When searching for a printing partner, publishers look for the right fit for the types of work they produce, the markets they serve, and the quantities they need to make. For small and midsize publishers, partnering with an independent manufacturer can be the best option, but they are increasing hard to find. Maple Press, founded more than 120 years ago, remains one of the few independently owned midsize book manufacturing companies still in operation, giving it a unique role in the market.
“Publishers enjoy working with us because they get personalized attention throughout the production process,” says Andrew Van Sprang, VP of sales and marketing for Maple Press. “They can speak with sales or customer service representatives who will quickly give them updates on work in process and provide updates on capacity openings and schedules for future planning or reprints. Our organizational structure provides decision-making authorities at lower levels so that customers can get quick commitments when they need them.”
Maple Press offers offset, digital short-run, and print-on-demand printing services for paperback and hardcover books to publishing markets that include trade, specialty trade, university press, religious, and professional books. In addition, the company also runs Maple Logistics Solutions and operates three book-fulfillment centers in central Pennsylvania, providing expanded services for publishing customers who distribute through the company’s facilities. Books can be available for release at a Maple Press warehouse the day after manufacturing is complete. And there are no in charges, pallet charges, or freight charges.
Distribution clients also have access to Maple Press’s print-on-demand services. “Through this process, publishers can set up titles for automated inventory replenishment to keep books in stock at all times, maintain a small inventory level, and automate reprint orders,” Van Sprang says. “The combination of offset, digital shortrun, and print-on-demand allows Maple Press to offer full life-cycle management of a title.”
With such a long history, Maple Press has forged deep relationships with customers that have enabled the company to adapt to the changing landscape of the publishing industry. For example, during the pandemic, Maple Press personnel worked closely with customers to communicate schedule availability, and staffers made adjustments to ensure that high-priority titles were delivered on time.
“Many of our customers have been working with us for many years and, in many cases, several decades,” Van Sprang says. “This gives us a great understanding of their business and their needs.”
At the same time, Maple Press is bullish on technology. Since 2021, the company has invested upward of $9 million in new equipment and upgrades. The company has invested in automation and digital print solutions, enabling the manufacturer to produce lower-quantity orders at competitive prices. Maple Press also has the offset capabilities to produce longer print runs when necessary. “We continue to look for other investments that will enhance our ability to service the publishing markets we serve for many years to come,” Van Sprang says.
