Innovation, automation, AI and next-generation inkjet were the hot topics at PRINTING United. Among the many success stories fueling the momentum at the show was Southeastern Printing, a Miami-based commercial printer with more than a century of history and a clear vision for the future.

For CEO Don Mader, the decision to invest early and decisively in inkjet technology with Screen has reshaped Southeastern’s business model. The Screen Truepress 520HD improved production efficiency and positioned the company for sustained growth. Mader shared how his team’s long-standing partnership with Screen Americas has played a pivotal role in their transformation.

A Century of Craft Meets Next-Generation Inkjet

Southeastern Printing employs approximately 150 people across its facilities in South Florida. What began as a traditional offset operation has evolved into a diversified, technology-forward company serving commercial and corporate accounts many in highly regulated industries.

“The market drove our interest in inkjet,” said Mader. “I wish all my machines were inkjet because it’s so flexible. Anything from make-readies to variable data—inkjet lets us do it all.”

Today, Southeastern operates inkjet systems, for high-speed production, alongside wide-format and a variety cut-sheet devices. The company’s adoption of inkjet isn’t just about keeping pace—it’s about leading transformation across its business units.

Productivity, Labor Savings, and Speed-to-Market

For Mader, the operational gains have been significant. “To run an offset press and finish, you’re looking at five to seven people,” he explained. “With inkjet, we can do that same work with two to three.”

Labor optimization is critical in today’s print economy, where skilled labor shortages and rising costs are universal challenges. Inkjet automation, coupled automated digital workflows, has allowed Southeastern to meet demanding client timelines.

“We have SLAs that are 24 hours,” Mader said. “We couldn’t do that on offset. Inkjet allows us to produce high-volume, variable-data jobs in a very short period of time.”

This shift isn’t just about speed—it’s about agility. Southeastern’s customers are demanding shorter runs, personalized content, and faster turnarounds. Inkjet’s flexibility enables the company to say “yes” more often—and to do so profitably.

Three Decades of Partnership with Screen

Mader’s relationship with Screen Americas stretches back to 1994, when Southeastern purchased its first Screen imagesetter. That early trust laid the foundation for a long and collaborative partnership.

“When we were ready to move into rollfed inkjet, we evaluated all the technologies,” he said. “When it came to decision time, Screen was the one. Their technology was better, and the process was straightforward, no hard sell, just facts. They helped us evaluate total cost of operation, ROI and let us make the right decision.”

Since installing its first Truepress, Southeastern’s partnership with Screen has continued to evolve. “They keep us informed about every advancement,” Mader said. “Their service is excellent, their reliability unmatched, and they train our team well. I even went to Kyoto to see the factory—it’s that strong of a relationship.”

Certified for the Future: Data Security and Market Growth

Southeastern’s strategic evolution extends beyond equipment. The company recently achieved HITRUST and SOC 2 certifications—critical milestones that open doors to new opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and critical customer communications.

The certifications reflect a broader trend in the industry: convergence between commercial print and secure, data-driven customer communications. For Southeastern, that convergence means new revenue streams and a stronger business model.

Embracing AI for Workflow Efficiency

Mader’s focus on innovation doesn’t stop with hardware. Southeastern is now exploring AI-driven workflow enhancements to further improve productivity and eliminate errors. “We’re working with an AI consultant and building AI agents for our team,” he shared. “You have to embrace AI—it’s the next phase of transformation.”

He sees practical applications emerging quickly: automating training, creating marketing content, and streamlining planning and production. “We use AI to create videos to promote our company,” he said. “AI agents will be the next big thing in our industry.”

For an operation that’s already mastered the transition from offset to digital, Southeastern’s AI journey is the natural next step in continuous improvement.

Inkjet as the Foundation of Growth

When asked about future investments, Mader’s response was unequivocal. “Inkjet is the technology for the future—and for now. The ink costs have come down, production speeds are up, and quality is fantastic. I can’t see us making any other press purchases other than inkjet.”