The relationship between publishers and printers used to be straightforward: printers produced the physical publications, and publishers handled everything else. Today, however, book manufacturers like Marquis are involved in much more than printing, offering services that extend across key stages of production and distribution. “The printing industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of being deeply integrated into the supply chain,” says Danielle Riendeau, VP of Sales at Marquis.
Founded in 1937, Marquis, a division of Lakeside Book Company, offers integrated book printing and logistics solutions to thousands of content owners across Canada, the United States, and Europe. The team includes more than 600 employees in six business locations across Canada: Montmagny, Quebec City, Louiseville, Sherbrooke, Georgetown, and Toronto.
The Marquis team takes pride in the company’s mastery of new technologies, innovative spirit, and deep relationships with customers that enable it to provide end-to-end services across the supply chain. Marquis manages the sourcing of paper and connects manufacturing capacity requirements to sales trends. A dedicated duo consisting of an Account Manager and a Customer Support Representative guides publishers through the printing process. A Story of Affinity and Simplicity, Marquis’s new value proposition, unfolds as they ensure a seamless and personalized experience for every customer.
Marquis offers inventory-management services that enable publishers to keep track of their stock, manage logistics, and ensure product availability as needed. Marquis provides warehousing solutions, order fulfillment, and logistics management.
Riendeau identifies one of the most significant challenges for publishers today is the need to balance cost efficiency with high-quality production and rapid turnaround times. “Publishers need to find ways to manage expenses without compromising quality or passing on significant costs to consumers,” she says.
Marquis responds to this demand with innovations such as an Automatic Replenishment Program (ARP), a workflow connected to publishers’ sales trends that automatically triggers the replenishment of a title to ensure optimal inventory levels and prevent shortages and overstock. Additionally, the company has established local printing hubs closer to end readers, thereby reducing shipping distances, costs, and carbon emissions.
Marquis has a vigorous social responsibility profile and is dedicated to environmentally friendly printing solutions. The company promotes the use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper and UV presses, significantly reducing the environmental impact of book production. “These materials are often more cost-effective in the long run and align with sustainability goals,” Riendeau says. Sustainable practices can also help offset the steep challenges that the industry faces, such as the rising costs of raw materials, labor, and logistics.
As she looks ahead, Riendeau is excited by the opportunities presented by new book features, such as edge printing, which can transform a book into an art object. “The future of book printing is poised to be an exciting blend of technological advancement and evolving consumer demands,” she says. “These enhancements not only add aesthetic value but also create a deeper connection between the reader and the book. For collectors and enthusiasts, these books become treasured possessions that stand out on their shelves.”
