100 Years of Great Western Ink!

The 100-Year History of Great Western Ink: A Legacy of Innovation in Portland, Oregon

Great Western Ink, a prominent name in the ink manufacturing industry, celebrates an incredible milestone in 2025—its 100th anniversary. For a century, this Portland, Oregon-based company has played an instrumental role in the development and growth of the ink industry, making a mark not just regionally, but globally. Its success story is a testament to the city’s innovative spirit and the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence, adaptability, and sustainability in an ever-changing world.

The Early Years: Founding and Growth

Great Western Ink was founded in 1925 by a group of entrepreneurs who recognized a growing need for high-quality, reliable ink production in the Pacific Northwest. Back in the early 20th century, Portland was a bustling center for manufacturing, and with the rise of print media and commercial publishing, demand for specialty inks surged.

Starting as a small operation, the company initially focused on producing inks for local printers. Its first products were primarily black inks, used for newspapers, books, and packaging. The company quickly gained a reputation for its consistency and high-quality formulations. This early success paved the way for expansion into other ink types, including colored inks and more specialized formulations for commercial printing, packaging, and advertising.

As the years progressed, Great Western Ink expanded its product offerings to include inks for labels, food packaging, and other diverse applications. Its success was also due to its commitment to technological advancements, ensuring that it kept pace with the evolving printing and publishing industries.

Adapting to Market Shifts: The Mid-20th Century

The 1940s and 1950s were a period of significant change for the printing industry, marked by advances in printing technology, including the widespread use of offset printing. Great Western Ink was quick to adapt, pioneering new formulations that worked seamlessly with these innovations. This foresight allowed the company to maintain its position as a leader in the industry, even as competitors emerged in the region.

In the post-World War II era, Great Western Ink began to develop inks for a variety of new industries, including textiles, plastics, and automotive applications. The company also expanded its reach beyond Portland, establishing a strong presence across the U.S. and Canada. Its dedication to providing reliable, high-quality products earned it a loyal customer base, which in turn helped the company weather the ups and downs of the economy.

During the 1960s and 1970s, as environmental awareness began to grow, Great Western Ink was one of the first companies in the industry to begin exploring eco-friendly alternatives. The company began developing inks that were less harmful to the environment, focusing on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. This proactive stance on sustainability was ahead of its time and became a defining characteristic of Great Western Ink’s long-term business strategy.

The Digital Age and Globalization: A New Era for Great Western Ink

By the 1990s, the global printing industry was undergoing a revolution. Digital printing, the rise of e-commerce, and the demand for shorter print runs and faster turnaround times were reshaping the landscape. Great Western Ink responded by investing heavily in research and development to create specialized inks for digital printers, as well as inks that worked across a variety of substrates, including plastics and textiles

Sustainability and Innovation: The 21st Century

As the world entered the 21st century, sustainability became an even greater focal point for both businesses and consumers. Great Western Ink, true to its legacy, continued to evolve with the times. In 2006, the company introduced its first line of soy-based inks, a major step forward in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Soy-based inks, known for their eco-friendly properties, became an increasingly popular choice in the printing industry.

By 2010, Great Western Ink had fully committed to sustainability. It became one of the first ink manufacturers to earn a certification for its green practices, including reducing energy consumption and utilizing recyclable materials in production. The company’s sustainability efforts didn’t stop at product formulation; it also introduced energy-efficient equipment and adopted lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase productivity.

The rise of online printing platforms and rapid technological advancements in the 2010s led to further innovations at Great Western Ink. The company embraced the shift toward shorter print runs and customized orders by developing ink solutions tailored to digital presses. Its continued investment in research and development allowed it to stay at the forefront of the industry, meeting the needs of businesses in a rapidly changing market.

Looking Forward: The Next 100 Years

As Great Western Ink celebrates its centennial in 2025, it stands at a crossroads. The ink manufacturing industry continues to evolve, with digital printing, 3D printing, and sustainable practices leading the charge. Great Western Ink is well-positioned for the future, as it continues to build on its legacy of innovation and commitment to quality. Its focus on sustainability and the development of next-generation ink technologies promises to keep the company at the cutting edge of the industry for many years to come.

Looking ahead, Great Western Ink plans to further invest in renewable energy solutions, increase the use of biodegradable materials, and continue developing inks for emerging technologies like 3D printing and inkjet printing. The company also remains committed to its roots in Portland, maintaining its manufacturing facility in the city and continuing to provide jobs and support to the local economy.

Conclusion

The story of Great Western Ink is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptation. From its humble beginnings in Portland, Oregon, to becoming a leader in the ink manufacturing industry, the company has continually evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace. As Great Western Ink celebrates 100 years of success, it looks forward to another century of growth, sustainability, and excellence in the ink industry.