Over the years, Paulhamus Litho, Inc. began as a one-man printing press and has morphed into a full service and full color printing company, which serves many printing needs.
Today, some of the products made at the print shop are catalogues, brochures, magazines, perfect bound books, menus and presentation folders. Foil stamping, bossing, dye cutting and limited art prints are some other specialties found at the shop.
Ronald Paulhamus's father, Robert C. Paulhamus, was a press operator for 11 years before he opened his own print shop in the basement of Elery Nau's department store somewhere near 1956.
Article Photos
SHAWNA TURNER/Sun-Gazette
Bill Karschner, left, and Ronald Paulhamus discuss the color quality of a press sheet.
"My father's mother knew of a man that had a printing company in Williamsport and was looking for a young person to train in the printing business. My dad went up interviewed, put in an application and they hired him. So, that is how he started in the printing business," said Ronald Paulhamus, current president of the business.
About four years later, his business outgrew the basement, with fulltime operations and a skilled staff.
The facility was moved to 1128 Broad Street in Montoursville, near where Kristy's Restaurant is today.
As the years went on, two more expansions were needed.
However, in 1975, the Broad Street facility could no longer contain the needs of the business and they moved to the current location on Old Montoursville Road.
"We added two more additions onto that building until it was outgrown. My father purchased the current property in 1975. We have had three expansions onto the building since then. The last expansion was in 1995," Paulhamus said.
Paulhamus is unsure of when the next expansion will be, noting his focus is on the changing times now.
"We know the printing industry is changing because of the impact of digital printing," Paulhamus said.
Times have changed in the last 50 years and the company has had to change with those times in order to keep it a successful business. Digital technology has vastly affected the printing industry. The printing company is changing with the trends.
According to Paulhamus, he is committed to making sure all equipment is modern and up to date.
"Within the last two-months, we have installed a complete new digital workflow so we will be up to date with the newest innovations there. Right now, what expansion we have, we have been concentrating on the area of technology," Paulhamus said.
One goal of the business has been to keep the business in the family. Currently, the third generation of Paulhamus's are found at their post in the family business.
About 20 people are employed at the general commercial print shop which accommodates all orders, with no minimum sized orders to worry about before the order is placed.
They have received an award of excellence from most major paper manufacturers, according to Paulhamus.
The printing company is also active in the community sponsoring a t-ball team for Montoursville's Little League.
They also support the Williamsport Symphony and the Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action, among others.
The print shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Interested individuals may contact the shop at 368-8176.
