JP Graphics started letterpress printing in 2014, when we took on the presses and pressman from Simon Printing.

We acquired some legacy work from their accounts, but the real treasure was the amazing press operators – true craftsmen – who mastered the work we had here.

In 2021, we took on the challenge of integrating 2 Kluge Letterpress machines from a closed operation in Texas.  It took us 2+ years to get them operational and everyone trained, thanks to our good friend KC Chapman from Absolute Machinery.

However, it was the pandemic, the closure of Apex Die, and a rise in high-end wedding invites that finally got these machines working consistently.

The surge in wedding invitations, including for Joan’s two sons, started JP Graphics’ path to enhancing invites.  With specialty equipment and skilled designers, we began to elevate invitations to the next level. The customization of envelopes, with printed liners, custom die-cut shapes, specialty foils, and the premium cotton papers needed for letterpress printing now transforms each invite to something fit for royalty.

So, it is with great admiration for true craftsmanship, that our Employee of the Month for May 2024 is Kim Reeves.

Kim has worked at JP Graphics since October 2014, running the letterpress machine from Simon Printing, but being in the print trades all his life, he became an integral part of the organization, helping with die-cutting, numbering, foil stamping, letterpress, cutting, and glue laminating of papers.

For Kim, every detail matters. It either meets his high standards, or it doesn’t make the cut. Even if he has to adjust the piece multiple times for any changes to the gripper and guides, he will until they are perfect.  He will register foil/emboss to even digitally printed pieces, with such perfection.  It’s such a joy to see how JP Graphics can bring the new world of digital with the old world of letterpress to make some incredible invitations from weddings to non-profit events alike.

Kim’s meticulous attention to detail opened doors for Joan, landing her a specialty invite to an amazing event—a wedding in Ireland!!! Once again proving that EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH PRINT!!! Even the wedding gift will be unique die-cut custom cards, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece crafted by Shalini and Kim, who patiently paste the two sheets together. The power of print is also transforming the wedding wine labels and gift boxes from Idyll Time Wines into symbols of sophistication and elegance.

Here are just a few comments from the managers:

• “Kim has really started to use the Kluge’s and Heidelberg Windmills with perfection, producing intricate foils and letterpress dies.  Always making sure it’s perfect before doing it.” ~ Joe
• “He has really upped our game in prepress.  Requiring overlays and crop marks to help him perfect the registration of the pieces.” ~ Dave
• “I have the utmost respect for Kim’s talents as a letterpress operator.  His eye for detail is like no other.  He always checks his work and never wastes paper or supplies.” ~ Norbi
• “There are never any issues with Kim – payroll, HR, or otherwise.” ~Michelle
• “I am going to Ireland, as a direct result of Kim’s craftsmanship!!  When I ask him to get something done, or what time he will be done, he makes it happen.  I did not even know what True Craftsmanship was until Kim came to JP Graphics.  His fundamentals are so solid that I have asked him to help take on some of our new young guys and instill in them the ART of printing.  That it is the attention to detail that does not go unnoticed and is well worth the admiration it brings.” ~Joan

Thank you, Kim, for consistently going above and beyond. Your hard work and passion drive us all to achieve greater heights.