Graphic Litho, Inc. was founded in 1973 by Dick and Andrea Petkash. A printer by both trade and upbringing, Dick Petkash opened Graphic Litho as a small storefront shop on Cleveland's west side. The business grew steadily, and soon Graphic Litho hired one of its first employees, Mark Wentland, who is still with us today many years later.
Dick and Andrea Petkash taking a break prior to opening Graphic Litho in 1973.
In December 2000, Dick Petkash passed away after a brief illness, and Graphic Litho found itself contemplating perhaps the most important decision it had ever faced. In hindsight looking back at that time, it was a relatively easy decision for Andrea to continue on, but at the time it was anything but a simple one. With some nervousness, a new industry to learn, and, most importantly, a family of employees eager to assist in the transition, Dick and Andrea's son, Mike, a CPA, assumed Dick's duties at Graphic Litho.
Since that time, Graphic Litho, like the rest of the printing industry, has adapted to meet the changing needs of our clients. We have added new technologies and entered new markets to better serve our customers. While we have changed through the years, our commitment to serving our clients and ensuring their satisfaction remains the same as it was over 30 years ago.
I, along with everyone else at Graphic Litho, thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about our business. We look forward to serving you.
in the latest technology, attracting and retaining highly-skilled and motivated employees, and providing exceptional service at competitive prices. While the printing industry has changed greatly since we were founded 30 years ago, our commitment to the principles upon which Dick built this business is resolute. That is why today, over three decades later, some of our clients are still doing business not only with Graphic Litho, but in some cases, the same employees they dealt with all those years ago.
Concrete being poured for a press pad as part of our expansion.
This expansion included digital pre-press equipment, multi-color presses, a complete finishing and bindery department, and personnel. Our clients have come to include businesses and organizations of all types and sizes - from small family-owned businesses to some of the most recognizable names in the global marketplace.
Dick Petkash learned early in his venture that continued success relied upon three factors: ongoing capital investment
By 1980, Graphic Litho had outgrown its storefront locations, and moved to where we sit today. Graphic Litho began its transition from a small, storefront shop to a full service commercial printer.
As the 1980's and 1990's progressed, Graphic Litho expanded greatly within its current facility to meet the needs of our clients.
Graphic Litho's pressroom soon after moving into our current facility in 1980.