Ingram’s Deal with EPAC Technologies Expands Lightning Source’s POD Capabilities
NASHVILLE, TN—March 22, 2012—Ingram Content Group announced a licensing agreement with EPAC Technologies and the acquisition of the assets of two EPAC print facilities in the United States, along with a technology development and support group in Germany, to expand its Lightning Source worldwide print-on-demand operation.
“By combining EPAC’s groundbreaking digital book manufacturing technologies with our years of print experience, Ingram will take the promise of print-on-demand (POD) to the next level,” said John R. Ingram, chairman, Ingram Content Group. “We believe that print-on-demand is a growing part of the future of the physical book. As more publishers invest in new ways to get content to readers, this transaction will allow Ingram to serve more publishers with the digital print solutions they need today and tomorrow.”
Through the licensing of these technologies and the acquisition of two print facilities, one in Ohio and the other in New Jersey, Ingram gains new capabilities to enhance its current proprietary print-on-demand solution. In addition, it will grow the universe of publisher titles and print volume eligible for digital manufacturing.
“Through Ingram, publishers can access the only globally networked print and digital distribution solution directly linked to market channels,” said David “Skip” Prichard, president and CEO, Ingram Content Group. “This expansion of our leading print-on-demand solution will ultimately help bring more books to more readers around the world by manufacturing content closer to the end user. This is a major advantage for publishers today as they navigate the shifting p and e market.”
Today, Ingram Lightning Source North American facilities include its headquarters in La Vergne, TN, and a plant in Allentown, PA. Worldwide locations include an operation central to London in Milton Keynes, UK; Melbourne, Australia; and a joint-venture facility in Maurepas, France, with Hachette Book Group. In addition, Lightning Source has alliances with leading print-on-demand providers in both Brazil and Germany.
