Feature story
10 years ago and con-
tinue to evolve our
digital solutions while
par tnering with our
equipment suppliers.
Right now, we’re moving
slowly with digital adop-
tion, shorter runs and
customization. We know
digital has a place in our
book business, but
matching the right tech-
nology to our needs is
key. Our run lengths are
dropping slowly. How-
eve r, o u r te a m a t
Friesens continues to
investigate digital book printing and finishing equipment, and
opportunities in this area. But it’s critically important to take
a balanced approach. There is indeed a place for both, but
right now 85% of our revenue still comes from offset.” it serves all major business sectors while specializing in adver-
tising collateral, direct marketing, stationery and corporate
communications – in addition to short-run, digitally printed
books. “We’re widely recognized as a printer of choice for
short runs and ultra-quick turnarounds, due primarily to our
cutting-edge digital presses and full in-house bindery,” said
owner John Gnanasekar.
Short-run digital books Next month in part two of this series, we’ll examine newspaper
publishing and its challenges.
At the other end of the spectrum are Canadian companies
who’ve successfully carved out their niches by investing in
short-run, digital-only book printing – including ‘book-of-one’.
Printing Legacy (formerly Printing Icon), a company based in
Scarborough, Ontario, is one of those firms that’s been suc-
cessful since it opened its doors almost four years ago. Today,
“What I’m seeing in the marketplace today is a trend for cus-
tomers to order shorter runs, say 50 to 500, then make
subsequent changes or updates on a second short run. Even
‘book-of-one’ is gaining popularity because these books can
be used to position authors as ‘experts’ in their chosen field
– for example, real estate agents, plumbers, healthcare pro-
fessionals, and so on. Some even request one book as a proof
before ordering more; others may use one book as a high-end
prototype. Here, digital short-run printing allows for amazing
flexibility without a large financial investment.” Another value-
added Gnanasekar often utilizes is the latest finishing
technology. “We can use gloss or matte finish laminating films
made of nylon that helps prevent curling at a book cover’s
edge.”
Tony Curcio
Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine
[email protected]
Contact us today for a customized solution.
6-85 Citizen Court, Markham, ON L6G 1A8
T (905)-709-3344 or 1-(888)-709-3345
E [email protected] W insourcecorp.ca
@graphicarts
GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | September 2018 | 37