Print industry urged to diversify into wide format printing and custom packaging; market projected to reach US$14.1B by 2033 as traditional print margins tighten

When Microsoft launched Windows, it revolutionized personal computing. But it didn’t stop there. It built an empire that now spans cloud services, gaming, and artificial intelligence. The tech giant didn’t just evolve—it diversified. And in doing so, it became indispensable to businesses and consumers alike.

Commercial printers today face a similar fork in the road. Stay in your lane—or branch out and become a broader, more vital solution provider. The opportunity? Expanding into wide format printing, signage, and custom packaging. The payoff? A market projected to reach $14.1 billion by 2033—and a business that’s built to last.

The Case for Diversification

Traditional commercial print is reliable, but it’s also maturing. Margins are tighter. Competition is fierce. Clients want more from fewer vendors. The answer isn’t to do more of the same—it’s to do more of what your clients need. That means going beyond brochures and business cards.

Wide format printing, custom packaging, and signage offer profitable, fast-growing verticals. From retail graphics and trade show displays to branded packaging and vehicle wraps, these applications meet high-visibility, high-demand needs. They’re not nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves in marketing and branding.

Follow the Blueprint of Success

Microsoft’s dominance didn’t come from doubling down on just one area. It came from reading the market, investing in emerging needs, and becoming a one-stop shop for technology.

Commercial printers can follow that same strategy by:

• Expanding services to include wide format, signage, and packaging solutions
  
  
• Cross-training teams and investing in versatile equipment
  
  
• Positioning as partners, not just print vendors, who help clients execute big ideas

This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about future-proofing your business.

Your Clients Are Already Buying—But Are They Buying From You?

Chances are, your best clients are already investing in wide format and packaging. If you’re not offering those services, you’re leaving revenue—and relationships—on the table.

By integrating these services into your offering, you simplify your clients’ lives and deepen their loyalty. You become more than a vendor. You become a strategic partner who helps them stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Don’t Wait to Innovate

The next five years will separate the companies that evolve from the ones that fall behind. The print industry is changing—fast. But for those who act now, the opportunity is enormous.

So ask yourself: Are you content with being a print provider? Or are you ready to become a visual communications powerhouse?

Because the next big move is already happening—and the only wrong move is doing nothing.

Millcraft Is Here to Help You Make the Right Move

At Millcraft, we understand that expanding into wide format isn’t just a purchase—it’s a strategic shift. That’s why we don’t just offer the products. We offer expert guidance to help you make the right decisions for your business model, budget, and long-term growth.

Whether you're just exploring wide format or ready to take the next step, our team of specialists is here to support you with the insight, equipment, and supplies you need to succeed.