ACUP+ Lesson: Running Your In-plant Like a Business
To help in-plant managers sharpen their business skills, this year’s Association of College and University Printers (ACUP+) conference in Costa Mesa, California, introduced a new feature: a series of sessions called “Running the Business.”
Justin Van Nest of Oklahoma City Community College broke down printing terminology, processes, best practices, and pricing models.
The first session featured Justin Van Nest of Oklahoma City Community College, who broke down printing terminology, processes, best practices, and pricing models. For smaller shops, he suggested a straightforward approach: calculate your total cost of production and add a markup. Mid-sized shops, he noted, might benefit from tiered pricing based on volume.
Van Nest also explored different ways to analyze return on investment (ROI), such as weighing costs against productivity gains, conducting break-even analyses, or focusing on process improvements.
In the second session, Kim Stanford (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Jeff Todd (Oregon State University) discussed their respective funding models, copier fleets, equipment reserve funds, and mission statements. Without the "right of first refusal," competing with local printers is an uphill battle, Stanford said—so in-plants must be easy to work with and excel at self-promotion.
Kim Stanford (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Jeff Todd (Oregon State University) discussed their respective funding models, copier fleets, equipment reserve funds, and mission statements.
“You have to market yourself and your capabilities really well,” she emphasized.
Todd added that when Oregon State produces a marketing piece, the shop pushes the limits of its equipment to showcase its capabilities. Both speakers strive to minimize outsourcing while increasing insourcing from nonprofits, government agencies, hospitals, and schools. Stanford noted that 18% of UAA’s revenue comes from external sources, while OSU brings in about 20% from outside customers.
Todd also shared that OSU recently consolidated five units into a new entity: Marketing Services & Solutions. He now oversees photography, videography, event marketing and coordination, facility rentals, promotional goods, and more— in addition to printing. Some former clients now report to him under this restructured model.
“It’s been a huge transition for all of us,” Todd admitted.
Attendees learn about how to better manage their in-plants.
The third session, led by Mario Carmona (University of California, San Francisco), addressed space allocation and how to secure more of it. Serving a decentralized city campus and two additional UC schools in the Bay Area, Carmona’s in-plant operates from multiple locations.
When requesting additional space, he advised:
- Gathering data on current print demand (job types, volume, and peak periods).
- Pinpointing factors that could drive future growth, such as rising student enrollment, more employees returning to campus, or a broader range of services that could be offered.
- Listing operational constraints—like cramped workspaces, inefficient workflows, or lack of storage—and explaining how they impact service quality, customer satisfaction, and overall output.
Kim Stanford (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Jeff Todd (Oregon State University) share their experiences with ACUP+ attendees.
Highlight the benefits of more space, such as increased efficiency, faster turnarounds, lower costs, and higher growth capacity. Also stress that service to faculty, staff, and students will improve, and operational costs will decline.
Carmona urged attendees to carefully assess infrastructure needs—consider equipment requirements, electrical capacity, environmental and fire safety controls, ventilation, accessibility, and overall workplace safety. They should also calculate the full cost of acquiring new space, including renovation and moving expenses. He advised identifying potential funding sources such as reallocated budgets, grants, or reserve funds, and then projecting the potential return on investment for the expansion.
Van Nest explored different ways to analyze return on investment (ROI).
Develop a timeline for the transition. Coordinate with departments like facilities and IT. Anticipate risks, delays, and budget issues. Plan for staff training and possible hiring.
The "Running the Business" sessions were a big hit at ACUP+ 2025, leaving attendees energized and ready to apply what they learned. The next ACUP+ conference is scheduled for March 29-April 2, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.
