August eleventh 2009 will be marked forever by printers across the Middle East as the industry mourns the death of Youssef Beck Allam, considered to be a pioneer, father and role model of the printing and paper trade in Egypt’s modern history.

Youssef Allam

Allam’s funeral was attended by a large number of officials and representatives from the Egyptian printing industry, committee members from the board of the Printing Industries Chamber, and owners and workers from several public & private printing houses.
Allam’s vision for Egypt and the Middle East was nothing short of revolutionizing the paper trade in the region. During the first half of the twentieth century when paper trading was dominated by British, French and other foreign traders, paper was supplied throughout Egypt at unfair prices and the country was unable to oppose the practice due to lack of know-how in the field. At the age of 24, Youssef Allam seized the opportunity to implement his goals to help his country. In 1948, he established a paper trading company; the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East. He created an intricate supply network throughout the world and was constantly on the move from the Far East all the way to the Americas looking for new opportunities and competitive prices. Within a few short years Youssef Allam monopolized paper trade in Egypt, brought control over an essential commodity into the hands of a countryman and was informally named the ‘King of Paper’ for his prominence in the field.
The year 1968 marked the beginning of a new era with the introduction of commercial printing in Egypt. Youssef Allam, along with his son Adel Allam, wanted to expand upon an already flourishing business by introducing offset printing presses to the country. They secured distribution rights of the world’s oldest and largest manufacturer of offset presses, Heidelberg GmbH. For several years Egypt’s Heidelberg sales were unrivaled by distributors all over the world. Heidelberg Egypt today holds ninety percent market share of the new machines market. The introduction of an after-sales service and products division devoted to providing continuing support for customers added to the impressive performance of the company in Egypt.
By 1975 Youssef Allam & Co. provided everything a print house could possibly need, all under one roof. The company is unique in providing integrated solutions for print houses.
Having managed to introduce and modernize the printing sector in Egypt by providing capital and operating materials, Allam envisioned facilities to provide people with the knowledge and training to operate, maintain and build upon what he created. His dream turned into a reality with the opening of the Youssef Allam Print Media Academy (PMA). Inspired by the Heidelberg Print Media Academies all around the world, Youssef Allam’s academy was built around the same concept. The PMA provides operational hands on training for mechanics, electricians, printers, print house logistical experts and print house management. Students fly in from all MENA region countries to study at the academy in an effort to become leaders in the region’s printing sector.
With a strong foothold of 70% market share in Egypt’s printing industry, Youssef Allam & Co. has expanded into countries such as Libya, Sudan and Syria. Backed by a workforce of more than 500 employees and a dare-to-dream attitude, there’s no shade of doubt that the company models itself after its celebrated founder.