AlphaGraphics Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

SALT LAKE CITY, UT—June 1, 2010—AlphaGraphics is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and according to AlphaGraphics CEO Kevin Cushing, the company has developed dramatically over the last four decades.

"We have grown from simply providing printing services to becoming a franchise corporation that provides overall marketing and communications solutions," Cushing said. "During our anniversary this year, we are reflecting on how we have led the industry in developing innovative solutions, fostering a culture of excellence and steadily building a brand."

From the time the business was founded by entrepreneur Rodger Ford in 1970 in Tucson, AZ, AlphaGraphics has occupied a unique niche in the business services space. Ford positioned the company as a "desktop publishing" provider, distinguishing it from competitive "printing" companies. His vision was to create business centers that offered customers the latest visual communications technology, according to Cushing.

The positioning developed into a successful and profitable business model, and AlphaGraphics began franchising in 1979. In 1984, the company became the first desktop publishing retailer. By the late '80s, AlphaGraphics was pursuing the global marketplace, becoming the first U.S. printing franchise to expand internationally.

"We continued to lead the industry, by being the first to provide laser graphics and self-serve copiers to customers and the first franchise business to adopt MAC computers, for example," said Vice President of Global Development Art Coley.

Coley further notes that in 1997, AlphaGraphics became the first franchise organization to become certified with the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), a group that sets rigorous quality standards that help ensure accuracy, timeliness and customer satisfaction. AlphaGraphics also became the first quick printing provider to have all of its business centers ISO-certified.

"The company's strength is reflected in the continuing growth of our local units, despite the challenging economy," Coley added. "We are the only franchise in our industry to have grown units in 2009, adding eight business centers last year."

Today, there are AlphaGraphics franchises in the United States, Brazil, China, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. AlphaGraphics has also formed an alliance with Print Three of Canada, ensuring consistent, quality service for customers throughout North America.

For more information, visit www.alphagraphics.com.