Celebrating the milestone at Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel, the team came together for a party with live band – with Ruddocks business development manager John Thomas on drums – and magic to set off a lively evening.
Banton, who has led Ruddocks as MD for 25 years, thanked employees and said it was a “privilege” to work with them.
Speaking to Printweek, he added: “It’s incredible to reflect on Ruddocks’ journey since 1884, from a small local print shop to a full-service creative production agency.
“This anniversary is a testament to the dedication of our team, the loyalty of our clients, and the strength of our community. We’re honoured to have been part of Lincoln’s story for so long and excited to continue building our legacy.”
The company, founded in 1884, offers full-service creative production for clients. It runs litho on a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL75 with Cron CTP – bought in May 2024 – and digital print through Canon and Konica Minolta machinery, including two new Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7120 mono printers bought this year.
“Our team is incredibly excited about the future,” Banton added.
“We’re not just celebrating 140 years; we’re looking forward to what’s next. With new technology in place – and on the horizon – and a renewed focus on creative production, together with further automation and the exploration of AI to improve efficiencies, we’re ready to push boundaries and deliver even more innovative solutions for our clients.”
Long-term business is baked into the company’s ethos, too, with strong sustainability goals of carbon neutrality by 2030 backed by investments like the Cron, which was chosen for its compact footprint and more efficient electricity usage.
Banton added: “Ruddocks has faced world wars, economic downturns, technological revolutions and a global pandemic, but we have always stayed true to our values while adapting to change.
“A supportive team, loyal clients, and a willingness to innovate have been key to our longevity.”
Ruddocks employs 40 staff, generating sales of around £3.5m.
