ESCANABA – The printing business has changed dramatically since Jeff Richards’ grandfather bought the job shop from the Daily Press and opened Richards Printing in Escanaba. The company was honored last week for its customer service in the community at the Delta Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.

Richards says they strive to meet new demands especially in 4-color printing, on-demand printing and digital technology.

We are trying to strive to keep up with it,” Jeff said. “It’s a fast paced race now days. There’s lots to learn and lots of different things to try. We hope we can be successful at some of them.”

Richard’s father Ray hung around his father’s printing presses at the Delta Reporter and Daily Press when he was growing up. He remembers laying type with blocks. It was difficult to get his father to change when computers when print shops started using computers.

“It was a tough decision to make because the linotype was paid for. It was mine. Why do I have to move on? But it was like driving a Model A down a four lane highway. It just wasn’t working. The technology is changing so rapidly that you are on a treadmill trying to keep up,” Ray said.

Richard’s Printing was credited for the service they provided during the Esky 150 celebration.