Modern Litho News Archives - Modern Litho

Modern Litho Acquires Mpress of Kansas City

Kyle Caraway — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 02:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Kansas City, Missouri – November 5, 2025 – Modern Litho, a nationally recognized leader in commercial printing and communications headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, announces the acquisition of Mpress of Kansas City, effective November 1, 2025. This strategic move accelerates Modern Litho’s investment and growth in the Kansas City market, following the successful acquisitions of James Printing (2018) and Watkins Lithographic (2021).

“Bringing Mpress into the Modern Litho family expands not only our footprint but the breadth of creative, technical, and marketing solutions we provide to our Kansas City and regional customers,” stated Jeff Davidson, President of Modern Litho. “Mpress’s reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and service perfectly complements our mission and values.”

Ralph Myers, Co-Owner/Manager of Mpress, added, “We are excited for this new chapter. Our team looks forward to joining Modern Litho and continuing to serve Kansas City with even greater resources and expertise.”

Expanded Service Offerings

With this acquisition, Modern Litho-Kansas City will further enhance its service lineup:

Large Format Printing: Retail signage, event and trade show graphics, pop-up banners, corrugated displays, and fine art reproductions—now including banners up to 10 feet and specialized substrate expertise.
Finishing and Fulfillment: Expanded die-cutting, scoring, stitching, custom packaging, warehousing, complex pick-and-pack, and full-service campaigns
Creative Consultation: Unmatched creative advisory for unique projects, with a strong local history supporting KC’s arts, business, and non-profit sectors.

This combined expertise will allow Modern Litho–Kansas City to serve as a one-stop solution for quality offset, digital, large format, finishing, fulfillment, and creative print solutions, meeting the diverse needs of customers throughout the Midwest and beyond.

About Modern Litho

Modern Litho is a nationally recognized leader in printing solutions, headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri and serving clients across the nation. With a Net Promoter Score of 71.1—far exceeding industry benchmarks—Modern Litho is renowned for forging deep client relationships. The company delivers high-performance offset and digital print, wide format, direct mail, labels and packaging, warehousing, and distribution, with specialized expertise for non-profit, member-based, and business organizations where quality and reliability are essential. Modern Litho’s unwavering commitment to innovation, people, and process have made it a trusted partner for both regional and national brands.

About Mpress

Founded in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District in 2001 by the Myers Family, Mpress is renowned for creativity, customer-first service, and print craftsmanship. Its specialties include award-winning offset and digital printing, fine art reproduction, packaging, and custom marketing projects.

Media Contact: Cassandra Atchison | 573-644-7024 | catchison@modernlitho.com

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Modern Litho Launches America First Paper Lineup: Quality, Sustainability, and U.S. Manufacturing

Kyle Caraway — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:49:47 +0000

FAQ: Modern Litho House Stock Transition

Why is Modern Litho changing its house stock paper?

We are transitioning to an expanded range of American-made house stock papers to ensure price stability, avoid recent 10% tariff increases on imported sheets, and support U.S. manufacturing. This change guarantees a reliable supply chain, consistent quality, and faster turnaround for all your print projects.

Are all house stock papers made in the USA now?

Yes! All Modern Litho’s house stock papers—across all available weights, both coated and uncoated—are now proudly manufactured in the USA. This commitment extends to our new and existing offerings, from text to cover stocks, and specialty roll options.

Which paper weights and finishes are included, and what new options are available?

Our USA-made house stocks cover:

#2 Coated Stocks:

50 lb., 60 lb., 70 lb., 80 lb. & 100 lb. Gloss and Silk Text
80 lb., 100 lb., 120 lb. & 130 lb. Gloss and Silk Cover

Uncoated Stocks:

50 lb. ,60 lb., 70 lb. & 80 lb. uncoated house weights

New Offerings:

#3 Coated Stock:
- 50 lb., 60 lb., and 70 lb., 80 lb. &100 lb. book weights are now available in domestic roll stock formats to meet a wider range of project needs.

What if I require offshore (imported) paper stocks?

Going forward, all offshore/foreign-manufactured paper stocks will be provided by special customer request only as a special-order option. Our standard process is now fully aligned with U.S.-manufactured papers for all house stock choices.

