Cushing

What Cushing does

Cushing (legal name Cushing and Company) is a Chicago-based, privately-held commercial printing and visual communications firm founded in 1929, originally as a blueprinting company and now operating as an integrated design-fabrication-installation provider. Its core services span large-format digital printing, fine art archival printing, AEC/construction documentation, branded environmental graphics, wayfinding signage, 3D laser scanning (Trimble LiDAR and Matterport), document scanning and archiving, and managed print services. Cushing also operates proprietary software platforms — ReproMAX DFS for web-based plan distribution, ReproMAX PDM for construction project management, and Closeout Docs for automated contractor closeout documentation — alongside an in-house design sub-brand called Sepia Studio. The company's technical capabilities are anchored in production hardware including the HP PageWide 8000 XL high-speed printer (installed 2025) and Canon pigmented ink systems for archival work.

Cushing serves enterprise and mid-market customers across seven primary verticals: Architectural/Engineering/Construction, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Marketing, Education, Healthcare, Retail/Experiential, and Nonprofits. Named customers include JLL, CBRE, Turner Construction, Pepper Construction, Northwestern University, Lurie Children's Hospital, Zekelman Industries, Pinterest, UL Solutions, MCA Chicago, and Signode. Revenue is generated primarily through project-based transactions (commercial printing, fabrication, installation) with quote-based pricing, supplemented by recurring revenue from managed print services and document management platforms. The go-to-market is sales-led, driven by direct engagement, industry-specific solution pages, portfolio case studies, and a "Request a Quote" call-to-action, with an active content marketing program including a blog and a 5,000+ subscriber email newsletter.

The company differentiates through end-to-end integration of design, fabrication, and installation under a single vendor, augmented by advanced technical offerings such as Trimble LiDAR scanning, Matterport virtual tours, and automated closeout documentation. Certifications include BBB Accredited Business, WBENC Women's Business Enterprise, and 3M MCS authorization. Cushing participates in the RMX Network for distributed printing fulfillment. The company operates from a single headquarters at 213 W. Institute Place, Chicago, with services concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area and selective extension to clients beyond via digital document services and remote collaboration tools.

Name

Cushing

Legal name

Cushing and Company

Website

https://cushingco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cushing (Cushing and Company) is a Chicago-based, privately-held commercial printing and environmental graphics firm founded in 1929, serving enterprise and mid-market clients across AEC, commercial real estate, education, healthcare, and retail through integrated design, fabrication, installation, 3D scanning, and document management services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Print Services Revenue: Cushing generates primary revenue through commercial printing services including large-format digital printing, fine art printing, small format digital printing, and AEC/construction documentation. Revenue is project-based with pricing varying by size, complexity, materials, and quantity.
2. Environmental Graphics & Signage Fabrication: Revenue from branded environmental graphics, custom signage, wayfinding systems, dimensional lettering, wall graphics, window films, and privacy films. Includes both product supply and professional installation services.
3. 3D Scanning & Digital Document Services: Revenue from LiDAR/Trimble scanning services, Matterport virtual tours, document scanning and archiving, and digital document management solutions (ReproMAX). Services include point cloud data, BIM modeling, and digital closeout documentation.
4. Managed Print Services: On-site equipment placement and managed print services including workflow optimization, equipment supply, and ongoing support for clients requiring in-office printing capabilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cushing is a full-service commercial printing and visual communications firm that designs, fabricates, and installs branded environmental graphics, wayfinding signage, AEC construction documentation, fine art prints, and architectural signage. The company also provides 3D laser scanning (Trimble LiDAR and Matterport), digital document management (ReproMAX DFS/PDM, Closeout Docs), managed print services, and in-house graphic design through its Sepia Studio sub-brand for enterprise clients in AEC, commercial real estate, education, healthcare, retail, and corporate sectors.

Product overview

Cushing is a full-service commercial printing and visual communications company founded in 1929, offering an integrated portfolio of printing services, 3D scanning technology, document management solutions, and graphic design services. The core product suite includes ReproMAX DFS (document management), ReproMAX PDM (project management), and Closeout Docs (contractor documentation automation), supported by services spanning digital printing, large-format graphics, fine art printing, 3D laser/Matterport scanning, and in-house design through Sepia Studio. The company specializes in branded environmental graphics, wayfinding signage, and installation services for industries including AEC, commercial real estate, education, healthcare, and retail.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sepia Studio: Cushing's in-house graphic design team offering creative design services for environmental graphics, branded environments, and visual storytelling.
• RMX Network

