What Four Decades Have Taught Us About Printing

In February 2025, Solo Printing proudly celebrates 40 years of delivering high-quality printing services. Our journey has been one of innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Over these four decades, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in the printing industry. To honor this milestone, we’re sharing key lessons learned and how they can guide your printing decisions. 

Lesson 1: The Power of Quality and Attention to Detail


From the beginning, we’ve understood that quality is non-negotiable. At the heart of our production are Solo Printing’s 10-color and 6-color Komori GL presses, which offer the latest in LED UV printing technology to deliver unsurpassed quality and turnaround times. These presses reproduce images beautifully in a variety of formats and on a wide selection of paper stocks, from 60lb text weight to a maximum of 24pt.
 

Our Komori 38s web presses produce consistent results of the highest quality, rivaling our sheet-fed presses. Ideal for larger print runs that demand a faster turnaround, our web presses deliver exceptional quality and versatility with in-line folding and sheeting options, auto plate, closed-loop color control, in-line varnish, and gluing. These capabilities allow many products to be printed and assembled in one quick operation, saving you time and money. The efficiencies of shorter make-readies and minimizing paper waste yield better schedules and cost savings for our customers. 

“Investing in advanced machinery like Komori presses and Muller Martini Alegro perfect binders allows us to maintain the highest standards while meeting diverse client needs,” says Manny Hernandez, co-founder of Solo Printing.

Our Alegro perfect binders, shown above, sourced through Muller Martini, deliver durable and professional results for perfect-bound books, ensuring longevity and a polished finish. Meanwhile, the BlueCrest envelope inserters enhance our ability to produce high-volume, customized direct mail campaigns efficiently and accurately, helping clients better connect with their audiences. 

Employees like Conrado Lara, our seasoned Sheetfed Operator since 2003, exemplify our dedication to precision. Conrado’s expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that every printed piece reflects our high standards. Alongside him, we have more exceptional skilled professionals like Miguel Espinosa, who has been with us since 1993. All of our trained professionals excel in what they do. 

Their skills help us fine-tune every aspect of the printing process, ensuring color accuracy, consistency, and superior finishes, ultimately elevating the final product to meet and exceed client expectations.

Skilled professionals also bring problem-solving capabilities to the table. From identifying potential issues during pre-press to optimizing machine settings for unique projects, their knowledge ensures smoother production and higher-quality outcomes for every client. Their expertise guarantees that each piece not only looks stunning but also communicates your message effectively.

Takeaway: Always prioritize quality over cost. A well-printed piece can elevate your message, leaving a lasting impression. 

Lesson 2: The Value of Relationships 

 

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with clients, employees, and partners. These connections have driven our success and inspired mutual growth. Collaboration is at the heart of our process, whether it’s customizing a B2B storefront for efficient order management or providing personalized guidance for complex projects.

Dedicated employees like Taidee Falcon, our Accounts Receivable Specialist since 2003, and Caridad Alonso, our welcoming receptionist since 2008, help foster the warm and professional relationships that define Solo Printing.

Our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Komori, Muller Martini, and BlueCrest have been instrumental in building our foundation. These relationships allow us to continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and provide the best possible solutions to our clients. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re equally excited about the future. We look forward to building new partnerships and serving businesses across diverse industries with the same commitment to quality and service that has defined us for four decades.

Takeaway: Work with a printing partner who takes the time to understand your needs and offers personalized solutions.

Lesson 3: Embracing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch 

 

 

The printing industry has evolved significantly, and at Solo Printing, we’ve embraced advanced technology while maintaining the human expertise that ensures every project receives the care it deserves. Our SOC 2 Type 2 compliance demonstrates our commitment to security and precision, especially when handling sensitive data for clients. 

Our partnerships with Komori and Muller Martini not only ensure high-quality results but also reflect our dedication to innovation. From large-scale offset printing to precise binding techniques, these machines allow us to deliver projects on time and within budget. 

“Staying ahead means embracing technology while preserving the craftsmanship that defines great printing,” adds Manny Hernandez. 

Our team ensures that even the most complex projects are handled with expert care. Their extensive knowledge and hands-on approach allow us to navigate challenges and produce exceptional outcomes. This combination of technology and skill benefits our clients by ensuring consistent quality, timely delivery, and a seamless production process.

Takeaway: Leverage cutting-edge technology but ensure experienced professionals oversee your project to maintain quality and precision. 

Lesson 4: Sustainability Matters 

 

 

Sustainability has become a critical consideration in the printing industry. At Solo Printing, we’ve made significant strides, such as partnering with One Tree Planted and achieving a Bronze EcoVadis rating, placing us in the top 35% of companies assessed. These efforts reflect our dedication to reducing environmental impact through responsible sourcing and efficient processes.

Solo Printing is a socially responsible “green” printer. The company and its employees are committed to the promotion of sustainable forestry practices. It understands that the health, biodiversity, and regeneration of our planet’s forests depend on the ethical harvesting of precious natural resources. Solo Printing recognizes that no one wants to live in a world degraded by pollution, chaotic noise, dead oceans, and suffocating heat.

The print industry can have multiple impacts on the environment: it consumes forestry products by printing on paper. Its printing emits dust, noise, heat, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from inks, solvents, and other chemicals. Solo Printing reduces or eliminates these negative impacts by investing in and using the best available technologies. Solo Printing:

  • Purchases and operates energy-efficient equipment
  • Imposes operating standards that are safe and healthy for both humans and the environment
  • Is committed to and certified for the highest of forestry standards
  • Uses products and processes that reduce or eliminate the emission of VOCs
  • Recycles and disposes of waste products in ways that do not harm the earth

By integrating these practices into our operations, we ensure that your projects are produced responsibly without compromising on quality. Our fulfillment services, which include in-house pick and pack, quick turnaround, and international distribution, are designed to minimize waste while meeting your needs. By using eco-friendly materials and optimizing production processes, we ensure our operations align with your sustainability goals.

Takeaway: Choose a printer that prioritizes sustainable practices, from materials to production processes.

Lesson 5: Adaptability Is Essential 

 

The past 40 years have seen trends come and go, but adaptability has been our constant. From shifting client preferences to technological advancements, we’ve consistently evolved to meet the demands of the industry. Our investments in technology and certifications, such as SOC 2 Type 2 and EcoVadis, highlight our proactive approach to staying ahead. 

Employees like Alain Rosabal, who has been with us since 2008 as a Bindery Stitcher Operator, exemplify the adaptability and dedication that define Solo Printing. Their work ensures that every project, whether saddle-stitched or perfect-bound, meets your unique specifications. 

 

Takeaway: Stay informed about industry trends and be open to exploring new printing techniques to keep your marketing fresh and effective. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re excited about what the future holds for Solo Printing and the industry. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability will continue to guide us as we partner with you to achieve your goals. 

Thank you for trusting us over the past four decades. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and success! 

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