Business Management - In-plant Justification

Outsourcing threats come from both external and internal sources, putting in-plant services at risk. Educating decision-makers and demonstrating the value of in-plants with industry data can safeguard your operations and boost morale.

Printing for external customers can bring a significant bump to in-plants’ revenues, keeping them viable, nimble, and very busy.

Frank Oliver’s in-plant offers a number of services beyond traditional print, such as hard cover yearbooks and apparel printing. But one service that really stands out is document shredding.

Published on GovInfo.gov, the newly added volumes include the text of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, treaties with Indians, presidential proclamations, and more.

After being closed and then reopened during the pandemic, Vanderbilt University’s in-plant is in expansion mode under the direction of Mike Puckett. He’s been meeting with former customers and building their trust, while introducing new services and products to campus. This success has enabled the shop to add new equipment.

During PRINTING United Expo 2023, In-plant Impressions editor-in-chief Bob Neubauer moderated the forum “Reaching the Pinnacle of In-plant Success,” which emphasized how and why in-plants should continuously add value to their operations.

In all my years of covering the in-plant industry, one voice has rung out stronger than the rest in support of in-plants: the voice of Ray Chambers.

When senior administrators reviewed my in-plant and I needed a consultant, the only name other in-plant managers suggested was Ray Chambers. He helped me reframe how I approach my work and made me a better manager.

By maintaining an in-house print shop that works closely with graphic designers, organizations will not only enjoy speed and efficiency benefits but will see better protection of the brand image. At a recent IPMA Road Show, CHRISTUS Health’s director of Creative Services listed the benefits.

While just over a third of in-plants have “first right of refusal,” many more would love to obtain it. Despite the benefits it can bring to a parent organization — including protecting the organization’s brand — securing this right can be complicated.