Reprographics 101

What with all of the acquisitions ARC (and others) have completed over the past 15 years, some of the oldest reprographics companies in the U.S. no longer operate as independent companies.

If my memory serves me correctly, I can think of one, as an example, that was founded prior to 1900, that was acquired by ARC and no longer operates under its own name; this one being Leet-Melbrook (Washington DC market area.)

And, I’m pretty sure that City Blueprint, Cleveland, Ohio, was founded prior to 1900, but City Blue went out of business several years ago.

There are two independent reprographers that come immediately to mind as “founded prior to 1900”:

B.L. Makepeace, Inc (Makepeace Repro) Boston,MA

“In Business Since 1895”

NRI (National Reprographics, Inc.) (based in New York City)

“In 1898, National Blue Print Company was located in a small loft on 17th Street, in Union Square, and offered only one service, blueprinting.”

And, this one was founded before 1920:

Gardens Repro (Baltimore, MD)

“Gardens Reprographics is the oldest locally owned and managed Reprographics Company in the Baltimore area. Since 1919 we have provided our customers with the highest level of quality and service for more than 85 years.”

If you know of a reprographics company that was founded prior to WWII – and is still operating as an independent company – please let me know the name of the company, where it operates and the date that it was founded. Thank you.