New Gear, New Gains: Research Reveals In-plants Growing Fast with Fresh Equipment

A new research report from In-plant Impressions offers a revealing look at how in-plants are adapting their equipment strategies to remain competitive, efficient, and indispensable. The "In-plant Equipment Investment Trends" report, based on a nationwide survey of 108 in-plant managers, outlines how shops are moving away from simple maintenance of existing capabilities and toward bold investments that support diversification, automation, and new revenue opportunities. For in-plant printers wondering where to steer their operations next, this report is more than just a snapshot — it’s a roadmap.

One of the biggest shifts? A strong pivot away from replacing worn-out gear toward acquiring equipment that enables new applications. A full 60% of respondents said the top reason for acquiring new devices was to “produce new types of work and add services,” a significant leap from 47% in 2023. This signals a clear mandate: the future belongs to in-plants that innovate. The popularity of direct-to-film (DTF) printers and digital embellishment devices underscores this trend, showing that customers are demanding more specialized, high-impact products—and in-plants are listening.

Automation also looms large in the 2025 data. Nearly half (46%) of in-plants now prioritize automation features to offset staff shortages and streamline production — up from just 14% two years ago. This presents an immediate opportunity for in-plants to invest in finishing and mailing gear that reduces manual labor and boosts throughput. Wide-format work continues to surge too, with 86% of respondents operating at least one device and many investing in roll-fed or hybrid flatbed machines. If you're not yet in the signage game, it's time to ask why not — and what it’s costing you.

Another insight from the report: toner isn’t going anywhere. Despite years of predictions that inkjet would take over, 48% of in-plants reported toner volumes rising over the past two years, and black-and-white work is holding fairly steady. For shops on the fence about upgrading or expanding their toner fleets, this is the data-driven reassurance they’ve been waiting for. Meanwhile, production inkjet adoption is steady but slower, with only 15% of respondents currently operating a cut-sheet device and 7% planning to add one.

What may surprise some readers is how in-plants are researching and buying new equipment. The trend is leaning heavily toward in-person experiences. Trade shows, peer conversations, and demo center visits are leading the pack, while online videos, vendor marketing, and even Google searches are declining in influence. That means attending industry events isn’t optional — it’s becoming essential. It’s where insights happen, relationships are forged, and informed purchasing decisions are made. If you’ve skipped the trade show circuit recently, it might be time to book your ticket.

For in-plant leaders, this report is a goldmine of actionable data. It shows that success in 2025 and beyond requires a commitment to strategic investment, a willingness to diversify services, and a laser focus on automation and efficiency. Whether you’re considering direct-to-garment printing, planning to retire your offset press, or weighing the ROI of a fifth-color toner press, the insights in this report can help you make a smarter, more confident move. Download the full study to see where your peers are heading — and how you can stay one step ahead.