From ink to intelligence — how in-plants are realigning their growth strategies

Overall, the results show that the in-plant printing industry is undergoing a transformation — not a slow evolution, but a rapid pace of modernization as in-plants seek to gain market share and growth.

The audience’s responses to live polling — from about 60 attendees — painted a vivid picture of where the industry stands and where it’s headed. The results revealed a sector in flux, but looking for more ways to expand:

• 75% of attendees indicated they offer wide-format printing, confirming its role as a growth engine.

• 40% reported increasing print output, while only 10% said output is declining — a surprising reversal of the assumed narrative.

• 60% said it’s hard to find skilled labor, underscoring a persistent staffing challenge.

• Less than 10% said sustainability through reduced paper use is a primary concern, which is a smaller amount than expected.

• 50% said strategic relevance — aligning with core business objectives — is a top priority.

• 30% cited technology limitations due to legacy systems as a barrier to automation.

These insights reflect a sector that’s not shrinking — it’s shifting. And that shift is being driven by seven key trends.

Print isn’t dead — it’s getting smarter, if you’re willing to change. New strategies are opening opportunities to expand with services, customization, technology, and equipment. Here are some of the trends, priorities and innovations that we see for in-plants and mail centers in a shifting market based on research and our customer base.

1. Strategic services are expanding

In-plants are diversifying beyond traditional print — offering promotional items, packaging, fulfillment and digital communications. This expansion isn’t just about revenue — it’s about relevance. By embedding themselves deeper into organizational workflows, in-plants are lowering costs by approximately 25% and increasing their strategic value.

2. Wide format is growing

With nearly 72% of in-plants offering wide format services, demand for signage, clings, banners and ADA facility graphics is fueling investment. Mid-sized and large operations are leading the way, using wide format to meet internal needs and reduce outsourcing.

3. Direct mail personalization

In an age of digital overload, personalized print is making a comeback with 5-9% response rates for direct mail vs. 2-5% for email. Postcards and letters are driving engagement in education, healthcare and government municipality sectors.

4. Web-to-print and eCommerce adoption and optimization

Online ordering systems are now used by 74% of in-plants. These platforms streamline customization, fulfillment and internal ordering — integrating with departments like HR, IT and finance to deliver personalized, on-demand print.

5. We’re seeing a shift to water-based inkjet printing

Inkjet is gaining traction for its cost efficiency, sustainability and versatility. It’s ideal for high-volume, high-quality color output — and it supports the industry’s growing interest in eco-friendly practices.

6. Sustainability initiatives

While only a small portion of attendees cited sustainability as a top concern, the shift to water-based inks and centralized production is helping reduce emissions and waste. As environmental regulations tighten, this trend is likely to accelerate. See what Ricoh’s doing in sustainability.

7. Automation and AI integration

From file prep to fulfillment, AI is transforming the document lifecycle. Applications include:

• Predictive maintenance

• Content creation and customer analysis in marketing

• Order processing and chatbots for order tracking

• Automated quality control and color control

• Inventory, logistics and supply chain analysis

• Production workflow optimization and job routing, minimizing setup and optimizing output

• Reporting and metrics

These innovations are helping in-plants reduce costs, improve efficiency and deliver faster turnaround — all while enhancing the customer experience.

While in-plants are navigating a multitude of challenges, such as declining output in some sectors, staffing shortages, legacy technology, cost and efficiency, data security and compliance, sustainability pressures, customer experience, and strategic alignment with business goals, there are solutions to be found — and we know what they are.

It’s about staying relevant and meeting customer needs with productive, efficient equipment and strong partnerships. By embracing wide-format, expanding services, integrating AI and aligning with business strategy, in-plants are proving their value in a digital-first world. Change is a natural progression and opening new opportunities.

Our experts are here to guide you through each of these hurdles, and more. If you’d like to discuss your operation’s goals, we’re ready to help! Contact us today or explore more resources for in-plants.