Lawton Connect Expands Production Capabilities with RMGT 970 LED Press Installation
SOLON, OH — Lawton Connect, a fifth-generation commercial printing leader celebrating 125 years of excellence, has expanded its production capabilities with the installation of a new RMGT 970ST-5+CC Five Color press featuring a fully integrated aqueous and UV coater, Insta.Color™ makeready automation, and dual LED and ECO UV curing systems. The press was provided by Graphco, a trusted partner to the print industry for 50 years.
“Our company has been serving clients for 125 years because we continue to invest in the right technology at the right time,” said Ty Koon, Owner of Lawton Connect. “The RMGT 970 expands what we can do for customers by increasing efficiency, improving turnaround times, and allowing us to produce more sophisticated coated pieces with greater consistency.”
Built for Speed, Precision, and Standout Finishes
RMGT’s Insta.Color™ and Full Automatic Plate Changing (APC) technology dramatically reduces makeready times, improves color accuracy, and accelerates job changeovers. The result is faster throughput, greater scheduling flexibility, and exceptional consistency from first sheet to last enabling Lawton Connect to meet demanding customer expectations with greater speed and consistency.
The press’s advanced inline aqueous and UV coater unlocks premium embellishment capabilities, including:
Aqueous and UV specialty coatings, including chemical emboss effects
Soft-touch coatings for luxury tactile finishes
Spot UV enhancements for visual contrast and brand emphasis
Protective coatings that enhance durability and product performance
These enhancements elevate marketing materials, packaging components, and specialty applications to a new level of visual and tactile impact. Lawton Connect is widely recognized as a leader in short- to medium-run playing card production, and these advanced coating effects allow those products to stand apart in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Measurable Productivity & ROI Advantage
By transitioning from a smaller B2 23” x 29” format competitive brand press to the RMGT’s larger 8UP+ 25” x 38” format, Lawton Connect significantly increases impressions per sheet while reducing paper handling and overall production cycles. Combined with faster operating speeds, the platform delivers meaningful economic impact:
More sellable pieces per sheet
Fewer sheets required for comparable jobs
Reduced labor touchpoints
Lower cost per finished piece
Faster time-to-market
The result is tangible ROI — not only operationally for Lawton Connect, but for their customers who benefit from compressed timelines, increased throughput capacity, and enhanced print quality with higher marketing impact.
Dual LED & ECO UV Curing
Instant curing increases productivity while expanding substrate versatility. Customers benefit from sharper detail, vibrant color reproduction, and accelerated production cycles — all while supporting energy efficiency and zero-VOC emissions during the print process.
“Our reputation has always been built on relationships, trust, and consistent execution,” said Kimberly Lawton Koon, President of Lawton Connect. “Investments like this ensure we continue delivering exceptional print quality while helping our clients create marketing pieces that truly stand out.”
A Partnership Built on Legacy and Innovation
This installation builds on Lawton Connect’s continued modernization throughout its 125-year history — a milestone reflecting well over a century of adaptation, investment, and customer commitment starting with J.B. Lawton’s founding of company in 1900.
“As Lawton Connect celebrates 125 years of excellence and innovation, Graphco is proud to mark 50 years of serving the printing industry alongside visionary partners like Kimberly and Ty,” said Chris Manley of Graphco. “This installation represents more than a press investment — it reflects two legacy companies committed to continuous improvement, customer success, and the future of print.”