Company Bio

Originally founded in 1892, The Ben C. Irwin Company operated as a small printing and bookbinding business. In 1894, Ben C. Irwin partnered with Clarence Hodson and The Irwin-Hodson Company was officially born. The Marking Products Division which included metal signs, tool checks, badges, key checks and host of other diverse products, also grew in importance during this time. In about 1917 IHCO began producing the product for which we are still known today--the automobile license plate. At the Board of Directors’ meeting on December 10, 1932 IHCO made the decision to confine the business to letterpress printing, offset lithography, and manufacturing of rubber stamps, license plates and metal signs.

By the 1950’s IHCO decided to seek out another line of printing. We purchased a process color press and began producing annual reports, catalogs, folders, calendars and other two to four-color work. Premium quality, high profile, multi-color lithography now represents a major percentage of IHCO sales.

The Irwin-Hodson Company has evolved over the years along with the shifting market trends. In mid 2008, the printing division provided differentiation from its sister division (Marking, Promotional and Custom Products) by re-branding with the name “Irwin Hodson Press”. Specializing in commercial printing and packaging—annual reports, marketing collateral, catalogs, folding cartons, art prints and calendars that utilize UV technology. As well as digitally produced self-mailers, brochures and short-run catalogs.

Contact Irwin Hodson Press today to talk about our plans for the next 100 years!