The Printworks started as an income-generating project to help provide funds needed to care for the growing number of children in Mustard Seed homes. It also offered the opportunity for young people to be trained in the skills of printing, as well as spreading the vision of Mustard Seed Communities subliminally through its exercise (copy) books that are distributed all across Jamaica.

Production focused mainly on exercise books, although a wide range of stationery items for the external market as well as for Mustard Seed's internal use were made. For many years more than 65 local schools used the exercise books, which were acclaimed to be of superior quality.

In 1999 there were a series of major mechanical problems and a lack of expertise to advise on or effect repairs. This, coupled with scarce funds for repairs and replacements caused the printery to cease operations and close its doors by mid-year.

Wanfred Waterman an expert printer from Ireland came to Mustard Seed and within one week replaced parts and effected repairs to the aging machines. He advised Richard Walters (Mustard Seed's printer) on some simple maintenance techniques as well. The Printworks was reopened and will embark on an aggressive marketing venture to recapture its place in the printing industry.