father in 1986 after he had established an architectural design and plans business in Umlazi. Through serving the local community, he identified a growing need for printing services and saw an opportunity to expand into the industry. What began as a business venture soon became a family legacy, with my siblings and I becoming actively involved as the company grew. Today, we continue to build on the foundation he established nearly four decades ago.
Has the nature of the business changed over the years?
Yes, significantly. The business started with a single printing machine and gradually expanded through strategic acquisitions. One of the major milestones was the acquisition of Toyota’s in-house printing press operation, which enabled us to take over their printing requirements. This was followed by the acquisition of the in-house printing facility of Hulett
Aluminium in Pietermaritzburg, allowing us to establish a second branch and expand both our production capacity and geographic footprint.
As the business grew in commercial printing, we diversified into packaging solutions. Today, we have the capability to print on packaging board and provide die-cutting services for custom-packaging products.
Please describe the main aims of Human Scale Printers?
Human Scale Printers is a fully black-owned and black-managed end-to-end printing and packaging partner. Our objective is to provide clients with a seamless service from concept development to final delivery.
Our operations are supported by a fully equipped in-house design and graphics department, enabling faster turnaround times, enhanced quality control and creative alignment with
our clients’ brands. We also offer a comprehensive range of finishing services, including collating, numbering, perforating, punching, binding and stitching, ensuring consistently high-quality finished products.
Does the name of the business suggest a philosophy?
Yes. The name Human Scale Printers reflects our philosophy that every detail should be considered through the lens of human needs and experiences. It speaks to our commitment to creating solutions that are practical, meaningful and customer-focused.
What are the main services that HSP supplies?
Human Scale Printers provides lithographic printing, digital printing, packaging production, graphic design and a range of finishing services.
In response to evolving market demands, we have expanded beyond traditional printing into packaging solutions. Packaging has become one of the fastest-growing areas of our business as companies increasingly seek innovative, branded and sustainable packaging options to strengthen their market presence.
What makes HSP stand out from its competitors?
We have 40 years of manufacturing credibility, production capability and strategic expansion into packaging which has positioned us as a reliable, scalable partner for corporates
seeking quality, compliance and transformation in printing and packaging.
Do you support staff who want to improve their qualifications?
Yes, HSP wants to launch a training division to provide upskilling in printing and packaging, to address the industry skills shortages. Over the 40 years HSP has been in business we faced challenges in finding skilled technicians to operate and maintain our machinery. As we expanded and invested in additional machinery, this challenge persisted due to the limited availability of training service providers in our area. Access to qualified machine operators and technical support remains a continuous hurdle, which has highlighted the need for more focused skills development within the printing and packaging industry, prompting us to expand into the training market.
Website: www.humanscaleprinters.co.za
Biography
Sibusisiwe Zethu Buthelezi holds an Honours degree in BCom Accounting Science and having completed her articles at a Big Four accounting and auditing firm she progressed into senior management roles within the assurance sector.
With a strong foundation in finance, governance and operational leadership, her responsibilities at HSP include driving strategic decisions, ensuring financial stability, maintaining legal compliance and managing potential conflicts of interest, all in pursuit of strong governance and sustainable growth.
