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The Evolution of Book Manufacturing: Marquis Book Printing
The dynamic between publishers and printers has shifted significantly in recent years. Traditionally, printers were solely responsible for producing physical books, while publishers managed the broader aspects of the publishing process. Today, however, companies like Marquis are taking on a more integrated role, providing a wider array of services that span critical stages of production and distribution. “The printing industry increasingly acknowledges the necessity of deep integration within the supply chain,” notes Danielle Riendeau, Vice President of Sales at Marquis.
Established in 1937, Marquis, a branch of Lakeside Book Company, now delivers comprehensive book printing and logistics solutions to numerous content creators across Canada, the United States, and Europe. With a workforce of over 600 employees spread across six locations in Canada—Montmagny, Quebec City, Louiseville, Sherbrooke, Georgetown, and Toronto—Marquis has cultivated a robust presence in the industry.
The team at Marquis prides itself on its technological expertise, creativity, and strong client relationships, which facilitate seamless end-to-end services throughout the production chain. The company is adept in sourcing materials and aligning manufacturing capabilities with market demand. Each publisher is paired with an Account Manager and a Customer Support Representative, ensuring that the printing process is tailored to individual needs. Their latest initiative, “A Story of Affinity and Simplicity,” underscores their commitment to providing a personalized customer experience.
In terms of support, Marquis offers inventory management services allowing publishers to monitor stock levels, manage logistics, and ensure product accessibility. Their offerings also encompass warehousing solutions, order fulfillment, and comprehensive logistics management.
Riendeau highlights that one of the major obstacles publishers currently face is maintaining a balance between cost efficiency and quality production, alongside speedy service. “Publishers must devise strategies to control expenses while ensuring quality is not compromised nor significant costs transferred to consumers,” she explains.
In response to these challenges, Marquis has introduced innovative solutions like the Automatic Replenishment Program (ARP). This system is linked to publishers’ sales metrics and automatically prompts the replenishment of titles to maintain optimal inventory levels, thereby addressing shortages and preventing overstock situations. Moreover, Marquis has implemented local printing hubs, which minimize shipping distances and associated costs while also lowering carbon emissions.
With an active commitment to social responsibility, Marquis is focused on promoting eco-friendly printing practices. The use of sustainable materials such as recycled paper and UV presses has significantly reduced the ecological footprint of book production. “These eco-conscious materials are often more cost-effective in the long term and complement sustainability initiatives,” Riendeau states. Implementing these practices not only contributes to environmental goals but also counters rising challenges facing the industry, such as escalating costs of raw materials and logistics.
Looking toward the future, Riendeau expresses enthusiasm for emerging trends in book features, including edge printing, which can elevate a book to a collectible art piece. “The future of book printing is set to be an exciting fusion of technological progress and shifting consumer preferences,” she indicates. “Such enhancements bring not only aesthetic appeal but also foster a stronger connection between readers and the books they cherish, particularly for collectors who value distinctive items on their shelves.”
A version of this article appeared in the 02/24/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: The New Face of Book Manufacturing: Marquis Book Printing.
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