Total Printing Systems, a family owned business that was established in 1973 by Rich and Wendy Lindemann, is proud of our history. Originally founded to provide commercial printing, Total Printing Systems rapidly expanded to include governmental publications in the mid 1970s. We utilize and greatly benefit from having a rural community workforce comprised of dedicated employees and driven by a strong mid-western work ethic that ensures a quality product. We have 45 full-time employees and an average length of employment of 16 years.
We are committed to pushing technology further, utilizing the strengths of that technology and combining those strengths with decades of experience in the book manufacturing industry. The result of this combination of technology and experience has brought Total Printing Systems to the forefront of the book manufacturing industry.
1973 – The company was established by Rich and Wendy Lindemann as a general commercial printer.
1977 – We saw the need to develop a niche to be successful, so we began a relationship with the Federal Government Printing Office producing forms, short run books and manuals.
1979-1993 – We experienced rapid growth and took our sales from $69 thousand to 11 million dollars annually, primarily producing shorts runs for the Federal Government Printing Office (GPO).
1994 – The internet, although still in its infancy inspired us to take the company in a new direction. “On Demand” wasn’t even a buzz word yet. We had developed customized equipment, which enabled us to produce over 13,000 orders per year for GPO. This equipment gave us the niche to get back into the commercial market, specifically short run and micro run book printing. We spent the next few years planning and developing ways to distinguish ourselves from other commercial book printers.
1997 – We launched an internally developed internet-based pricing tool (See Instant Quote), we used this tool initially as an exclusive tool for a quick printing franchise, then several years later we opened the tool up to the general public. We also installed our first direct-to-plate system.
1999 – We built a new fulfillment and distribution facility.
2001 – We worked with Scitex (Kodak) to implement the operation of a continuous high-speed inkjet press designed for a book manufacturer (VersaMark). This partnership led to the first digital inkjet based web press installed for book printing in the world.
2005 – We combined our manufacturing facility and distribution facility by moving from our original location to 201 S. Gregory Dr., Newton, IL. We also installed our second Kodak VersaMark digital web.
2006 – We updated our bindery with new perfect binding and saddle stitching lines. We also updated our cutters and added a Nexpress 2100 Plus press (5 color).
2007 – We updated our direct to plate system and added adhesive case binding, foil stamping, and embossing.
2008 – We installed our second Nexpress and added side sewing to our case binding operation.
2009 – We installed one of the first Screen TruePress Jet520 presses in the USA. It is a full color digital ink based web press running up to 420 ft. per minute. This press allows us to produce full color books at up to 720 x 720 dpi.
2010 – We installed a new in-line Hunkeler finishing system which converts rolls of printed product and book blocks for final finishing. We started a new division for POD production. This true Print-On-Demand facility is currently shipping over 20,000 books per month.
2011 – We added PUR perfect binding for coated papers and lay-flat finishing.
2012 – 2013 – Increase in case binding demand led us to bring in additional higher speed adhesive case binding equipment. We also added additional 4 color process and B&W toner based printers.
2014 – The need for additional, higher speed, higher resolution B&W production brought us the Screen Truepress 520 EX Mono with Hunkeler finishing. In order to bind the longer runs that the higher speed press could offer, we installed a CABS4000 perfect binding line. We also installed a more automated head and tail band machine and the first fully automated Technograph Pronto endsheet maker in the US. This machine allows us to efficiently produce printed endsheets for hard cover books.
2015 – Toward the end of 2015, we upgraded our cover press to a new Kodak NexPress SX3300. In addition to an increase in image quality, this press also allows us to perform a dimensional clear toner coating that can give your cover a unique texture. Another added benefit is the addition of an extended sheet feed capability, which now allows us to print on up to a 14×39″ sheet, printing to 13.375×38.5. This is especially important for larger format case bound covers and dust jackets.
2016 – On September 30th, 2016 Rick Lindemann purchased majority ownership of Total Printing Systems from his parents and they officially retired from the company.
Total Printing Systems is committed to innovation! Stay tuned!
