The running of the 400-strong business, which was established 40-years-ago, has now been passed to his sons Colin, Gary, Kenneth and Matthew.
In 2001, Thomson – a former captain and director of Motherwell FC – led the company to the Queens' Award for Enterprise.
The firm was recognised for its continued expansion in exports within Europe and the rest of the world. That year, Thomson Litho exported to over 30 countries for the first time.
Thomson himself was later awarded an MBE from the Queen for his services to the manufacturing industry.
In that same year, the business established a manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic to support migration of PC and electronics manufacturing to Eastern Europe.
The company's most recent profits were reported at £1.16m, based on a turnover of £21.9m.
Clients among the firm's list include HP, Sony, Toshiba, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Packard Bell.
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"And here's me thinking they bought the Docklands Light Railway."
"15 x members? Why don't they throw their lot in with the Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) and get a louder voice?"
"Some forty plus years ago I was at a "sales" training seminar and got chatting to the trainer after the session had finished.
In that conversation he told me about another seminar he had..."
Up next...

29% say quick turnaround work best growth area
Printers see opportunity in quick turnarounds and web-to-print

Commitment to developing talent recognised
Apprenticeship award for Coveris

2024 saw a sharp rise in response rates
JICMail data reveals growth in customer acquisition through mail campaigns

Scottish group has international ambitions