The Hughes family developed what would come to be one of the most successful flexographic prepress providers in Michigan. Ten decades have seen many changes in the industry, and Hughes has made constant improvements without losing the time-honored craftsmanship and integrity the company was built on.
Here is how far we’ve come:
1st Generation
Hughes Engraving Company was originally founded by Garland C. Hughes in 1950 and was located in the Helmer Building, 21 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, MI.
The business was originated to service the printing and graphic arts related services in the Grand Rapids area pertaining to the Advertising, Printing, and Newspaper industries. Our original products and services were photoengraving letterpress and offset printing plates that were used for various printing processes including the original printing process performed at the Grand Rapids Press and the Grand Rapids Herald newspapers.
2nd Generation
In 1951, Robert C. Hughes, son of Garland C Hughes, who was a CPA in the Dallas TX area, came into the business to work with his father Garland to eventually assume control of the business through succession.
In 1965, Garland Hughes retired and Robert C. Hughes assumed the control of the business until 1968 when he unexpectedly passed away. Garland then came back into the business from his retirement to assist Doris Hughes, wife of Robert, during her succession of the business.
In 1973 we were made aware of a proposed plan by the City of Grand Rapids to re-route the US 131 expressway through the area where our building was located, thus forcing the company to pursue an alternative location.
In 1974, Doris Hughes – (President) was able to find an alternative location, within 30 miles from the Grand Rapids area, which is where our current company, Hughes Integrated, Inc. has remained ever since.
On July 1, 1974, Doris Hughes founded Hughes Engraving-Plainwell, Inc. as a completely new, separate corporation from Hughes Engraving Company and the decision was made to close the Grand Rapids plant completely.
Doris Hughes remained as owner and President of Hughes Engraving-Plainwell, Inc. until 1994, when she retired.
3rd Generation
Robert C. Hughes Jr. (son of Robert and Doris) then assumed the ownership and management of the company through succession. During the period of Doris Hughes’ leadership, Hughes Engraving-Plainwell, Inc. experienced significant growth and transitioned into alternative, more current printing markets from the original markets served. These new markets included packaging, have enabled us to expand our products and services around the “flexographic” packaging printing industries.
4th Generation
In 2002, Robert C. Hughes III joined our Company and has worked his way through our production departments. He currently leads our sales and marketing program.
The passion spread from generation to generation has lead to a new mastery of innovative technologies that continues to stay ahead of industry standards.
