New Milford Printing broadens reach, acquires fellow print shop

By Deborah Rose

New Milford Printing has expanded its business through the recent acquisition of J&J Printing Co.

New Milford Printing purchased J&J, also in New Milford, June 3. J&J has been owned and operated by Shari Barron since 2007.

“I look forward to welcoming J&J’s customers to our printing family,” said Gary Boros. “We’re excited to establish relationships with them and fulfil their printing needs seamlessly.”

The acquisition comes following a longtime business relationship between the two members of the printing industry.

The print shop is working with Barron for the next few months “to ensure a smooth transition,” Boros related.

“I’m working with Gary, so if people have any questions, I’m available,” Barron said.

New Milford Printing encompasses all printing needs, including design, printing, finishing and mail. 

“We have a lot of capabilities, and we do it all right here,” said Boros, emphasizing all work is done locally at its 221 Danbury Road (Route 7) shop located in the building just north of Italia Mia Restaurant. 

Among the services and products offered: booklets and publications; business stationary such as cards, letterhead, forms, and notepads; postcards, greeting cards, and invitations; and marketing materials, including signs, bookmarks, coupons, door hangers, fliers, newsletters, posters, and menus.

The business primarily serves Litchfield, Fairfield and New Haven counties, and beyond.

Its biggest client is the U.S. military. New Milford Printing is the sole printer for the military’s coupon program. The shop prints and mails one million coupons a month to bases around the globe for use at commissaries. In addition, it makes the signs and displays for the commissaries.

David Schriber, owner/operator of Club Getaway in Kent, has been using New Milford Printing for 13 years. He said the company prints all his “brochures, maps….literally everything.” 

“They’re very accommodating,” Schriber said, noting the quick turnaround he has had for many of his orders.

Lisa Pignatello, director of marketing at Mountain High Organics in town, said her company has been a New Milford Printing customer for nearly 10 years for many reasons.

“It’s local, they’re great people, and they will work with you at the drop of a dime,” Pignatello said. “Everybody there is wonderful. They go above and beyond.”

In addition to New Milford Printing, Boros’ family owns and operates three other businesses, Lace & Ink, which specializes in custom printing and accessories for weddings and special events; Signworks Studios LLC, a custom sign company that produces carved, dimensional and illuminated signs, sculpted concrete, vehicle wraps, banners, and more; and Northeast Aquatraction, which offers marine flooring. 

Boros’ wife, Patti, a graphic art designer, son, Brett, and daughters, Tara and Kate, are all part of the team at the businesses.

“I’m proud of my family’s participation and support through our growth,” Boros said, citing near round-the-clock commitment from his family.

Boros acknowledged the printing business comes with challenges, most specifically with changes in technology, equipment, and occasional issues that arise in the supply chain.

“There are a lot of moving parts, but we do our best to manage them all,” he said.

Boros bought New Milford Printing, located in the south end of town, in 2011.

Barron opened J&J Printing in the north end of town in 2007, following employment at other local print shops, including New Milford Printing.

Boros said New Milford Printing had for years been a company that focused on commercial printing. But, with the expansion of the Internet, customers sought the business’ services for personal products and accessories, Boros explained.

“People were coming in here and asking for things they saw on Pinterest and Etsy,” Boros said, who did not turn customers away.

“You have to keep up, and you have to adapt,” the businessman said.

Shortly before the pandemic began in 2020, Boros and his wife launched Lace & Ink.

“We went to one bridal show and the pandemic hit,” Boros recalled. “We never printed so many save the date cards….everyone was postponing their wedding.” 

Things have regained traction, and Boros contains to keep an eye on the future.

“We are happy that we are in New Milford, and glad to be a part of the community,” the owner said. 

“I look forward to our continued growth,” he said, adding he is exploring a soft launch for e-commerce.

For more information, call New Milford Printing, located at 221 Danbury Road, New Milford, at 860-354-0118.