Spectra Print Corporation

What began as a “one-man trading stamp business” has evolved into a leader in graphic arts industry. Valley Sales Company, founded in 1930 by Oscar A. Hofmeister, sold and distributed trading stamps throughout the Valley. In 1958, Oscar’s son, Richard joined the business, left the trading stamp business and embarked into the world of color lithography. In 1959, Oscar and Richard installed their first “offset” press as Spectra Print, commercial printers and lithographers.

Spectra Print is a family-owned business with Richard’s son Eric joining the company in 1984, daughter Heidi joining the company in 1985 and Hans entering the business in 1991. While working with family can be a challenge in some businesses, Spectra Print experienced just the opposite. Richard, Eric, Heidi and Hans worked well as a team, supporting each other’s efforts and ideas.

Employing 125 full-time and 10+ part-time employees, Spectra Print offers a wide variety of internal services including:

• high quality commercial printing;
• full in-house ad agency;
• full service marketing capabilities;
• full mailing service; and full service copy capabilities.

Spectra Print was one of the first printing companies to go direct to plate. Kimberly Clark, a customer of Spectra Print, was the driving force behind the decision to implement this change. This decision has paid off as Spectra Print was running three shifts before many competitors even knew of the process.

Spectra Print works with a large network of printing brokers who represent their products and services when bidding on jobs. Some brokers represent Spectra Print exclusively while some may handle other non-competitive printers as well. Competitive pricing, state-of-the-art equipment, efficient processes and high-quality finished products are key to the ongoing success of the business.

Five full-time sales people and additional customer service representatives (CSR) are available to assist customers and determine their needs. Once specific projects are approved, CSRs monitor production to make sure that the finished piece is completed on time and within budget. Finished products are typically shipped by truck, UPS and Fed Ex within the United States.

With a long list of local clients and numerous national clients such as Sentry Insurance, Kimberly Clark, Solo Cup, Circuit City, Famous Footwear, John Deere and Footlocker, Spectra Print continues to build and retain strong business relationships. While forging new relationships can be challenging during these difficult times, the importance of doing so is even more critical than before.

So what lies ahead for Spectra Print over the next five years? Growth in the fulfillment market is an area of opportunity that the company plans to gain some ground in. The space to house the inventory, prepare the shipment and fulfill the request is available for use at any time.

While the goal of nearly doubling current sales of $21 million to $40 million over the next ten years is a lofty one, this company is up for the challenge. With no mention of it being easy, Eric, Heidi and Hans are prepared to roll up their sleeves and dig in to accomplish their goal. Unfortunately, this team of three will pursue these goals without their business partner, mentor, friend and father, Richard, who passed away a little over a year ago. Much to his credit, he passed along his strong work ethic, business skills and valuable customer service ideals to his children who continue to build on the company’s success.

Spectra Print continues to embrace the community that they live, work and do business in. Last year alone, over $250,000 in printing services was donated to local organizations and businesses for various events and services. Portage County is fortunate to have such a valuable partner in the neighborhood.

If you are interested in relocating your business, Spectra Print recently purchased the former Woodward Governor building and has available space for lease and building sites. You will find a well-maintained facility, beautiful grounds, easy parking and an excellent location.