Eighty-five years ago, a small local newspaper print shop opened its doors in Barrie with a simple mission: to deliver quality craftsmanship and reliable service to its community. Today, that same company stands as a cornerstone of Barrie’s business landscape, having grown and evolved alongside the very industry it helped shape. In celebration of this remarkable milestone, we sat down with one of the company’s longest-serving team members, CEO Peter Madden, to explore the rich history behind the presses, the changes in the print industry over the decades, and the enduring legacy of Barrie Press.
Can you tell us how Barrie Press’ story started 85 years ago?
Barrie Press was founded in 1940 by William Thomas Linton and Stan Foley. William, who had previously owned the Elmvale Lance, launched the new venture as a free-distribution newspaper—a practical move during wartime, when paid advertising was scarce.
After some years, William sold his share to Foley and moved to Toronto. In 1949, he returned, bought back the company, and brought his son, Bill Linton, into the business on January 2nd of that year.
How has the company evolved from its early days to now? Were there any pivotal moments that stand out to you that have helped shape your company’s identity?
Recognizing the need to evolve, William shifted Barrie Press from newspaper publishing to lithographic printing, focusing on marketing and packaging materials. With the right equipment and key local contracts, the business grew steadily. Tragically, William passed away in his early 50s, and son Bill, alongside his mother, took over operations with Bill eventually becoming soul owner of the company in 1963.
From 1963 to 1985, Bill ran the business and sold the company that year to Municipal Trust. Following the economic crash of 1987, the business faced difficult times.
This is where the Madden legacy begins. In 1994, Bill and Ingrid Madden purchased Barrie Press and, with Garth Dick as General Manager, began rebuilding the company. Their focus on quality and community service helped reestablish Barrie Press as a trusted provider for local businesses and clients across Ontario.
Son, Peter Madden joined the company in 2010, following a deep recession and proceeded to purchase Barrie Press in 2012, continuing the family legacy with a strong “support local” mindset and a commitment to serving both the community and a broader provincial market.
Today, as Barrie Press celebrates its 85th anniversary, it stands as a resilient, family-rooted business that has continuously adapted to serve generations of customers across Ontario.
How has the printing industry changed since your company’s founding?
Lithographic printing has undergone significant transformation since 1940, driven by advances in equipment, materials, and technology. We’ve seen the shift from a labor-intensive craft to a precise, high-speed industrial process, thanks to advances in automation, digital plate-making, quality control, and environmental responsibility. While the core principle of offset lithography remains, the tools have completely transformed, making for a more efficient and dynamic way to help promote our clients.
One of the most defining moments in Barrie Press’s 85-year journey was becoming one of the first 50 printers in Canada to invest in state-of-the-art Computer-to-Plate (CtP) technology. At a time when the industry was still heavily reliant on traditional film-based plate-making, this bold step marked a major shift in our capabilities—and our mindset.
This investment signaled more than just new equipment; it was a commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency. CtP technology allowed us to dramatically improve turnaround times, enhance print quality, and streamline production workflows—all of which meant better service for our clients.
Being an early adopter positioned Barrie Press as a forward-thinking leader in the printing industry, especially among small to mid-sized businesses. It enabled us to stay competitive, remain relevant, and continue serving local businesses with the best tools available. That pivotal decision helped shape the future of our company and remains a proud milestone in our legacy of continuous improvement.
What does it mean to your team to be celebrating 85 years in business?
For us, it's not just about longevity—it's about legacy. We're honoured to carry forward the vision started in 1940 and we're equally excited about where we're headed. Serving the Barrie community and businesses across Ontario has been, and continues to be, a privilege. Reaching 85 years reminds us why we do what we do: to support local, build lasting relationships, and provide printing that helps businesses succeed.
What is your vision for the next chapter of Barrie Press?
As we look ahead, the next chapter of Barrie Press is rooted in the same values that have carried us through the past 85 years—service, quality, and a deep commitment to our community. Our vision is clear: to continue being a trusted partner for local businesses and Canadian manufacturers, especially those who rely on high-quality packaging inserts like product instruction manuals, safety brochures, and other essential printed materials.
We recognize that these materials are more than just paper—they’re a vital part of how companies communicate trust, compliance, and care to their customers. That’s why we’re focused on delivering reliable, precise, and timely print solutions that meet the exacting needs of Canadian industries.
By investing in sustainable practices, staying on the cutting edge of print technology, and maintaining strong local relationships, we aim to grow alongside the businesses we serve. We believe that supporting local isn’t just a slogan—it’s a responsibility and a strategy for long-term success.
Our future is about strengthening those connections, expanding our capabilities, and continuing to deliver the kind of quality and service that have defined Barrie Press for nearly a century.
