The Printing Co., Concord Printing Services merge

This story has been edited to correct a typo in an address.

Two longstanding Southeast Missouri printing companies are joining forces: The Printing Co. and Concord Printing Services are merging, creating the largest privately owned commercial full-service print company between St. Louis and Memphis, Tennessee, according to a news release issued jointly by both businesses.

The merged business will operate under the name The Printing Co., and will conduct business in The Printing Co. facility at 112 S. Broadview St. and at Concord Printing’s plant at 500 William St.

In the merger with Concord Printing Services, the majority of the Concord Printing production staff will be employed by The Printing Co., according to the news release.

“Merging not just the equipment but also the people was a high priority for us during the process,” Rex Rust stated in the release.

The Printing Co. owner Jason Coalter said he considers the merger a win-win situation for customers of both businesses.

“By bringing together the two most capable regional commercial printing leaders that were continually swapping accounts, we’re able to bring more capabilities and fulfillment opportunities to our local and regional customers,” Coalter said. “And by consolidating resources, we’re able to invest in more state-of-the-art equipment.”

The Rusts are enthusiastic about the transition.

“It was important for us to find a company that would be a good fit for our clients and staff, and Jason is a great leader in the print industry,” Jon Rust stated in the release.

“The cultures and visions of our two companies are a great fit,” Gary Rust Jr. stated.

In addition to The Printing Co., Coalter owns real estate development companies, including The Hamlet Group and Centurion Development LLC, which specializes in historic preservation and renovation. Concord Printing Services is owned by brothers Rex, Jon and Gary Rust Jr. Jon K. Rust is publisher of the Southeast Missourian. He and Rex Rust are co-presidents of Rust Communications. Gary Rust Jr. is the director of rustmedia.

Concord Printing Services was founded by Gary Rust Sr. after his purchase of Missourian Litho and Printing Co. in 1982, according to the release. Missourian Litho’s roots date back to the early 1900s. Large newsprint products will continue to be printed by the Southeast Missourian in the same building on William Street.

The Printing Co. was started by Coalter’s father in 1987. Over the years it has merged with businesses in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Park Hills and Farmington, Missouri.

“We build on what other family-owned businesses have created. We’ve never regretted doing one yet,” Coalter said.

Pertinent address:

112 S. Broadview, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

500 S. William, Cape Girardeau, Mo.