Swift Printing: A Legacy of Ink, Innovation, and Integrity
Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Swift Printing is more than just a print shop—it’s a testament to hard work, family values, and a relentless commitment to quality that has spanned three generations.
Since its founding in 1950, Swift Printing has evolved from a traditional print shop into a modern, high-performance business that blends craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. But ask anyone who’s walked through our doors, and they’ll tell you—it’s not just the equipment that makes us different, it’s the people.
Our story is one of legacy, community, and the drive to always be better.
A Family Business Built on Hustle
Swift Printing was founded 75 years ago, back when printing was a labor-intensive craft, requiring precision, patience, and a deep understanding of ink, paper, and presswork. Over the decades, we’ve evolved with technology, but one thing hasn’t changed—our commitment to excellence.
As Walt Gutowski Jr., the second-generation leader of Swift Printing, often says:
"You can have the best machines in the world, but without great people running them, you're just another shop. What makes Swift special is the pride our team takes in their work—every single job, big or small."
That pride in craftsmanship is what has sustained us through economic downturns, industry shifts, and the rise of digital media. It’s also what keeps customers coming back—because when you print with us, you’re not just getting ink on paper. You’re getting the expertise, care, and dedication of a team that treats your project like their own.
What Sets Swift Printing Apart?
1. We Don’t Just Print—We Problem Solve
One of the biggest misconceptions about printing is that it’s a one-size-fits-all industry. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Every project has unique needs, budgets, and timelines, and our job is to make the impossible happen.
Need a custom die-cut folder for your next pitch? A sustainable packaging solution for your new product? Or maybe you’re launching a marketing campaign and need high-impact direct mail that stands out?
We don’t just say “yes” to jobs—we help clients find the right solutions. That’s why our relationships with businesses aren’t transactional—they’re built on trust.
As Walt Gutowski III puts it:
"You don’t stay in business for 75 years by doing things the easy way. You stay in business by listening, adapting, and treating every client’s job like it’s your own reputation on the line."
2. Investing in Innovation Without Losing Our Roots
Technology has changed printing dramatically, and Swift Printing has always been ahead of the curve. From digital printing and wide-format graphics to the restoration of our fully functional Old Gordon press, we believe in honoring both the past and future of printing.
We continue to invest in:
✅ Eco-friendly printing solutions – because sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility
✅ State-of-the-art equipment – to ensure every job meets the highest standards
✅ Skilled people – because craftsmanship is still at the heart of great printing
That mix of tradition and innovation is what keeps us growing while still respecting where we came from.
3. A People-First Culture That Drives Performance
High performance doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from hiring the right people, creating a culture of accountability, and making sure everyone has the tools to succeed.
As a Certified B Corp, we’ve made a commitment to:
Put people over profits
Support our local community
Operate with integrity and sustainability
That’s not always easy. Running a business—especially a family business—comes with challenges, tough decisions, and moments where you wonder if you’re doing it right.
But as Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon says:
"If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of the business. That’s the foundation of everything we do."
That means giving our team the space to problem-solve, grow, and take ownership of their work. When people believe in what they do, they don’t just show up—they perform at the highest level.
Swift Printing & the WestSide: A Community Connection
Swift Printing isn’t just located in Grand Rapids—we’re part of its fabric. The WestSide is home, and we take pride in supporting other local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs.
We work closely with:
Nonprofits that make an impact in our city
Small businesses that need affordable, high-quality print solutions
Artists & creators looking to bring their work to life
When you print with us, you’re not just supporting a business—you’re supporting a legacy that has invested in Grand Rapids for three generations.
The Future of Swift Printing
As we look ahead, our goal is simple:
🔹 Continue raising the bar for print quality and service
🔹 Stay true to our values while evolving with the industry
🔹 Empower our team to innovate, problem-solve, and lead
The print industry isn’t easy, but we love what we do. And as long as we’re printing, we’ll continue to uphold the Swift Printing standard—where people, quality, and community always come first.
Looking for a printing partner who values craftsmanship, innovation, and community?
📍 Visit Swift Printing in Grand Rapids
💻 Get in touch to see how we can help with your next project!