~ by Ralph Hamm, Friesens Customer Service Manager
It’s been a very busy start to 2025; printing books and hosting customers who have travelled to Altona to press check their projects. Hosting these customers is my favourite part of my job! Watching a customer witness their book come to life on press, and seeing the genuine connections formed with our employee-owners, is a powerful reminder of why we’re in this business.
I may be biased, but I’d love it if our customers printed all of their books with Friesens; however, I also understand why they sometimes choose other printers, including overseas options. Price is often a factor, but interestingly, many of our customers have shared that there are several other critical considerations influencing their decisions—factors that contribute to their final decision.
DELIVERY TIME
Friesens is strategically located in Altona, Manitoba—just 10 minutes from the Canada-U.S. border and centrally positioned in North America. This location allows us to ship books quickly, with transit times to most destinations averaging just three to four business days.
In contrast, customers who print overseas explained to me that they often face delivery windows of four to six weeks, not including potential delays at ports or customs. These delays can disrupt launch schedules and marketing plans. When time is tight, Friesens can also ship smaller quantities directly to end recipients—something that’s possible from overseas, but at a significantly higher cost.
CONTROL OF CONTENT
Book production is rarely a one-and-done process. Especially for colour-critical projects, multiple rounds of revisions and proofing are often required. When printing overseas, each revision adds considerable time to a production schedule due to travel time or shipping and communication delays.
Moreover, in today’s politically sensitive climate, content vetting is a growing concern. Some countries enforce strict censorship laws, and customers must carefully consider whether their content could be flagged or rejected. Printing with Friesens eliminates that uncertainty, ensuring your creative vision remains intact and uncompromised.
STEWARDSHIP
Friesens is proud to be an employee-owned company with a 118-year legacy. Our long-term success is built on more than just financial performance—it’s rooted in our commitment to people, community, and the environment.
Customers consistently tell us how much they value working with a company that shares their values. From sustainable printing practices to community involvement, Friesens is dedicated to being a responsible steward of both our industry and our planet. When you print with us, you’re not just buying a service—you’re investing in a partnership with purpose.
THE HUMAN CONNECTION
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is the relationships we build. When customers visit Friesens for a press check, they’re not just inspecting pages, they’re meeting the people who bring their stories to life. Our employee-owners take pride in every project, and that pride is evident in the quality of our work and the care we show our clients.
These connections are difficult to replicate with distant vendors. At Friesens, you’re not just another job ticket,you’re part of our story, and we’re honoured to be part of yours.
Choosing where to print your book is about more than just cost. It’s about reliability, control, values, and relationships. At Friesens, we offer all of that…and more. With over a century of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a team of passionate employee-owners, we’re proud to be North America’s premier book printer.
So, whether you’re printing your first book or your fiftieth, consider what truly matters. When you’re ready to bring your next project to life, Friesens is here to help, every step of the way.
