Stockbridge Member Spotlight: Swift Printing, a Third-Generation Grand Rapids Print Shop

For more than 76 years, Swift Printing has been putting ink to paper on Grand Rapids’ West Side.


Founded in 1950 by Walt Gutowski Sr., Swift Printing has grown from a traditional commercial print shop into a third-generation family business offering digital and offset printing, direct mail, signage, booklets, envelopes, labels, specialty finishing, and custom marketing materials for businesses and organizations throughout West Michigan.


Walt Gutowski, Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon & Walt Gutowski III posing on the beach

Today, the company is led by siblings Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and Walt Gutowski III, who continue to build on the family’s printing legacy while investing in new technology and modern production capabilities.


Swift Printing is also a longtime member of the Stockbridge Business Association, and its connection to the neighborhood runs much deeper than simply having a business address here.


For the Gutowski family, the West Side has been home for generations.

A Grand Rapids Printer Built Around Relationships

Swift Printing has always taken a relationship-first approach to business. That means helping customers determine what they actually need rather than simply selling them a product.

A customer may come in asking for postcards but ultimately need a direct-mail campaign. A nonprofit may need a booklet, event signage, envelopes, and mailing services all coordinated under one project.

That consultative approach is a large part of what has helped Swift remain relevant through decades of change in the printing industry.

The company works with businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, associations, campaigns, and community organizations throughout West Michigan.


Its services include:

  • Commercial digital and offset printing

  • Direct mail and postal preparation

  • Variable-data printing

  • Postcards and newsletters

  • Brochures and booklets

  • Envelopes and labels

  • Signs, banners, and wide-format printing

  • Specialty finishing and custom print projects

For Swift, printing is not simply about producing a piece. It is about understanding what that piece needs to accomplish.

Why Local Printing Still Matters

In a world increasingly centered around digital communication, Swift Printing continues to see strong value in physical print.

A postcard arriving in a mailbox can introduce someone to a new business.

A well-produced brochure can explain a service in a way that is easy to keep and reference.

A sign or banner can help an event feel established and welcoming.

A printed map can help visitors explore an entire neighborhood.

Those are all examples of print playing a practical role in the local business community.

Working with a local Grand Rapids printer also gives customers access to people who understand the project, the audience, and often the community where the piece will ultimately be used.

That local knowledge can make a meaningful difference.

Deep Roots on the WestSide

Swift Printing’s involvement in Stockbridge reflects the company’s broader philosophy that businesses are stronger when they know and support one another.

The Stockbridge Business Association creates opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and community partners to connect, collaborate, and share information about what is happening throughout the West Side.

For Swift Printing, that kind of involvement is a natural fit.

The company has participated in local events, supported community organizations, produced neighborhood materials, and worked with countless West Michigan businesses over the years.

Swift Printing President Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon also serves as president of the Stockbridge Business Association, helping coordinate opportunities for members to connect and promoting the businesses and organizations that make the area unique.

Blending History With Modern Printing

One of the things that makes Swift Printing unique is its ability to combine traditional printing craftsmanship with modern technology. The company has maintained a respect for older printing techniques, including letterpress, while continuing to invest in digital production, variable-data printing, wide-format capabilities, and modern finishing equipment. That blend allows Swift to produce everything from everyday business materials to highly customized projects. It also reflects something the company has learned over generations in business: technology changes, but good service does not.

Customers still want someone to answer the phone.

They still want help solving a problem.

They still want their project done correctly and on time.

And they still appreciate working with people who care about the finished product.

A Business Invested in Its Neighborhood

Strong neighborhoods depend on strong local businesses, and strong local businesses benefit from being connected to the communities around them. That is one reason Swift Printing continues to invest its time and energy in Stockbridge and Grand Rapids’ West Side. For Swift, being part of the neighborhood means more than operating a business here.

It means knowing your neighbors.

Supporting local organizations.

Showing up for community events.

Sharing expertise.

And helping other businesses succeed.

That spirit of collaboration is exactly what the Stockbridge Business Association is designed to encourage.

Learn More About Swift Printing

Swift Printing is located at 404 Bridge Street NW in Grand Rapids and serves businesses and organizations throughout West Michigan.

From direct mail and publications to signage, postcards, envelopes, booklets, and custom commercial printing, the Swift Printing team helps customers determine the right solution for each project.

Visit SwiftPrinting.com to learn more about Swift Printing’s services or to request a quote.

Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon