In today's printing industry, the concept of innovation is broadly defined, but the goal is very narrow. Leading companies have mastered many tools to define themselves, improve profitability, and differentiate. They take advantage of new technologies, system integration, expanded product portfolios, exemplary customer service, etc.

As a whole, the eight companies included in the 2021 Printing Impressions Innovator of the Year category demonstrated new methods that can push the printing business forward and have deep insights into the direction of the industry. Even in the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these companies have achieved success, growth, focus, and motivation.

This year's innovators were nominated by a group of printing industry experts and consultants who considered them to be celebrities. The following summary of Seaway Printing shares the innovation, fun and excellence of this company. The insights it presents may provide you with the inspiration you need to take your company to a new level or direction.

Kevin Heslin serves as President of Seaway Printing.

Seaway Printing was founded in 1884, mainly cooperating with publishers to produce books and magazines. According to President Kevin Heslin, the company's equipment portfolio is approximately 80% offset printing and 20% digital, including the recently installed HP PageWide inkjet web press. Currently, Seaway mainly uses its digital printing presses for short-run printing, but is expanding the length of these printing plates based on the technology's ever-increasing production capacity.

"They have become an innovative manufacturer," said Mike Philie, a consultant for the Philie Group. "By investing in the latest technology, they have reduced bottlenecks and increased the speed of the factory."

Regarding what makes Seaway Printing an innovation leader, Heslin said that the company's production focus is more on the process, not just the workflow. As part of this focus, his team looks for similarities in the process and then builds on those similarities instead of constantly resolving differences.

In addition, he stated that the company has become an early adopter of the technology and has achieved numerous "victories" as a result. Companies adopting new technology methods have improved consistency and efficiency, and enabled Seaway to grow its business while controlling costs. However, the most profound thing is that the Heslin report stated that Seaway deliberately narrowed its focus and no longer tried to "do everything for all customers." The previous approach resulted in a lot of "mixed profit" jobs. Instead, Seaway focuses on its core competitiveness of profitability. "Our efficiency allows us to enjoy substantial profits without having to chase work at a price."

Seaway Printing invested in an HP PageWide inkjet web press to help produce existing products and new applications.

When asked about the secret of Seaway Printing’s success, Heslin said: “Although it sounds trite, we do what we want to do, and we have enough manufacturing capabilities to achieve it.” He reported that customers often share them. Satisfaction with the company and think they are easy to cooperate.

According to Heslin, in the short term, Seaway Printing will further explore the possibility of automation. With the company's recent addition of the first robotic system, he saw a path of change, especially as a way to solve the challenge of finding a qualified workforce.

Heslin also saw deeper inkjet technology and the transformative capabilities of digital technology. "From there," he said, "we will see what customers want us to do."

Regarding broader industry trends, Heslin mentioned how improvements in automation have also increased the feasibility of offset printing, even with the increasing popularity of inkjet technology. He said that Seaway has taken advantage of this recent trend.

In these unprecedented and uncertain times, PRINTING United Alliance and NAPCO Media are committed to providing the printing and visual communications industry with the latest resources on the current COVID-19 situation. When we get through this storm together, the staff will be here to help you.

External sales representative-graphics and color printing

This long-established list has been one of the largest printing companies in the United States and Canada for 37 consecutive years. Get a glimpse of Who's Who in the Printing Industry and the major trends affecting the graphic art industry.