A look back at where we started…

The Waterman family name has been associated with printing since 1908, when Wanfred W. Waterman came from Aldershot in the UK to install a newspaper printing press in the Ballina Herald. Wanfred was the first line of three generations who have been associated with printing in Ireland and continue to be associated to this day.

Wanfred remained in Ballina following the installation of the printing press and continued to work for the Ballina Herald. Wanfred married a Cork woman, Nora DeLacey, and he took up a position with the Cork Constitution and in 1923 he joined the Cork Examiner. Nora died at a young age and ‘Wattie’ had to work nights in the newspaper while also rearing three boys and a girl. Watties three boys would later go on to start Waterman Printers.

It was in 1955 when Wanfreds two sons John and Wan opened Watermans Printers, originally based in the heart of Cork City. Shortly after the opening, they were joined by another brother Bill. In the 1960’s, Waterman’s completed their first premises move making the short journey from Shandon street to the North Mall where they stayed until 1993. Due to the continued growth of the business, they again moved to Little Island, on the outskirts of Cork City, and to where they are located to this day.

Although the founders of the business has since retired, the business still remains in the family with it being passed to the three sons of the founders, Wan Junior, John Junior and Bill Junior who now run the very successful business in Little Island. They strive to continue the families’ well respected name in the printing and packaging industry while continuing to improve the quality of their products they provide.