Last week a group of Kalmbach employees (Bead&Button magazine is owned by Kalmbach Publishing) took a tour of Quad/Graphics, the company that prints all 16 Kalmbach magazines. While the Bead&Button editors work to bring you the best beading projects, the employees of Quad/Graphics work to bring you the best looking magazine.

The science of printing is fascinating. I’m sure Johannes Gutenberg never imagined what would become of his simple printing press. High-tech computer systems now operate most equipment, from presses to automated binding machines. Even labeling and postal code sorting are controlled by a computer. Quad/Graphics is a leader in the printing industry, and their research and development department has invented many of the systems now operating in their own and other printing plants.

But behind all the technology are highly trained and organized Quad/Graphics employees. They take great pride in making every magazine they print look terrific, with vibrant color and high-resolution photos and images, and shipping every issue of Bead&Button on time. So the next time you pick up Bead&Button, take a moment to look at the printing job. It’s what makes the magazine look great.