If Detroit's new economy rests on its ability to leverage an inherent industrial knowledge while attracting young creatives, the powers-that-be would do well to learn a thing or two from
The Highway Press. The screen printing company has been combining design and the industrial process in its 4,000-square-foot corner of the
Russell Industrial Center since 1996.
Highway Press deals in traditional screen printing and embroidery -- think tee-shirts and hoodies -- as well as fine arts screen printing. "We try to provide the services and quality that a bigger shop would offer at an affordable price for smaller people," says owner Tania Fogoros. "Not only do we deal with bigger companies, we try to keep in touch with the little guys too."
Fogoros sees a couple of competetive advantages to doing business in Detroit. "There's a little less competition, so you can do some different things, stand out a little bit more," she says. "I also like the industrial inner workings. I like being here with other companies doing manufacturing and building things...I look at bigger companies and it inspires me to try different techniques, to streamline."
The staff of six test-drive new processes on their own line of clothing that features the company's distinctive gas mask logo. Highway Press goodies are available at the Russell Bazaar on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Contact Highway Press at 313-872-7360. The shop is located in the northwest corner of the ground floor of Building 2 at Russell.
Source: Tania Fogoros, The Highway Press
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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