~ by Byron Loeppky, President
It’s one of the most common myths about printing: you send a file, press a button, and out comes a finished book.
If only it were that simple.
At Friesens, printing is a highly skilled craft that blends technology, experience, and human judgement at every stage. The presses may be advanced, but they don’t run themselves…and they certainly don’t replace the people behind them.
IT STARTS LONG BEFORE PRESS
A book doesn’t begin on press…it begins in prepress.
Before a single page is printed, Friesens’ prepress technicians and colour specialists carefully review files, profiles, and specifications. They’re looking at how ink will interact with the chosen paper, how colours will reproduce, and how to preserve the creator’s original intent. That’s not a button…that’s expertise.
This early planning is critical. Small adjustments here can mean the difference between a book that looks “good enough” and one that looks exactly as it was imagined.
PRESSES DON’T REPLACE PRESSPEOPLE
Modern printing presses are incredibly advanced, but they still rely on skilled operators to get the best results.
Our press craftspeople bring years (often decades) of hands-on experience to every job. They know how to read a sheet, how to adjust ink densities, and how to maintain consistency across thousands, or even millions, of impressions.
Even with automation like defect scanners, spectrophotometers, and densometers, achieving consistent colour isn’t automatic. It requires constant monitoring, calibration, and fine-tuning throughout the run. Press teams use careful calibration and controlled press checks to maintain consistency page after page.
In other words, the press is a tool, but it’s the operator who makes it perform.
TECHNOLOGY THAT KEEPS EVOLVING
We believe that staying at the forefront of print means constantly reinvesting in new technology. From advancements in press capabilities to improvements in colour management and finishing equipment, the goal is always the same: better results for customers. But new technology isn’t adopted for its own sake; it’s carefully evaluated, integrated, and paired with the expertise of the team running it.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROCESS IS AN ART
Not all printing is the same, and choosing the right process isn’t a simple default setting.
Friesens operates multiple technologies under one roof – offset, inkjet, and digital toner – each with its own strengths.
- Offset printing excels at image-rich books and precise colour matching for longer runs
- Inkjet offers flexibility for medium-length runs and on-demand production
- Digital toner provides speed and efficiency for quick turnaround projects
Matching a project to the right process takes knowledge and judgement. It’s about balancing quality, budget, timelines, and the intended use of the book.
That decision alone can shape the final product.
THE CRAFT CONTINUES AFTER PRINTING
Even after pages come off the press, the work isn’t done.
Binding, trimming, folding, and finishing all require precision and care. Whether it’s softcovers, hard covers, or specialty finishes like sprayed edges, each step adds complexity and opportunity for craftsmanship.
Those steps aren’t automated magic. They’re physical, technical processes handled by skilled teams who understand how to turn loose pages into a finished book.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN SEE
When people say printing is “just pushing a button,” they’re usually seeing the end result, not the work behind it. But that work matters.
It’s why Friesens consistently produces award-winning books. It’s why customers trust the team with complex, high-end projects. And it’s why relationships with publishers last for years, even decades. The real value isn’t just in the final product; it’s in the confidence knowing your book is crafted by people who understand every step of the process.
Printing today is a blend of craftsmanship and technology. Yes, there are buttons. But behind every one of them is a decision, a judgement call, and a person who knows exactly what they’re doing.
At Friesens, that’s what sets the work apart.
