Enfield, CT-based Minuteman Press was reinvented in March 2004 when Michael Weber, president, Minuteman Press, and his wife, Lindsey, purchased the company. Weber was familiar with the Minuteman franchise, as his father owned another in Norwich, CT. At the time of the purchase, the original owner of the Enfield store was the sole member of the staff, hardly doing any sales, outsourcing his offset print work, and running dated printers and copiers.
Today, the company staffs approximately ten employees, a direct reaction to a huge uptick in sales. It helps that Weber realized the potential of investing in top-notch printing devices from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a Heidelberg Printmaster QM 46, and the Ricoh Company, Ltd. Pro C900s digital production printer. Minuteman Press offers an array of quick print services, from letterhead to brochures and business cards. To complement its printer portfolio, the company also owns a hole drill, GBC punch machine, two power folders from Baumfolder Corporation, and most recently added a Morgana Systems Ltd. AutoCreaser Pro 50 purchased through Standard Finishing Systems.
Weber explains that he thought about adding a creaser for some time, especially in response to one customer who was “consuming print like it was going out of style.” This particular client would request brochures—printed and finished, with the need for creasing—on a Monday and expect them that Wednesday.
Initially, Weber was cautious of the Morgana device, as he says he needed a creaser that could keep up with the Ricoh Pro C900s. At the On Demand Expo in April 2010, Weber witnessed the newest AutoCreaser in action and realized its potential.
The investment has benefited the company greatly. As a full-service print provider, Weber realized the importance of adding the device to his mix. Although he admits that in a down economy he is still weary about where he places his money.
The shop currently continues to outsource finishing services such as perfect binding and mailing. However, Weber believes the benefits of in-house finishing will eventually push for the addition of these services. “There are just certain things you can’t outsource. If a customer needs something Tuesday and they requested it Monday, I want to know I can get it done. With today’s quick turnarounds, you can’t afford to outsource and wait three weeks to get the products back,” he says. Quality control, from print to finish, is essential to a quick printer’s reputation—Enfield, CT’s Minuteman Press certainly understands this.
