Behind the ink: Inside the Empire State University print shop

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — MAY 29, 2024) Hiding in the back of Empire State University’s location at 111 West Ave. lies a print shop that plays an important role for the university and community in Saratoga Springs. Behind the whirring of industrial-sized printers and smell of ink, reminiscent of an art classroom, is Steven Linton, print equipment operator, who prints anything you can imagine.

“We’ve been around the entire time the university has been here,” Linton said. “We help faculty members with whatever they need so that way they’re not using resources that are outside.”

Linton said their largest orders, and most consistent projects, are printing the diplomas that go out to Empire State University’s graduates.

“We have at least 20 to 30 diplomas every week,” Linton said. “In the busy months, we’re doing upwards of 200 or 300 diplomas.”

Outside of the university’s needs, Linton said the print shop also offers their services to the greater community.

“Knowing people have options is great,” Linton said. “We try not to tread on local mom and pop shops, but if people are retiring or closing, they don’t have other options to go to, so we do offer that opportunity for people.”

Linton said they regularly work with non-profits to provide things at a cheaper cost than some bigger print shops might offer, creating a win-win deal for the print shop and organizations looking to make a difference.

“One of the local businesses we work for is 4H Cornell Cooperative Extension — we print books for them,” Linton said. “We quote them about $1,000, but to get the equivalent at FedEx is $7,000. We’re not losing any money and we’re still making enough to replace our equipment, but it’s also saving.”

In addition to serving the community, the Empire State University printshop also serves the broader SUNY system, including SUNY System Administration and UAlbany.  Linton said being able to support these other branches helps benefit many students outside of SUNY Empire.

“It may be as simple as running business cards or a time sensitive project for a conference,” Linton said. “They may have equipment down, or the project may be beyond some of their capabilities. Rather than send a job to an outside organization which would cost significantly more, they seek our support.”

Whether it’s a banner, flag, poster, or brochure, Linton said the print shop can meet your needs and if there’s a challenge, he’s willing to figure it out.

“If more things are needed, we are always happy to get new toys,” Linton said.