For decades, Mark Andy has been synonymous with flexo, digital, and hybrid printing solutions. However, the company’s reach extends far beyond presses. Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) serves as a comprehensive resource for converters across the industry, offering a full range of pressroom supplies, consumables, and finishing solutions – no matter what brand of equipment they run or what type of print technology is on their production floors. 

Dave Telken, senior vice president, MAPP, discusses the company’s evolving role, how it stays ahead of industry needs, and why “Your Growth is Our Growth” powers the company in a constantly evolving industry.

L&NW: MAPP is part of Mark Andy, yet it serves converters with all different presses. How do you balance that relationship?

DT: It can be tricky, but we’re working hard to change the perception that MAPP is only for Mark Andy press users. We’ve found that many of our customers don’t use MAPP products simply because they’re unaware of our offerings – that’s a missed opportunity for all of us, so it’s on us to better educate our customers. What makes MAPP truly unique is our team. Our salespeople aren’t just tied to one brand – we come from broad-line backgrounds and have decades of experience serving every type of converter. We’ve built relationships across the industry, and we bring that expertise to every customer, regardless of what machinery they use. That’s why our philosophy is “any press, any time.”

L&NW: What are the biggest challenges converters face today, and how does MAPP help?

DT: The biggest challenge is the industry’s aging workforce and the lack of skilled talent coming in to replace them. Many companies struggle to train new employees or onboard technology without an experienced operator guiding them. Mark Andy fills that gap. We’re not just selling products – we’re a knowledge hub. Our customers know that when they come to us, they’re not just getting a product off the shelf. They’re getting a team that understands their needs and helps them find the right solution.

One of our greatest strengths is our people. When a converter calls us with an issue, whether it’s a primer not adhering properly, a prepress issue, or a material not performing like it should on-press, our experts don’t just sell them something and move on. They troubleshoot, recommend solutions, and help them make informed decisions. That’s what sets us apart.

L&NW: How do MAPP’s strategic partnerships benefit converters?

DT: Every supplier we work with is top-tier. We don’t just stock products, we partner with companies that share our values of quality, reliability, and long-term success.

But what’s just as important is that our entire focus is on print. Many of our suppliers serve multiple industries – automotive, industrial, aerospace – but MAPP lives and breathes printing and packaging. That means converters don’t have to wade through generic solutions. We tailor our offerings specifically for their needs.

L&NW: What are some of the most in-demand products right now?

DT: Pressroom essentials like flexo plates and mounting tapes remain top sellers. Digital print consumables like inks, toners, and primers are growing rapidly as digital adoption expands. Doctor blades, anilox rolls, and tooling solutions are also high-demand items, especially with converters looking to improve efficiency. Tooling, in particular, has been a major focus area for us. We’ve expanded our range to include flexible dies, magnetic cylinders, plate rolls, and sleeves, giving converters a trusted source for all their tooling needs.

L&NW: MAPP has the most extensive inventory in the industry. How does that impact customers?

DT: Inventory is everything in this business. We maintain over $13 million in stock across facilities in Missouri, Georgia, California, and Europe – with a new global location launching soon. That availability is a huge competitive advantage. Many suppliers struggle with long lead times, but at MAPP, we pride ourselves on having products ready to ship immediately. Converters don’t have time to wait weeks for press-critical materials – and with us, they don’t have to.

L&NW: How would you sum up Mark Andy and MAPP’s value?

DT: All press technologies and pressroom products. All the expertise. We’re more than just a supplier – we’re a trusted resource. We combine deep industry knowledge with unmatched availability to help converters operate efficiently, solve challenges, and stay ahead of the curve.

L&NW: What’s one thing you wish more people in the industry knew about MAPP?

DT: That we’re not just another distributor – we’re a partner that converters can count on. Trust is everything in this business. We don’t push solutions that aren’t the right fit, and we don’t talk down competitors. Instead, we lead customers to the best solution for them – even if it’s something we don’t sell. At the end of the day, we succeed when our customers succeed. That’s why Mark Andy isn’t just a supplier, it’s a brain trust for the entire industry.