Products and services

• ReproMAX DFS Web-based online document management system enabling viewing, sharing, and ordering of plans with version control, file distribution, and audit trails, designed for AEC and construction industry clients.
• ReproMAX PDM Comprehensive project management solution designed for the construction project lifecycle, including bid management, prequalification tools, submittal management, and McGraw-Hill Construction Network integration, designed for AEC clients.
• Closeout Docs Automated closeout documentation tool for general contractors that collects and organizes construction documents for project closeout deliverables, organized by trade and document type, reducing reliance on spreadsheets and email chains.
• Document Scanning and Archiving Professional document digitization service converting paper files to searchable digital formats with OCR capabilities, supporting documents up to 36 inches wide, for AEC, legal, and enterprise clients.
• 3D Laser Scanning (Trimble/LiDAR) High-precision 3D laser scanning using Trimble LiDAR technology to capture point clouds for as-built documentation, space planning, and BIM modeling, used by AEC, real estate, and facility management clients.
• Matterport Scanning 3D virtual tour and photogrammetric scanning service for real-time space visualization, remote collaboration, and facility management documentation, with tagging for O&M manuals, warranties, and documentation access.
• Fine Art Archival Printing Archival-quality fine art printing using pigmented Canon inks for professional prints with ICC-aware color management and wide color gamut, including giclée prints, canvas, and framing for artists, galleries, and corporate collectors.
• Acrylic Printing Digital printing on acrylic panels using 4' x 8' flatbed printers with white ink capability for backlit signs, corporate displays, and architectural signage, for corporate, retail, and architectural clients.
• Sepia Studio (Graphic Design) In-house graphic design team providing custom design services for environmental graphics, brand identity, wayfinding, and experiential installations, integrated with Cushing's production capabilities.
• Branded Environmental Graphics Custom signage and branded environment solutions including wall graphics, window films, dimensional lettering, murals, and wallcoverings for commercial spaces, for corporate, education, healthcare, and retail clients.
• Wayfinding & Signage Fabrication Custom wayfinding signage systems including ADA-compliant signs, directional signage, exterior building signage, and fabrication services for commercial, education, and healthcare facilities.
• AEC Print Services Architectural, engineering, and construction documentation printing including large-format bond prints, specification copies, and digital document management, for architects, engineers, contractors, and construction firms.
• Privacy Film Installation Customizable privacy window films for corporate environments, conference rooms, and glass partitions, including design, printing, and installation services.
• RMX Network Services ReproMAX Network - a collaborative network of print professionals providing distributed printing services and workflow solutions across geographic locations, enabling Cushing to serve clients nationwide.
• Managed Print Services On-site equipment placement and workflow solutions tailored to client operations, including construction site signage and digital closeout tools, providing in-office printing capabilities and ongoing support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3D scanning reduced construction coordination issues, saving thousands by identifying covered outlets before drywall installation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RMX NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationRMX Network is a print industry consortium providing Cushing access to technology suppliers, workflow solutions, and best practices for managed print services. Referenced in multiple service pages as part of Cushing's technology ecosystem for on-site equipment and workflow solutions.
• CFBC (DePaul Family Business Center)minorOthersPartnership with DePaul University's Family Business Center suggests connection to academic resources and family business community in Chicago.
• Project Management Partners (PMP)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProject Management Partners served as on-site coordinator for Zekelman Industries multi-site environmental graphics project. Long-standing collaborator who brought Sepia Studio into the project for design and implementation across manufacturing facilities.
• BBB Accredited BusinessminorOthersBBB accreditation provides third-party verification of business practices and customer satisfaction standards.
• WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council)minorOthersWBENC certification indicates Cushing is recognized as a Women's Business Enterprise, enabling engagement with corporations seeking diversity suppliers.
• TrimblecoreTechnology or IntegrationTrimble is a leading provider of LiDAR 3D laser scanning technology. Cushing leverages Trimble scanning equipment and software for construction documentation and reality capture services for AEC clients.
• MatterportcoreTechnology or IntegrationMatterport provides 3D virtual tour platform and scanning technology that Cushing utilizes for facility management, construction documentation, and remote collaboration services. Cushing offers both scanning services and Matterport equipment rental.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FASTSIGNS: National signage and visual communications franchise offering custom signs, graphics, wayfinding, and installation. Closely mirrors Cushing's signage and branded environments offerings.
• SpeedPro Imaging: Largest franchise network of large-format printing and signage providers in North America. Direct overlap with Cushing's wide-format, environmental graphics, and signage services for B2B customers.
• 4over: Online commercial printing marketplace aggregating a network of trade printers. Competes with Cushing in commercial print, large-format, and signage categories at the trade and reseller level.
• Mimeo: Cloud-based managed print and document services provider serving enterprise customers. Comparable to Cushing's managed print and digital document delivery offerings.
• PIP Printing & Marketing Services: Commercial printing and marketing services franchise with comparable offerings across digital print, signage, design, and direct mail. Comparable to Cushing as a multi-service B2B print provider.
• AlphaGraphics: Franchise commercial printing and marketing services network providing digital printing, design, and signage solutions. Overlaps directly with Cushing's integrated print-and-graphics model.

Broad incumbents

• FedEx Office: National broad-line printing and document services arm of FedEx, offering commercial print, signage, and shipping. Competes with Cushing across virtually all print categories at scale but does not focus on Cushing's specialized AEC and environmental graphics niche.
• Cimpress (Vistaprint): Global mass-customization platform including Vistaprint and Printi for small-format commercial printing. Represents a different delivery model (online, high volume) but overlaps in commercial print category.

Regional players

• Marco: Midwest-based managed technology and document services provider offering managed print, document management, and workflow solutions. Comparable regional footprint and enterprise document services overlap with Cushing.

Emerging players

• Matterport Service Partners: Network of independent service providers offering Matterport 3D virtual tour scanning for real estate, AEC, and facilities. Directly comparable to Cushing's Matterport scanning service line for facility management and construction documentation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cushingco
• Facebookfacebook.com/Cushingco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cushing

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cushing