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July 6, 2020
NASHVILLE, TN (July 6, 2020) - Lightning Source®, an Ingram Content Group® (“Ingram”) global print-on-demand and distribution company, plans capacity growth through equipment investments in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. After making a significant investment to replace and upgrade its print fleet just three years ago, Lightning Source is again making a significant investment to heighten support for the publishing industry given recent shifts in the market and supply chain.
With recent supply chain disruptions, Ingram, a leader in print-on-demand book printing, has been playing a vital role in making virtual inventory a reality. For publishers the model helps in fulfilling the unpredictable challenges of managing consumer and retail demand. For retailers and libraries, Ingram’s print on demand services capture every sale and circulation by showing inventory availability. Connecting Ingram’s global network of manufacturing and distribution helps make millions of titles available for purchase all over the world.
In the U.S., millions of dollars are being invested to increase capacity in the Allentown, PA, Jackson, TN and La Vergne, TN manufacturing plants. New printing, binding, trimming and shipping/sortation equipment will be installed now through October and will increase U.S. capacity by double-digit percentages. To support the growth in operations, Ingram expects to hire hundreds of new associates in these facilities.
In the U.K., Ingram has made further, substantial investments. Following its acquisition of international book distributor NBNi in 2017, Ingram recently completed the move of the NBNi warehouse operation from Plymouth to a new 98,000 square foot facility in Milton Keynes, in close proximity to its well-established print-on-demand operation, thereby allowing further and closer integration between these two services.
Additionally, the Milton Keynes print on demand facility is completing further equipment upgrades and other manufacturing investments which are projected to increase print capacity by double-digit percentages.
With the growth in its Australian business, Ingram is investing in a new, purpose-built, plant in Melbourne along with additional printing and finishing equipment. The new plant will come online in Fall 2020. Ingram’s virtual inventory and print on demand distribution service in Australia has become very attractive to overseas publishers. The current fragility of traditional supply chains and increases in export freight costs have made integrated, local, manufacturing solutions more attractive. Ingram’s new Melbourne 50,000 square foot /5000 square metre operation will double print and shipping capabilities in Australia while adding dozens of new jobs.
During the pandemic, Ingram’s global print facilities and distribution centers have continued to operate as essential businesses.
"Ingram remains committed to supporting the industry and our Lightning Source business. We look forward to working with clients and customers as our new capabilities come online, and continuing to help content reach its destination,” said Ingram CEO and President Shawn Morin.
About Ingram | www.ingramcontent.com
The world is reading and Ingram Content Group (“Ingram”) connects people with content in all forms. Providing comprehensive services for publishers, retailers, libraries, and educators, Ingram makes these services seamless and accessible through technology, innovation, and creativity. With an expansive global network of offices and facilities, Ingram’s services include digital and physical book distribution, print on demand, and digital learning. Ingram Content Group is a part of Ingram Industries Inc. and includes Ingram Book Group LLC, Ingram Publisher Services LLC, Lightning Source LLC, VitalSource Technologies LLC, Ingram Library Services LLC, and Tennessee Book Company LLC.
Media Contact: Shannon Hunt, shannon@tsgnashville.com, 615-321-3110