Will the quality of my printed materials change?

No. The new American-made house stocks maintain the high quality and performance you expect. You may notice subtle differences in tactile feel or finish due to the switch, but our team ensures that grade and printability remain top-tier.

What are the benefits of the new house stock?

No 10% tariff impact—protects your project budgets from market volatility.
Full domestic production—supports American jobs and industry.
Faster turnarounds due to more domestic mill runs (special sizes: monthly; standard sizes: twice monthly).
Available in a wide range of weights and finishes, including 50 lb., 60 lb., and 70 lb., 80 lb. & 100 lb. options in roll stock.
Postal compliance: 80# and 100 lb. Gloss & Silk Covers meet 7 and 9 pt. postal requirements.
FSC certification for sustainability.
Manufactured in the USA

When will the new domestic house stocks be available?

The full transition to new house stocks and expanded roll stock options will be implemented within the next 6–8 weeks. However, most of the new stocks are ready for use immediately.

How will the transition affect my projects and timelines?

You should experience consistent and more reliable project turnaround thanks to domestic supply and frequent mill runs. Our team is ready to guide your project through this transition seamlessly.

Can I see or feel the new house paper before my project prints?

Yes! Please request a sample kit or comparison sheet from your Modern Litho representative to review the feel and appearance of our new domestic stocks before production.

What if I have specific requirements outside the house stocks?

We are happy to accommodate special orders for offshore papers when required. Please discuss your needs with your sales representative for options, lead times, and pricing.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

For more information, details on paper weights and finishes, or to request samples, contact your Modern Litho representative. We are committed to making this transition smooth and beneficial for your organization.

At Modern Litho, we appreciate your partnership and remain dedicated to providing consistent quality, service, and value—now with a 100% American-made house stock selection and enhanced options for your future print needs.

Download PDF: FAQ House Stock Paper Transition

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USPS Catalog Mailing Incentive: Big Savings for Catalog Mailers Starting August 15, 2025

Kyle Caraway — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:20:10 +0000

Click Here for Details

If you’re a catalog marketer, there’s exciting news on the horizon: The USPS Catalog Mailing Incentive goes into effect August 15, 2025, offering substantial postage savings just in time for peak campaign planning and holiday mailings.

What Is the USPS Catalog Mailing Incentive?

The USPS Catalog Mailing Incentive is a new program designed to help catalogers offset recent postage rate increases and encourage continued investment in print catalogs. Starting August 15, 2025, qualifying catalog mailings can receive a 10% discount on postage, with the promotion running through June 2026.

Why Is This Incentive Important?

With postage rates for flats rising as much as 13% in 2025, this incentive offers catalog marketers a rare opportunity for real savings. When combined with additional USPS programs—such as Informed Delivery and Sustainability initiatives—total discounts can reach up to 12%. This can help brands maintain or even expand their catalog programs without sacrificing quality or frequency.

Who Benefits Most?

Catalogs weighing 7 oz. or more may see the greatest benefit, as the USPS is lowering per-pound rates for heavier flats. In some cases, catalogs over 7 ounces could see no net increase—or even a decrease—in postage costs.
Marketers mailing to house files will find it easier to keep up regular customer touchpoints, keeping acquisition and retention strategies cost-effective.

Key Details and Eligibility

Discount: 10% off qualifying catalog postage (potentially up to 12% with other incentives)
Effective Dates: August 15, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Eligible Mail: Catalogs that meet the USPS’s updated definition, mailed as USPS Marketing Mail flats
- 12 pages minimum
- Bound: A catalog is a bound (stapled, stitched, glued or fastened together along one edge)
- Content: Providing an organized listing of products or services offered for sale. A catalog mailpiece may be letter-shaped, flat-shaped or parcel shaped, and is mailed at USPS Marketing Mail®. The product listing must include images, photographs or illustrations of the products or services, descriptive details, fulfillment information and prices or contain an alternate method for the reader to determine prices. Catalogs must contain enough information to allow an order to be placed, e.g., an order form, a phone number, a web address, or the means to access a web address. Catalogs will also enable fulfillment options for the products or services offered for sale.
How to Participate: Ensure your catalogs meet the new USPS definition (see the Domestic Mail Manual and PostalPro for details), and contact your representative at Modern Litho to submit for pre-approval and register your mailing for the incentive.

