Atkins Printing was established in 1910 by Ralph Atkins in downtown Waterville, Maine. Ralph pursued a union contract early on to get a foothold on political printing in the State. Following in his father’s footsteps was Edward Atkins, Ralph’s son. Edward fathered three children, one followed in his footsteps and continued the printing business. The time came that Ralph W. Atkins, (Edward’s son and grandson of the founder) began looking forward to retirement. Although he also has two offspring, neither was interested in the printing business. Ralph’s only option was to sell the business. How would he opt out of the printing business and still insure employment to his staff. He vowed not to sell the business to a competitor who would close the establishment after the sale. By chance, Ralph’s cousins Jim, Peter and Ann Mitchell expressed interest in acquiring the company. January first 2008 the Mitchells became the fourth owner of this 98 year old company. Is it still a family business? We think so.

Maine quality, prompt, efficient service - we remain committed to our core values.

 

A union label on your printed materials means that your project was produced in a shop where workers are protected by a collective bargaining agreement. Workers in union shops participate in negotiating wages, benefits and workplace health and safety policies.

All workers at Atkins Printing are members of Local 643, Typographical Union — Printing, Publishing, & Media Workers of the CWA (Communications Workers of America). Our union label reflects our participation in the labor movement and our support for workers’ rights.