RR Donnelley

The story of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) begins in 1864 in Chicago, Illinois, when Richard Robert Donnelley, a Canadian immigrant, established a modest print shop. This venture, initially known as Church, Goodman, and Donnelley—Steam Printers, laid the groundwork for what would become a global leader in communications. Despite the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed the burgeoning business, Donnelley's resilience shone through. He famously borrowed a small sum to travel to New York, where his reputation and vision secured him new presses entirely on credit, allowing him to rebuild and restart his operations within two years. This early display of determination and commitment to quality became a hallmark of the company.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, RRD steadily grew, driven by Richard Robert Donnelley's meticulous attention to both the artistic and scientific aspects of printing. This dedication to excellence attracted a prestigious clientele, including emerging giants like Sears, Roebuck & Co., for whom RRD pioneered the printing of mail-order catalogs. A pivotal moment came in 1886 when the company began printing telephone directories, a market that would expand exponentially with the telephone's rise. In 1890, the firm was officially incorporated as R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company under the leadership of Richard's son, Thomas E. Donnelley. The company continued to innovate, establishing one of the first industrial training programs in the United States, the Apprentice Training School, in 1908, ensuring a skilled workforce for generations. The 20th century saw RRD adapt to new media, printing iconic magazines like Time, starting in 1928. Even through the Great Depression, strategic contracts and a forward-thinking approach allowed the company to weather economic storms and anticipate industry shifts, such as the demand for larger format, coated-paper magazines. Over the decades, RRD has transformed from a traditional printer into an integrated communications provider, offering marketing and business communications, commercial printing, and related services on a global scale. Today, RRD leverages its rich history and deep expertise to help organizations worldwide create, manage, and execute their multichannel communication strategies, continuing its legacy of innovation and customer focus.