State of Ohio In-plant Saves Hours of Research at PRINTING United Expo

As they say, time is money, and for Van R. Hylton, copy center manager for the State of Ohio’s Printing and Mail Services operation, attending PRINTING United Expo has saved him days out of the year on research for his in-plant.

Van Hylton

“With an event that large, you're able to see multiple products, touch the multiple products, talk to the different vendors, all under one roof,” Hylton says. “It's a huge time savings for me, because then I don't have to individually host the representatives in my office to review the equipment.”

In fact, at last years’ Expo, Hylton says he saw several pieces of equipment – including a Duplo DC-648 creaser/slitter/cutter and a James Burn CB30QS auto coiler – that he now plans on purchasing in the fourth financial quarter. Hylton says equipment like this will help automate his 13-person operation.

“We've kind of diminished the staff a little bit through attrition. We haven't replaced every retirement with a new employee,” Hylton says. “We've had to look to have more automation so that now a staff member can start a job … but then go on to do something else while that job is running on that piece of equipment.”

Flatbed equipment on display at PRINTING United Expo 2024.

As for this year’s Expo, Hylton says he'll be on the hunt for flatbed printing equipment. He explains that his in-plant has really found its niche in small-run jobs for items like posters; a newer flatbed could really take the in-plant to the next level.

“If the state wants 50 posters in five days, that’s the niche for us,” he explains. “We can do the small bid runs that would normally take10-15 days in the private sector, we can turn it around in three to five days in-house.”

An Experience Like No Other

Hylton says he attended previous industry trade shows in the past, but nothing compares to the first time he hit the Expo show floor in Las Vegas.

Equipment on display at PRINTING United Expo 2024

“There was a different type of organization to it. I felt when I went into the show, everything was streamlined. The registration, the way it was laid out, the way it was categorized. They had the T-shirt screen printers in one area. They had the embroiderers in one area,” Hylton says. “They had the wide-format. Everything was really crisp and clean.”

And given that his in-plant is funded by the state, Hylton says his travel to the Expo comes out of his own pocket – but he feels its worth every penny.

“I end up saving more time throughout the year by attending the show for one or two days and gathering my information, because, if nothing else, now I've got a folder full of information … I can narrow down and isolate who I want to talk to, what I want to pursue, and what I can present to my bosses for purchasing,” Hylton says.

About PRINTING United Expo

PRINTING United Expo, taking place Oct. 22-24 in Orlando, Florida, is the printing industry’s premier event, bringing together the full spectrum of print segments — from commercial and packaging, to apparel and wide-format printing. This expansive Expo showcases nearly 1 million square feet of the latest technologies, innovative solutions, and business growth strategies from leading manufacturers and suppliers. With hands-on equipment demonstrations, educational sessions led by industry experts, and unmatched networking opportunities, PRINTING United Expo is the ultimate destination for print professionals looking to stay ahead of trends and elevate their businesses.