Foote Printing’s 55,000-square-foot building on East 55th Street just north of the Opportunity Corridor turned 100 years old this year and gained a merger partner in Brothers Printing (Google). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Brothers and Foote printing join forces
Two family-run, Cleveland-based printers that have been in business for a combined 230 years have decided to unite that experience into a single company.
Brothers Printing, 2000 Euclid Ave., today announced it is merging with Foote Printing, 2800 E. 55th St. After Oct. 1, the combined company will operate as Foote Brothers Printing and consolidate all production and operations at Foote’s 55,000-square-foot, century-old building.
While Foote Printing was incorporated in 1907, its founder Thomas Foote, a postman, began printing as a side business in 1887. The Duhr family took over operations from the Foote family in 1994. Brothers Printing began in 1915 and has been in the ownership of the Kaufman family ever since.
By combining operations, the new entity will offer greater scale and enhanced production capabilities, the two families said. And they explained that they will offer a broader range of services to their customers while preserving the personalized relationships both companies are known for.
Brothers Printing, seen at left, has been on Euclid Avenue across from Cleveland State University for decades. Its storefront will close and printing operations will move to Foote Printing’s plant on East 55th Street by October (Google).
“This is a natural next step for Brothers Printing,” said Jay Kaufman, president of Brothers Printing, in a written statement. “As we evaluated the future, it was important for us to find a partner that shared our values — not just in business, but in community.”
Foote Printing is a union shop. Its workers are represented by the Allied Printing Trades Council, a local affiliate of the Communications Workers of America. Thus, they can place an official “union bug” trademark on printed materials for political campaigns, labor organizations and governments.
Kaufman said the merger with Foote ensures his company’s employees will retain their jobs and continue doing the work they’ve been doing. Combined, the two companies will have 20 employees.
“Together, we are building a stronger company while preserving the relationships and service our customers count on,” Kaufman added.
The front of Foote Printing’s plant on East 55th Street at Grand Avenue. It is twice as large as Brothers Printing’s location on Euclid Avenue and offers free parking (Google).
By uniting at Foote’s building, which is two times larger than Brothers’, it will mean a more efficient and centralized production environment, he said. Free parking is available at the new facility. The transition is designed to be seamless for customers and partners.
“Our goal is simple: take everything our customers already trust and make it even better,” said Michael Duhr, co-owner of Foote Printing.
“By combining our teams and capabilities, we are investing in the future — expanding services, increasing capacity, and strengthening our ability to meet evolving customer needs while maintaining the high-touch service both companies are known for,” he added.
“Both companies have spent decades earning the trust of their customers,” David Kaufman, vice president of Brothers said. “This merger allows us to honor that legacy while building something even stronger for the future — right here in Cleveland.”
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