Why Is USPS Doing This?

The USPS launched this incentive in response to industry data showing that lower postage rates actually increase catalog mail volume and overall postal revenue. This program is also a chance for the Postal Service to evaluate catalog price sensitivity ahead of future rate changes.

Plan Ahead!

This incentive aligns perfectly with fall and spring campaign planning windows, giving catalogers a strategic advantage for the 2025–2026 mailing seasons. Start working with your print and mailing partners now to ensure your catalogs qualify and your campaigns are ready to take full advantage of these savings.

Need help navigating the USPS Catalog Mailing Incentive?
Contact Modern Litho’s postal experts for guidance on eligibility, registration, and maximizing your catalog campaign ROI.

Sources:
1 Accuzip
2 Nahan
3 USPS PostalPro

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2025 USPS Postal Rate Changes: What Catalog, Publication, and Direct Mail Buyers Need to Know

Kyle Caraway — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:41:31 +0000

The U.S. Postal Service will implement new postage rates effective July 13, 2025. These changes will impact commercial mailers, catalog publishers, periodical publishers, and direct mail marketers. Understanding the specifics of these updates can help you plan budgets, optimize mailing strategies, and take advantage of available discounts.

Key Rate Changes by Mail Class

Mail Class	Average % Increase	Notable New Rates (Examples)
First-Class Mail	7.4%	1 oz. letter: $0.78 (was $0.73)
Marketing Mail	7.4%	Automation Letters (5-Digit, DSCF): $0.355
Periodicals	9.4%	Varies by format and presort
Package Services	7.4%
Special Services	7.4%

Source: Printing Impressions, USPS

Highlights for Our Customers

Commercial Mailers & Direct Mail Buyers

Expect an average 7.4% increase across most mail classes, with some presort Marketing Mail tiers seeing increases up to 11.6%.
First-Class Mail (1 oz.) now $0.78; metered letters $0.74.
Postcards rise to $0.62; flats (1 oz.) increase to $1.65.
Marketing Mail Automation Letters (5-Digit, DSCF Entry): $0.355; Flats: $0.732.
Nonprofit rates remain discounted but will also increase.

Catalog & Publication Buyers

Periodicals see a higher average increase (9.4%), making it crucial to review mailing lists and optimize for automation and presort discounts.
Marketing Mail Flats face increases of 13–18%, with SCF (Sectional Center Facility) discounts dropping from $7/M to $3.80/M.
New container discounts may help offset some costs depending on your presort level and mail preparation.

Structural and Policy Changes

Presort Pricing Uncertainty: Presort-level pricing details are pending and will depend on your specific mailing files and configurations.
Discount Reductions: SCF discounts are being reduced for both letters and flats, impacting cost savings for regional mailings.
Elimination of NDC Pricing: USPS is proposing to eliminate Network Distribution Center (NDC) pricing, which may increase origin entry costs for some mailers.
Bound Printed Matter (BPM): Two sets of pricing published as USPS considers eliminating BPM pricing altogether; final decisions are pending.

Strategic Recommendations

Review and Update Budgets: Factor in the new rates and potential loss of discounts, especially for high-volume and regional campaigns.
Optimize Mail Preparation: Take advantage of new container discounts and ensure lists are as clean and automated as possible to minimize costs.
Monitor for Final Presort Rates: Stay tuned for USPS updates on presort pricing, which could significantly affect your mailing costs.
Leverage Promotions: USPS typically offers promotional discounts; watch for announcements to help offset some of the increases.

Action Steps

Connect with your Modern Litho account representative to review how these changes will affect your specific mailings.
Schedule a mailing strategy session to explore cost-saving options and maximize postal discounts.
Sign up for updates from Modern Litho to stay informed as USPS releases final details on presort pricing and promotional opportunities.

The July 2025 USPS postal rate changes present both challenges and opportunities. By staying informed and proactive, commercial, catalog, publication, and direct mail buyers can minimize budget impacts and maintain effective mail campaigns.

For more details or a personalized mailing analysis, contact Modern Litho’s postal experts today.

Click to download the July 2025 Postal Rate Guide.

