Consolidated Graphics and Blurb Delivering Integrated Print-on-Demand Workflow

HOUSTON/NEW ORLEANS—April 18, 2012—Consolidated Graphics announced it is partnering with Blurb, the creative publishing and marketing platform, to enable businesses to create custom publications from a simple, yet powerful, design-to-print workflow powered by Blurb.

The new service, called Publish, utilizes a free Adobe InDesign plug-in that allows businesses to extend the use of their preferred design software to become an end-to-end print workflow solution for high-quality publications. The plug-in includes templates for four cover formats, five paper types, and eight trim sizes—including Blurb’s all-new 8.5x11˝ size, which is exclusive to Publish. Publish also enables designers to complete their projects up to 75 percent faster using Blurb’s custom proofing tools, automated preflight checks, and the ability to order via credit card from within the interface.

“We’re pleased to join with Blurb to deliver a solution for marketers to deliver key content quickly and efficiently to targeted audiences,” said Aaron Grohs, executive vice president, sales and marketing at Consolidated Graphics. “The combination of our expansive sales force and customer base and Blurb’s leading software and high-quality product selections is a win-win for businesses that need quick turnaround on short- to medium-size print runs, without sacrificing quality. Blurb is the ideal partner to power this new offering.”

By allowing orders of a single unit and higher, Publish provides a cost-effective solution for smaller volume projects that require rich production values—such as client pitches and presentations, customized brochures, commemorative publications, look books, corporate capabilities pieces, portfolios, product or exhibition catalogs and other limited edition corporate collateral.

Businesses have a growing need for smaller, custom print runs to service specific needs on more immediate deadlines. Publish serves this need by delivering high-quality publications using the industry’s only digital print-on-demand workflow with independent color management in as little as seven days.

“It used to be that businesses required a big budget, lots of lead time and a need for thousands of units before they could produce a high-end print piece,” said Eileen Gittins, founder and CEO of Blurb. “Now, with Publish, creative professionals can design and print rich publications with amazing production values in runs as small as one unit - and get them turned around in about a week.

“Although we have been working closely with businesses for years, taking this capability to scale with Consolidated Graphics is a big deal; we believe this new flexibility will result in an explosion of new and remarkably creative print publications,” Gittins continued.

Publish powered by Blurb will be available exclusively through Consolidated Graphics in the United States as the newest addition to WorkSmart Suite, a platform of technology solutions for customers to grow sales, reduce costs and give savvy marketers an edge. Other applications include Streamline, an advanced Web2Print solution; Organize, an on-line library solution to manage digital assets; and Connect, a multi-channel personalized marketing solution.

About CGX
Consolidated Graphics, Inc. (CGX), headquartered in Houston, is one of North America’s leading general commercial printing companies. With 70 printing businesses strategically located across 27 states, Toronto and Prague, and a presence in Asia, CGX offers an unmatched geographic footprint, unsurpassed capabilities, and unparalleled levels of convenience, efficiency and service. With locations in or near virtually every major U.S. market, CGX provides service and responsiveness of a local printer enhanced by the economic, geographic and technological advantages of a large national organization. Consolidated Graphics’ vast and technologically advanced sheetfed and web printing capabilities are complemented by the world’s largest integrated digital footprint. By coupling North America’s most comprehensive printing capabilities with strategically located fulfillment centers and industry-leading technology, CGX delivers end-to-end print production and management solutions that are based on the needs of our customers to improve their results.

About Blurb
Blurb is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius inside everyone. Blurb’s platform makes it easy to design, publish, market and sell professional-quality print and ebooks. Blurb’s bookstore and online marketing tools enable customers to market and sell their books, and keep 100% of their profit. Blurb’s social and community features allow customers to create and share Blurb books across social channels with ease.

Source: CGX.