The "if you build it, they will come" approach may have worked for Kevin Costner, but it's bad business advice for in-plants, believes Dwayne Magee, the director of Messiah College Press in Grantham, PA. He prefers the Goldie Locks philosophy -- not too big, not too small, just right. In today's unpredictable economy, if current volumes can't justify it, he advises, forget it. 
 
This slow, but steady philosophy has paid off. Three years into their five-year lease on a Xerox 260 digital color copier, volume has tripled and the machine has proven to be just right. "Initially it was a bit more than needed, but in another 2 years we are hoping it won't be enough machine."  
 
While he would like to replace antiquated prepress equipment with a direct-to-plate system, Magee currently can't justify it.

"If the economy does not improve or volumes do not pick up, we may need to re-think offset printing. If this happens, I would love to find a digital press which can take the work on our offset presses and on our color copier and accommodate both." But for now they are taking a wait-and-see stance, maximizing their current equipment and software.
 
QR Codes Offer New Dimension
Magee is particularly excited about introducing QR codes. "We bought XMPie last year for running variable data, but it has been slow to catch on here." While attending IPMA's conference this summer, he learned about QR codes that could be generated with the existing XMPie version. "I have already shared some ideas across campus and we worked with our vendor to provide an informational webinar recently to promote this exciting technology. It adds a whole new dimension to printing." 
 
Insourcing Generates 18% of Revenue
To fill the dip in offset and b&w volume, around 18% of their revenue last year came from insourcing. They regularly produce newsletters, brochures, letterhead, business cards and other materials for students, alumni, area businesses, associations, and organizations. "Although providing printing services to the outside is not central to the mission of who we are, we occasionally find connections," he explains. 
 
Contributing to the Educational Experience
In addition, their equipment and printing processes have become part of the college's educational experience. Twice a year tours of the in-plant are given to students, who are majoring in fields within the industry. "We also have two employees who speak to design classes each year. Many students eventually end up doing some sort of business with us. As we develop these relationships and the students graduate, some of them end up contacting us to help them with print or copy work they are generating in their careers."
 
Duties Reach Far Beyond In-Plant
With the dip in offset and black & white volume, the 14.75 person in-plant has been forced to lay off a full-time employee and eliminate student help.

 

In addition, the roles of all remaining employees have broadened beyond the in-plant. All of the mailroom staff members, for example, are trained to work in the college's receptionist area. Another employee, who works in the bulk-mail room addressing and sorting mailings, has also been called upon to work in the president's office doing dictation or answering phones. Other in-plant members are involved in special events such as directing parking and even driving shuttle vehicles during commencement.

 

 

 

2.   Is there evidence that this mission is central to your work and your employees?
 
If you can answer yes to question 2, it will be obvious that your in-plant is making a significant contribution to your parent organization.
 
This in-house shop displays its commitment to the college's mission everyday -- whether it's producing jobs at the lowest price and the highest quality, becoming part of the educational experience, or offering help to other departments when needed.
 
 "A large part of our success is due to the quality of employees we have. They are willing to do what it takes and they often go above and beyond. They adapt well to change, they are quality minded, they embrace new technology and ideas, they love their work and they love the school," explains Magee with pride. "They have an eye for detail and each project is treated with care. I couldn't ask for a better team!"