Looking to expand the capabilities of its Lightning Source print-on-demand unit, Ingram Content Group has reached an agreement with EPAC Technologies to license its printing technology. In addition Ingram is also acquiring two EPAC print facilities in the U.S. as well as a technology development and support group in Germany.
Incorporating the use of EPAC technology is expected to increase the number of copies Lightning can print cost effectively.The two EPAC print facilities located in Ohio and New Jersey will become part of Ingram’s North American operation, which includes plants in its headquarters in La Vergne, Tenn. and a plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ingram Lightning Source printing plants around the world include facilities in England, Australia, France (in partnership with Hachette) and partnerships with POD printers in Brazil and Germany.
Ingram Content Group president and CEO Skip Prichard, said the deal will, “ultimately help bring more books to more readers around the world by manufacturing content closer to the end user. This is a major advantage for publishers today as they navigate the shifting p and e market.”
John R. Ingram, chairman of Ingram Content Group, called EPAC’s digital printing technologies “groundbreaking” and said “ with our years of print experience, Ingram will take the promise of print-on-demand to the next level. We believe that print on demand is a growing part of the future of the physical book. This transaction will allow Ingram to serve more publishers with the digital print solutions they need today and tomorrow.”
This is Ingram's second major announcement this week; Wednesday it signed a deal to assume warehousing and fulfillment for Cambridge University Press in North America.
