Dustin Graupman · Senior Director, Ink Jet Division Kyocera · PRINTING United Expo 2024

From business cards and stationery to books, signage, and folding cartons, this printing company has developed into a genuine one-stop shop, combining offset printing, digital technology, and extensive in-house finishing capabilities to deliver almost anything its customers can imagine. In this INKISH interview, we meet Mike Stone, Facility Operations Manager, who started his career operating a Kluge finishing machine straight out of high school. What began as a job quickly became a lifelong passion for print, eventually leading to a career managing increasingly complex production environments. As the company expanded from smaller commercial print jobs into books, packaging, and sophisticated specialty applications, the demands on its production equipment changed significantly. Having worked with HP Indigo and Kodak NexPress technology, Mike explains why reliability, productivity, and responsive service became decisive factors when investing in Fujifilm digital printing equipment. One of the most interesting aspects of the conversation is how specialty toners, including white, clear, and light pink, have opened new creative possibilities. With double-white printing capabilities, the company can produce applications that would otherwise require additional production processes, making digital printing an increasingly attractive option for demanding and highly customized projects. Mike also explains the advantages of combining Komori offset presses with Fujifilm digital technology, allowing the company to choose the most efficient production method for each job. Standardizing equipment makes operator training easier and enables individual operators to manage multiple presses, improving productivity and profitability. But perhaps the strongest message is about service. Equipment specifications matter, but when production schedules are demanding, the ability to reach a service technician and get a machine running again quickly can make all the difference. For Mike Stone, Fujifilm's local support and responsiveness have become essential parts of the investment's value. Looking ahead, Mike sees packaging, signage, and B2-format inkjet technology as interesting opportunities for further growth, with Fujifilm firmly on the list of potential technology partners. An interesting conversation about craftsmanship, production management, creative applications, and why the value of digital printing goes far beyond print quality and specifications.