(KAIR)--116-years of business is coming to an end, as the Lockwood Company, of Atchison, announces the plan to close.
That word is delivered to customers of the print shop in a letter dated April 11.
President and CEO Justin Snowden, in the letter, thanks the "continued loyalty" of the customers, but says that due to "changing times," the business, located at 8191 Pratt Road, has been left "with no option but to close [the] doors as a commercial printer." The letter says the “decision [to close] has been made predominantly due to increased costs of materials and a diminishing demand,” with the company “no longer able to remain competitive on price and remain a viable business at the same time."
Snowden told MSC News that based on those factors, the stockholders voted to dissolve the company.
Snowden is the 5th generation of the family business, which he says was started in 1903 by his great-great-grandfather, C.A. Lockwood, as the Trade Printing Company. According to the company’s website, it’s one of the oldest print shops in Kansas.
Snowden said it’s with heavy heart that he has to announce the closure, but he is grateful for the skills and knowledge gained through his involvement.
"Due to the increased costs of materials and the diminishing demand, Lockwood is no longer able to remain competitive on price and remain a viable business. It was voted on by the stockholders, and the motion was passed to dissolve the company. I am the 5th generation of this family business. The company was started in 1903 by my great-great-grandfather C. A. Lockwood, then under the name of Trade Printing Company. Each generation since has been involved with the operation of the company. It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce its closure. And though the company's operation may be halting, the legacy will live on. It has instilled an entrepreneurial spirit that will live forever. The skills and knowledge that I have been gained will forever be applied in all of my future endeavors and I can not be more grateful. I would like to thank our community for supporting Lockwood for 116 years of business. That support gave Lockwood the opportunity to provide its services. I am proud to have been a part of what Lockwood has provided locally and nationally. Thank you to all that made The Lockwood Co. Inc. what it is today." Statement issued to MSC News by Justin Snowden
Jacque Pregont, President of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, told MSC News, “It's very sad to lose any business, but especially one that has such a history in our community. We hate to see them go. We have used them for so many different things... day to day supplies as well as brochures and marketing materials.”
According to the letter, a closing date of April 30 has been set, but the print shop “will continue to take jobs on a limited basis based on the availability of inventory and supplies” until that date.
The customer service center will remain fully operational until 3:30 on the afternoon of May 31.
The business employs five full-time and two part-time employees.
