McNaughton & Gunn

Skilled Workers Help Book Manufacturer Achieve New Chapter of Growth
“The concentration of book printers in Ann Arbor creates a pool of skilled workers with experience specific to book manufacturing,” states McNaughton & Gunn CEO, Julie McFarland. “The book printers in the area also combine resources as an industry which benefits us all.”

Producing primarily perfect bound books, McNaughton & Gunn’s first title was generated in November of 1975. By the end of the first full year, the company grew to 50 employees with sales exceeding $1,000,000. Today the company enjoys sales of $30,000,000 and employs approximately 210 team members at the company headquarters in Saline.

“The region is ideal because it is centrally located to clients as well as many vendors,” McFarland added.

Founded on the principle that people make the difference, McNaughton & Gunn takes every opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of its team members. The company promotes a work environment where everyone has opportunities to grow, develop, learn, and express ideas.

Encouraging Continuous Learning
McNaughton & Gunn emphasizes and encourages training and continuous learning.

“Having access to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College in furthering the education and skill levels of our team members is a valuable asset to our company,” says McFarland.

In 1995, M&G University was established to implement the company’s learning initiatives. M&G University provides opportunities for all team members to develop new skills personally and professionally. With the variety of technical and non-technical programs offered, team members can learn about customers and processes, technology, health and wellness, corporate statistics, strategic goals, team building and more.

As a result of its team commitment, McNaughton & Gunn has been selected as a “Best of the Best Workplace in America” by Printing Industries of America for the past seven years, and has received a Work/Life Balance Designation Award for four years in a row, from the Washtenaw Work/Life Consortium.

In 2005, Crain’s Detroit Business named McNaughton & Gunn one of 60 “Cool Places to Work” in Michigan. The company was also given the Michigan Printing Week Corporation Award in 2006 by Printing Industries of Michigan.

The company has been consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence in the printing industry and the community with honors that include:

Small Press Review’s Top Book Manufacturer in the United States
Michigan Jobs Commission Training Grant recipient
Merit Award for Management Plus
Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award

A strong Commitment to the Environment
McNaughton & Gunn has a strong commitment to running an environmentally conscious book printing operation. Much of the success in this arena can be attributed to widespread team member participation in waste reduction, and the support of McNaughton & Gunn team leaders.

The company has received several honors based on its initiatives in the areas of waste reduction, recycling, water quality protection and pollution prevention, including:

Michigan Great Printer (1996 – 2006) – The first printer in Michigan to be recognized for environmentally friendly practices by the Michigan Great Printers Project.
Waste Knot Award from the Washtenaw County Public Works Division (1998 – 2006) for providing leadership in waste reduction and recycling.
Certificate of Partnership in the Community Partners for Clean Streams Program (1999 – 2006) - for promoting business practices that protect the local water quality.

“It’s not brick and mortar and machines that make a company successful,” McFarland said. “Our biggest asset has always been our people. We sustain our team through a supportive environment, open communication and our benefit package, so that they can focus on servicing our clients.”

"Having access to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College in furthering the education and skill levels of our team members is a valuable asset to our company."

Julie McFarland
CEO
McNaughton & Gunn