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Modern Litho-St. Louis Strengthens Market-Defining Direct Mail Capabilities with Key Talent Acquisition

Kyle Caraway — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0000

Rich Graham

Director -Direct Mail Division, Modern Litho - St. Louis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Modern Litho-St. Louis Strengthens Market-Defining Direct Mail Capabilities with Key Talent Acquisition

ST. LOUIS, MO, JANUARY 22, 2025 - Modern Litho, a leading full-service publication and commercial printer, today announces a significant expansion of its direct mail capabilities at its St. Louis location. The company has recently onboarded several key employees with extensive industry experience in direct mail, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality solutions.

Among the new additions is Richie Graham, a seasoned professional 33-year industry veteran with a strong background in direct mail sales and operations. Graham's impressive track record includes owning and managing a successful St. Louis-based direct mail company, as well as delivering top sales results.

This strategic move brings a wealth of expertise to Modern Litho St. Louis, including:
•Advanced direct mail proficiency
•Sophisticated data processing skills
•Comprehensive warehouse management experience

"We are thrilled to welcome these talented professionals to our team," said Skip Bray, President of Modern Litho-St. Louis. "Their expertise significantly enhances our ability to serve the direct mail needs of businesses and organizations in St. Louis and the surrounding region."

The addition of these skilled team members positions Modern Litho as the premier resource for direct mail services in the St. Louis market. This expansion aligns with the company's recent relocation to a larger 67,000 sq. ft. facility at 5001 Southwest Avenue, which has more than doubled its production space.

"Our new team members, combined with our expanded facility, allow us to offer unparalleled direct mail services," Bray added. "We're now uniquely positioned to handle complex data processing, provide advanced warehouse management, and deliver top-tier direct mail campaigns for our clients."

Modern Litho-St. Louis continues to invest in its workforce and facilities, reinforcing its commitment to serving customers with cutting-edge printing and mailing solutions.

About Modern Litho
Headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, with operations in St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City, Modern Litho has been serving the print needs of client organizations for more than 85 years. With national clientele in 50 states, the company specializes in high-performance offset print, finishing and distribution of marketing and member communications, advanced variable data print, direct mail, mailing services and signage.

For media inquiries or more information about Modern Litho's enhanced direct mail services, please contact:
Cassandra Atchison | catchison@modernlitho.com | 573-644-7024 | modernlitho.com
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2024 Year In Review – Modern Litho

Kyle Caraway — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:46:30 +0000

It's been a busy year here at Modern Litho!

Join us for a look back at all that's been accomplished in 2024. And thank you for being a part of our journey!

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Modern Litho Brochure 2024

admin — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:53:23 +0000

Experience our Modern Litho corporate brochure in digital format by clicking on the image.

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Modern Litho Announces the Retirement of Greg Meeker, Chief Revenue Officer

admin — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Greg Meeker, Chief Revenue Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Modern Litho Announces the Retirement of Greg Meeker, Chief Revenue Officer

Jefferson City, Missouri – July 2, 2024 - Modern Litho, a leading Midwest-based commercial and publication printer, today announced the retirement of Greg Meeker, Chief Revenue Officer, effective June 30, 2024.

In 1992, Meeker joined Brown Printing of Jefferson City as President in a planned succession of his wife Becky’s family-owned business. In a strategic move that would shape the future of both companies, Meeker's visionary leadership paved the way for a merger between Brown Printing and Modern Litho in 2000. This union not only brought additional capacity and capabilities to both companies but also infused the company with a wealth of expertise and a culture of pushing boundaries.

For the past 25 years, Meeker has been an integral part of Modern Litho's ownership and executive leadership, guiding the company through a transformative journey. His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with a keen desire to serve and deliver exceptional value to clients has resulted in significant revenue growth and expansion in local, regional and national markets. He has fostered a strong sales culture focused on delivering tailored solutions to meet client's unique needs. During his tenure, Modern Litho has grown it’s sales force from five to 36 with many of those added through strategic acquisition where preservation of customer relationships has been paramount to the success of the company.

As Chief Revenue Officer, Meeker has been instrumental in expanding Modern Litho's national presence and developing key customer relationships across publication, catalog, and commercial printing markets. His profound impact as a mentor not only to sales, but to many coworkers across all levels of management, has helped shape future leaders of Modern Litho.

