Artificial intelligence is generating lots of industry buzz, but when you’re in a bind, nothing beats communicating directly with a human being, whether by phone or email. Gasch Printing, a family-owned, all-digital book printer based in Maryland, specializes in affordable short-run book manufacturing for publishers across the United States. With a focus on quantities ranging from 10 to 3,000, the company’s flexibility and customer-centric approach has earned it a loyal client base.
“As a relatively small, family-run business, we understand the importance of trusting relationships,” says Joe Upton, Gasch Printing VP of business development. “We take great pride in the quality of our work and provide reliable, attentive customer service with a personal touch. We strive to accommodate each customer's unique needs and operate according to their requirements, not ours.”
Gasch uses monochrome and four-color inkjet technology and offers a variety of binding solutions, including perfect, saddle-stitching, coil, and printed or foil adhesive case binding, utilizing both EVA and PUR adhesives. While automation has transformed many aspects of the industry, Upton says the fundamental relationship between publishers and printers has not changed significantly over the last decade.
He explains that, yes, technology has transformed certain processes. Interactions like file transfer and proofing are mostly automated now. Some printers have automated estimating and order entry, and some processes have moved the customer service rep a step or two away from the workflow. However, Gasch works to marry automation with hands-on service, closely monitoring each job to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises for customers.
That’s important, he says, because publishers are under more pressure than ever as they face supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, leaner staffs, and the increased need for customization. Short-run printing and schedule flexibility, as well as vigorous customer service, help Gasch address these challenges.
“We offer automated pricing and order entry tools, but an experienced customer service professional—a real human being—is always available to answer a call,” Upton says. “It is not unusual for our customer service representatives to roll up their sleeves to help our customers prepare their orders and files for production, freeing the customer to focus on other essential tasks.”
While the human element will always be paramount, Upton is excited about the many technological advances that can help printers better serve publishers. AI-driven data analytics and demand forecasting could help streamline production workflow, lower costs, and increase reliability. “Innovative advances are reshaping book printing, particularly with inkjet technology offering exceptional quality and faster production,” Upton says. “Customization could become more accessible, allowing publishers to create tailored editions or limited runs to meet specific audience needs.”
He also sees new opportunities to leverage on-demand production and automation, and the increasing need for personalized and niche publishing is creating avenues for innovation and growth in custom printing solutions. “Short-run book manufacturing is here to stay,” Upton says, “so we are very bullish about our position to serve publishers well into the future.”
