Being one of the biggest solely owned printing companies in Western Canada is one advantage Speedfast Color Press Inc. has over competitors, but that’s really only a start.

Speedfast also has a relentless commitment to staying on top of the latest technology, catering to the customer’s needs and treating its own staff like the key components of success that they are.

And it’s owned by a guy who has the highest regard for the printing business.

He’s Mike Steiner.

Speedfast owner Mike Steiner displays a high-quality print product from a five-colour Heidelberg press.

“Mike really does love the printing business,” says Speedfast marketing director Donna Roth. “He’s very passionate about it.”

That’s why Steiner will never settle for second-best, either in the company’s technology or its products.

Speedfast offers an amazing range of services that include graphic design, high-end scanning, colour printing, die-cutting, binding, variable-image direct mail and packaging with products ranging from brochures to books, boxes and annual reports.

When a customer walks in with a project, Speedfast can take it from concept to delivery.

Speedfast is currently getting set up for a new Heidelberg Image Control System that will be one of only eight in the country, and the only one in Western Canada.

“It scans up to 160,000 points on a sheet of paper and sends the message back to the new Heidelberg six-colour press and the other presses in the shop, so any variance of colour is taken away from the run,” Steiner says.

“Your first sheet off the press matches the last sheet off, which few other printers can offer.”

Another piece of printing technology unique to this region is a UV coater.

It gives packages and covers a rich, high-gloss or satin shine as seen on expensive frozen-food packages and extremely classy-looking magazines.

Your Lexus should look this good. “Our product base is very versatile,” Steiner says. “We’re not just your average commercial printer.”

And he isn’t your average company CEO.

Steiner began working for Speedfast in 1988. Enthralled by the printing process and its rich history – the printing press is widely considered the greatest invention of the last millennium – Steiner got his journeyman’s certificate in the pre-press, printing and graphic arts.

Then in 1992 he went into sales, where he excelled, joined Speedfast’s management in 1995 and bought the company in 1998.

Few industries have changed as much and as fast as printing. The platemaking department that Steiner joined is long gone, replaced by computer technology that puts images and type directly onto the plates.

In-house direct mail services and database management are also available through Speedfast, which offers a “smart inserter” that utilizes video matching for as many as four separate, personalized pieces into the same envelope. As well, a friction feed permits a variety of materials to be inserted and distributed by direct mail.

A fully integrated bindery department staffed by a team of trained professionals is central to Speedfast’s operations. Binding solutions include perfect, soft cover, cerlox, coil, hard cover and saddle-stitch bindings. There are options for scoring, folding and die cutting.

Happy with such choices, clients tend to stay loyal, coming back year after year as part of an ever-expanding customer base. Speedfast’s clients, though primarily based in Edmonton, include medium and large companies across Canada and the United States.

Serving them, in facilities that total almost 50,000 square feet, are 76 employees who give the kind of personalized service you’d expect from a small firm – but with the expertise, resources and technology of a major printing company.

On the sales side, Roth sees first-hand the results of Speedfast’s commitment to excellence.

“Interacting with customers every day gives me an edge,” she says. “Seeing how thrilled they are with the results of their printing projects is quite inspiring.

“I haven’t been with Speedfast as long as most of the people here, but I can see why employees are so loyal – it’s a great team environment and it’s very rewarding to present work of this calibre to our clients.”

Back in the shop, Speedfast’s craftspeople are known for their accuracy, attention to detail and flexibility – all of which ensure reduced handling time and improved project turnaround.

And all the work is guaranteed.

“Our staff is second to none in knowledge and attitude,” Steiner says. “As good as technology is, it’s the people that make it all work.

“Many of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years, and that translates to superior performance, reliability and a seamless process for customers.”

His respect for people includes the local community, across which Speedfast is a major supporter of and contributor to not-for-profit groups – from hot-lunch programs to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

“We like to be out there in the community, helping out with donations and sponsorships,” Steiner says.

For further information, call 780.452.6860 or go to www.speedfast.com