"Greg has been an invaluable member of our executive team, providing steady leadership and strategic vision that has helped drive Modern Litho's growth and success," said Jeff Davidson, President of Modern Litho. "We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

About Modern Litho:

Headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, with additional full-service production facilities in Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City, Modern Litho has been serving the print needs of client organizations for more than 85 years. Regarded as a premier printer of specialized publications and catalogs for niche markets, Modern Litho’s capabilities include high-performance offset print, finishing and distribution of marketing and member communications, advanced variable data print, direct mail, and mailing services. Modern Litho holds renewable resource FSC and SFI Chain-of-Custody Certifications. Markets of interest include healthcare, education, agriculture, as well as non-profit and member-based organizations.

Media contact:

Cassandra Atchison

catchison@modernlitho.com

573-644-7024

www.modernlitho.com

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Modern Litho CEO Darrell Moore Retires After 30 Years of Leadership

admin — Thu, 02 May 2024 16:02:30 +0000

Darrell D. Moore, CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MODERN LITHO CEO DARRELL MOORE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AND JOINS PRINTING INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

Jefferson City, Missouri – May 1, 2024 – Modern Litho, a leading Midwest-based commercial and publication printer, today announced that Darrell Moore will be retiring as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2024. Moore has been with Modern Litho for 30 years, serving as CEO for the past 20 years. Under his leadership, Modern Litho has expanded its capabilities in digital printing, wide format printing, direct mail services and more to meet evolving customer needs.

“It has been an immense honor to lead Modern Litho over the past two decades,” said Moore. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished in solidifying Modern Litho as a premier printing service provider not only in Missouri but across the country.”

As President of Modern Litho-Print Co. and leader of the holding company Modern Litho, Inc., Moore has overseen a multi-decade period of growth and technological advancement for the organization. Through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the company has grown to be recognized as one of the leading sheet-fed printing companies in the United States.

Core to the company’s success has been Moore’s formation of alliances with key suppliers, banking institutions, and equipment manufacturers. This has positioned Modern Litho to be nimble in responding to customer opportunities and market conditions.

In July 2024, he will be inducted into the Printing Impressions Printing Industry Hall of Fame. Moore has served as President of the Board of Managers for Graphic Arts Alliance, is a member of Printing United Alliance, and serves on the Advisory Committee of Printing Industries of Mid-America.

“Darrell’s vision and steady hand have been invaluable in guiding Modern Litho’s growth and prosperity,” said Jeff Davidson, who has succeeded Moore as President and Owner of Modern Litho. “The entire company owes Darrell a debt of gratitude for positioning us for continued success well into the future.”

About Modern Litho:

Media contact:

Cassandra Atchison

catchison@modernlitho.com

573-644-7024

www.modernlitho.com

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Brown Printing is now Modern Litho Jefferson City

admin — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:14:49 +0000

When the owners of Brown Printing and Modern Litho-Print Co. merged their businesses under a corporate holding company on January 1, 2000, the decision was made for both companies to continue operating autonomously at their respective facilities and under their existing brand name.

Since then, our planned growth has taken us from 60 employees to 385 today, with operations in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Jefferson City. Modern Litho, Inc. currently ranks as the 92nd largest printing company (based on revenue) in North America, in an industry of over 15,000, and is proud to serve great customers in all 50 states and internationally. And of course, that includes you!

Brown Printing’s emphasis has always been on serving the local (Jefferson City, Lake, Columbia) market while supporting the national efforts of Modern Litho, and that remains unchanged. However, with the recent acquisition of Direct Impaqt in Columbia, and their subsequent rebranding to Modern Litho-Columbia, we’re excited to announce that the time has come to rebrand Brown Printing to Modern Litho-Jefferson City.

Entering into 2024, you may notice a few things—like new signage and other branding changes—in support of unifying our Modern Litho brand. The great news is that everyone you have worked with will remain in place and other than asking you to update your purchase order and accounts payable information, business with Modern Litho-Jefferson City will continue as usual.

Thank you for your business and loyalty as we cross this milestone. Our entire team at Modern Litho looks forward to continuing to provide you with great service and high-quality printing and signage.

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