Fast Forward Series: SPC Grows with the Canon ProStream 3160
Specialty Print Communications (SPC), one of the original Canon ProStream installs in the U.S., recently doubled capacity with the ProStream 3160. See why SPC leaders say Canon has done everything needed to remain “at the forefront of inkjet technology” and to help SPC stay there too.
Scaling Success: Specialty Print Communications (SPC) Fuels Growth with Support from Canon Production Inkjet
In the world of direct response marketing, staying relevant means being fast, reliable, and endlessly adaptable. For Specialty Print Communications (SPC), a family-owned industry leader based in Niles, Illinois, maintaining this edge required a bold leap into the next generation of digital print technology. By partnering with Canon and becoming an early adopter of the ProStream continuous-feed inkjet platform, SPC has not only expanded its capacity but has fundamentally changed what is possible for its clients.
Meeting the Demands of a Rapidly Evolving Market
As a high-volume print provider with 500 employees and nearly 30 years in business, SPC serves a diverse roster of clients, including K-12 education publishers and major corporate training departments. The industry's shift toward "programmatic print"—where mailers are triggered by real-time customer data—meant that SPC needed a solution that could handle:
Massive Variability: Printing millions of unique, data-driven pieces without slowing down production.
Substrate Flexibility: Moving beyond lightweight stocks to heavier 7-to-9 point paper weights often required for high-end direct mail.
Uncompromising Speed: Meeting increasingly tight turnaround times that traditional offset or older digital technology couldn't match.
The Solution: A Triple Threat of Canon Technology
SPC’s transformation was anchored by a strategic implementation of Canon’s most powerful digital presses, creating a versatile workflow that can route any job to the optimal machine.
The Power of Continuous Flow: Canon ProStream Series
SPC was the first in the United States to install the Canon ProStream 3160. This web-fed inkjet press is a marvel of engineering, capable of running at 525 feet per minute (approximately 160 meters per minute).
What set the ProStream apart for SPC was its ability to maintain this speed even on heavy stocks. While many inkjet presses struggle with ink coverage or speed when moving to thicker media, the ProStream delivers offset-rivaling quality on a vast range of substrates, including gloss, silk, and matte coated stocks.
Doubling Capacity and Future-Proofing Growth
The results of the Canon implementation have been nothing short of transformative for SPC’s bottom line and operational efficiency.
- Enhanced Capacity: Since 2017, SPC has seen its revenue grow from $80 million to $115 million—a $35 million increase in just five years.
- Offset-Quality at Digital Speeds: The ProStream 3160 provides quality so high that it is virtually indistinguishable from traditional offset printing, allowing SPC to move high-value work from conventional presses to the more agile digital workflow.
- Maximized Uptime: The reliability of the Canon fleet has allowed SPC to keep up with intense demand.
A Partnership Built for the Long Run
For Specialty Print Communications, the transition to Canon technology was about more than just buying a new printer; it was about finding a partner that listens. By staying at the forefront of inkjet innovation, Canon has empowered SPC to say "yes" to more complex, data-heavy, and time-sensitive projects than ever before.
As the industry moves further into the digital-first era, SPC is uniquely positioned to lead.
Interested in learning how Canon production printing technology can help your business grow? Contact us today to explore our workflow solutions and high-speed digital presses.