MINNEAPOLIS – Thomson Reuters, a global content and technology company, proudly announces that its Core Publishing Solutions book manufacturing and fulfilment business, part of the Global Print segment, has been honored with Printing Impressions’ 2024 Innovator of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition showcases Core Publishing Solutions’ successful transformation from a legacy book manufacturer into a cutting-edge printing and fulfilment leader.

For over 150 years, Thomson Reuters has served as a powerhouse in publishing and manufacturing books for the legal and tax sectors. However, as customer preference evolved towards digital media, Core Publishing Solutions strategically embarked on a reinvention. The transformation of its 1.3 million-square-foot facility in Eagan, Minnesota, into a modern book manufacturing, warehousing, custom kitting, and fulfillment leader is a testament to this evolution.

“It’s an honor for Core Publishing Solutions to receive the Printing Impressions’ Innovator of the Year award for 2024. This recognition underscores our team’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to provide an industry-leading customer experience,” said Jennifer Prescott, president, Global Print, Thomson Reuters. “By embracing technological advancements and constantly striving for improvement, we are proud to continue pushing boundaries in the world of commercial print.”

The journey began prior to Thomson Reuters’ acquisition of West Publishing in 1996, which led to the diversification into digital media and software solutions. Recognizing the growing need for shorter-run printing capabilities, the company invested in Timsons Zero-Makeready (ZMR) web offset presses and early digital printing technologies.

In 2013, Core Publishing Solutions was launched as a brand, and has since grown to extend its services to over 100 publishers outside Thomson Reuters. This strategic expansion required the addition of over 100 employees, bringing the total workforce to 500 and enabling a 24-hour operation.

Additionally, Core Publishing Solutions has been at the forefront of high-speed inkjet printing technology. The installation of the first HP PageWide T360 monochrome inkjet web press in 2015 marked the beginning of its l digital inkjet evolution. Subsequent installations of additional mono and T485 four-color presses with Magnum FlexBook and Muller Martini SigmaLine III machines have enabled the company to meet increasing demands for shorter press runs, reprint orders, and faster turnaround times. The facility also features Canon varioPRINT iX-3200 inkjet presses, Kodak Nexpress digital cut-sheet machines, and a Komori sheetfed offset press for longer-run book covers, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in production. The technology doesn’t stop with printing, as binding and finishing plays a critical role in efficient short run production. Investments in technology that incorporates automated make-readies, touchless workflows and reduced material handling can be seen throughout the facility.

"This award is a remarkable acknowledgement of the journey we have been on to pursue innovation and excellence," said Steve Zweber, Vice President of Global Print Manufacturing & Operations, Thomson Reuters. "Our team at Core Publishing Solutions has worked tirelessly to adapt and thrive in an evolving industry landscape – and we are proud to not only have met but exceeded the expectations of our diverse clientele."

Core Publishing Solutions’ culture of continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives has driven significant value and efficiency. The business, and customers, also benefits from a long-tenured workforce, with many staff members boasting over 20 years of industry experience. Despite an industry-wide skilled worker shortage, the company has successfully maintained and attracted skilled workers through a strong culture of teamwork, training, advancement opportunities, and competitive benefits.

Looking ahead, Core Publishing Solutions continues to invest in collaborative robotics and workflow automation, further enhancing its production efficiencies and shortening lead times. These advancements will play a crucial role in delivering innovative solutions, high quality products and outstanding service to customers, further solidifying Thomson Reuters Core Publishing Solutions’ position as a leader in the printing industry.