Grand Rapids Community College, Kent School District Consolidate Printing

The Grand Rapids Business Journal (GRBJ) reported this week that Grand Rapids Community College and Kent Intermediate School District have consolidated their printing service operations to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The move became effective July 1.

“In recent years, we've continued to hear from our constituents and their elected representatives that we in the public sector should do more to collaborate and, where we can, operate like a business,” GRCC President Steven Ender told GRBJ. “I’d like to think this is the type of collaboration they have in mind. This reduces costs for both institutions and increases efficiency at the same time.”

The organizations plan to take advantage of the GRCCePrint electronic storefront and develop a courier schedule to provide service transition between GRCC and Kent ISD.

"We are looking forward to this new partnership as a way to help both of us be sustainable," explained Danelle Sedore, director of GRCCePRINT, the in-plant for Grand Rapids Community College.

With the elimination of some printed pieces like catalogs and schedules, her in-plant has been looking for new business. This collaboration will provide it, while helping Kent ISD and its partner area school systems with their printing needs, she says.

Two and a half years ago, the in-plant installed a Meteor DP60 Pro multi-substrate digital press from MGI Digital Graphic Technology, as well as an MGI DF360 multi-function paper finisher.

"Since it is summer and we see dips in printing, it is a great time to re-evaluate our operations and make adjustments to be able to keep an efficient and effective process as we transition with our new partners," Sedore told IPG.

“Kent ISD and Grand Rapids Community College have partnered on a wide range of programming over the years,” remarked Kevin Konarska, KISD superintendent, in the GRBJ article. “We appreciate their willingness to work with us to create a new and more efficient printing option for our staff and our local district customers.”