Introduction

Founded in 1969, Burks Digital Reprographics initially set up shop on North Lamar Boulevard as a "blueprint" company that serviced architects, engineers and the Austin construction industry. Marge and LJ Burks offered a comprehensive range of printing services and supplies – from drafting tools to a chart pack – the tools of the trade when architects created plans manually. Architectural plans were basically considered works of art at the time and the reprographics industry focused on reproducing plans accurately and legibly during the construction process.

1970

Burks built a full service reprographics business, offering blueline printing, offset printing, and photographic quality prints for engineers, architects and general contractors throughout Austin. Printing primarily for the construction industry and local small businesses, Burks also developed a loyal client base of UT architectural students.

1980

On the leading edge – many times the bleeding edge of technology – Burks reinvented itself in the early 80’s, by expanding into the 6th Street location. The industry was beginning to embrace technology with the introduction of the 486 personal computer. Architects began using laser plotting systems and Burks quickly responded by installing modems in customer locations so they could utilize technology and create more efficient ways to service their client’s printing needs.

Burks was the first printer in Austin to acquire the 9800 – the first viable replacement for blueline printing. The 6th Street location became the company headquarters and the N Lamar location closed.

1990

In the early 90’s, Kevin Burks took over the day to day operations of the business and helped the company grow dramatically in response to their customers’ changing needs. Burks added the color department with graphic design services, color copy capabilities, and expanded wide format printing to include signs, banners, and tradeshow graphics. From business cards to invitations and booklets, Burks introduced a turnkey solution for businesses of all types throughout Austin and expanded further with the addition of the Round Rock location to better service companies in North Austin.

Burks’ client base grew to include virtually every type of business with a vast range of business needs. In the late 90’s, Burks acquired Indigo digital printing system – considered state-of-the-art technology at the time, which helped businesses produce customized direct mail campaigns utilizing variable data and fast turnaround high quality printing capabilities. At 400 dpi, digital printing of marketing collateral – from business cards to brochures – was now nearly comparable in quality to traditional offset printing but far faster, enabling Burks to turnaround projects more quickly for customers. Expanding yet again, Burks opened the West Lake location in 1998. (fact check exact year)

2000

As the internet emerged, Burks identified the opportunity to create greater efficiencies for their loyal client base and introduced edistribution technology – now called Global Project Web or "The Plan Room." A member of the RSA (Reprographic Services Association), the IRgA (International Reprographic Association), the Blue Book and iSqFt, Burks introduced digital marketing services such as digital file preparation, transmission, printing, fulfillment, electronic output and distribution of digital media files to service customers throughout the US and Canada.

The Global Project Web is a widely used planning and collaboration tool designed to create efficiencies within the construction industry.

Burks is environmentally responsible and employs many practices to reduce the carbon footprint of the company as well as the impact of projects produced for clients. Expanding into strategic locations in Austin and San Antonio offers clients the flexibility to drop off or pick up at whichever location is most convenient. All locations are connected via fiber optics and projects are printed at the most logical location to reduce CO₂ emissions of delivery vehicles and turnaround projects as rapidly as possible.

As a part of its vision to provide a full service to customers, Burks also became a VAR (value-added reseller) of multifunction business equipment. Customers were now empowered to purchase or lease devices that enable them to manage their printing needs onsite and benefit from facility management agreements that ensure their equipment is serviced by Burks experts.

Burks' growth has been driven in large part by customers that do business everywhere - whether expanding their reach throughout Texas or across North America. In 2002, Burks opened the Cedar Park location and in 2006 expanded into San Antonio. As more and more businesses began utilizing the internet to streamline ordering office supplies, Burks introduced the Online Supply Store, powered by Red Cheetah. In 2007, they rebranded digital printing BDR color – offering customers the convenience of online cost effective business printing with high quality local service.

TODAY

Reprographics are still a mainstay of the business as well as other core business printing such as business cards and postcards, brochures and booklets, signs and banners. In 2008, they acquired a flatbed printer that prints on virtually any surface. The Indigo was recently replaced by the imagePress Canon 7000, which accelerates on demand printing. The digital production system increases the digital printing quality to 1200 dpi and increases production efficiency by printing 70 copies per minute. An inline booklet maker automates printing processes such as trimming, saddle stitching, cover insertion, punch for coil, and perfect binding. Clients benefit from digital printing, whether they need to save time or print small quantities more cost effectively.

Burks has tremendous horsepower and each location is equipped for printing a wide range of formats as well as complete fulfillment of marketing campaigns and complex business needs. Burks provides the full gamut of printing services and offers creative business solutions that enable clients to communicate efficiently and reduce paper output in an effort to improve productivity and reduce their carbon footprint. Proud to be a locally owned Austin-based business servicing customers nationwide, Burks will continue to grow and empower businesses to succeed.