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About Direct Color Systems®
Leading Manufacturer and Distributor of Small, Medium and Large Format, Direct-to-Substrate Printers
1995
1997
2005
2010
2012
2013
2015
2016
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
1995
1997
DCS Becomes an Equipment Manufacturer
DCS becomes the first to offer a thermal ribbon name badge printer.
2005
Opening New Markets
DCS brings solvent printing to the engraving market with Direct Jet solvent printers.
2010
Dawn of a New Era
The Direct Jet UV LED printer series is born, sparking a new era at Direct Color Systems.
2012
New Heights
DCS introduces TEXTUR3D™ printing. This process is the only UV LED printing process that uses the tonal quality of the image to produce a textured print. Additionally, DCS becomes the pioneer and expert in printing ADA/Braille signage with UV LED inkjet technology through our patent-pending process.
2013
Still Innovating
DCS brings the easiest and fastest cylindrical printing device (EasyCyl) and the most extensive bulk ink systems to UV LED printers (UVMVP Series)
2015
Go Big
DCS goes big and releases their biggest machine yet - The Direct Jet 7200z UV LED printer – A True Production Center
2016
New Patents & New Markets
DCS receieves patent for UV LED ADA-Compliant Braille sign printing technology.
DCS releases the first ever Direct-to-Substrate and Direct-to-Garment combo machine.
2018
Growing Intellectual Property
DCS receives a third patent for ADA-compliant/Braille sign printing process.
2019
Getting More Reliable
The 1800S series printers are the most reliable small format printers we have engineered with the latest technology.
2020
Getting Bigger
DCS releases its largest printer yet with the UV-84DTS. The large format printer market now has a UV printer for doing more!
2021
Getting Faster
The launch of the UV53 and its Ricoh Gen6 printheads have helped make our printer become faster.
2022
More to come!
Our Location
DCS is based in central Connecticut (USA) at 99 Hammer Mill Road in Rocky Hill. Our headquarters is approximately a 90 minute drive from both New York City and Boston. DCS also has an EAA office in Porto, Portugal to service customers in Europe, Asia and Africa.
With our Europe, Asia and Africa (EAA) office, as well as distributors located in more than 30 different countries around the world, thousands of DCS printers have been placed into service internationally since the company was founded in 1995.
Our Team
Executive Leadership
Tom Kaplinski joined Direct Color Systems as President and Chief Executive Officer early in 2020. Tom is an accomplished business leader who has delivered breakthrough growth for original equipment manufacturers over his 32+ years of US and international business and technology experience.
Tom is not only responsible for the daily management and operation of DCS, but he is also leading the development, promotion, and direction of the company as we embark on our next phase of growth. Previously, Tom held executive leadership positions as President and CEO at Starbase Technologies, Vice President at CLARCOR Engine Mobile Solutions, and Executive Director at Stanadyne Corporation.
Over the last 20 years, Co-Founder and President Blair Allen has combined his intense entrepreneurial spirit with his vast knowledge of international sales and business development to work towards the successful and continued expansion of Direct Color Systems.
Blair's extensive global network spans 6 continents and more than 30 countries, which has led to the successful development of more than 100 relationships with worldwide partners, distributors and clients. Additionally, Blair's strong, natural gravitation towards innovation has spurred the ongoing development of new and advanced customer-driven products which have produced significant financial results and provided for successful continued company growth.
Bill Allen joined Direct Color Systems shortly after its inception in 1998, whereby he brought his vast knowledge and background in business development, financial management, capital acquisition, inside sales, purchasing and customer service to the continued development of DCS.
Bill graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelors degree in Commerce and International Business, with a minor in Economics.
Bill applies his talents to the success of the company with strategic leadership and oversight of corporate finance and total DCS operations.
Steve brings over 20 years of experience working with inkjet technology to his role as Direct Color Systems embarks on their next phase of growth.
Responsible for action plans focused on lead generation and equipment sales, Steve will not only look to build upon the success of the current UV printer line, but he will also be an asset to the engineering and product management teams at DCS.
Prior to joining DCS, Mills held a Senior Management position with Vutek/EFI and Sales roles in inkjet printing companies that specialized in both small and large format inkjet print technology.
Emma has been an integral part of Direct Color Systems since she joined the company in May 2019 as our Customer Care Manager. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, guiding both the Customer Service and Technical Support teams to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. Emma was instrumental in developing the processes and procedures that our teams continue to rely on today, ensuring a consistent and high-quality customer experience.
Her journey within the organization saw her excel as the Director of Purchasing, where she streamlined procurement processes and optimized supply chain management. Currently, she serves as both the Corporate Controller and Director of Human Resources.
Chris Gaulin
Vice President/Product Technology
Chris Gaulin has been an integral part of Direct Color Systems since joining in March 2012, amassing over 13 years of expertise in inkjet printing technology throughout his tenure. Over the years, Chris has held key positions, including Director of Technical Support and Director of Applications, Documentation, and Training, where he played a crucial role in enhancing product functionality and elevating customer support.
Now serving as Vice President of Product Technology, Chris leads the engineering and product development activities. His extensive knowledge in printing, software, and applications development helps drive DCS’s mission to deliver advanced technology and exceptional value to customers.
Sales, Marketing & Management Team
Rui Carvalho, Director of Sales and Business Development EAA (Europe, Asia, and Africa), joined Direct Color Systems in 2011. Rui brings with him 20+ years of experience in the graphic arts industry as a distributor/dealer of different types of digital printing equipment for offset, screen, pad and large-format printing.
Rui's thorough knowledge of many major printer manufacturers enables him to offer solutions for a wide variety of printing applications. He has developed and cultivated a vast network with multiple relationships that are critical to the success of Direct Color Systems. At DCS, Rui applies his talents toward managing the EAA sales teams with oversight of direct selling and sales, plus the managing and contracting of authorized DCS distributors.
With over 20 years of experience in the large format print industry, Kevin joins DCS to lead strategic marketing initiatives and enhance the company's market position. His extensive background includes key roles at top industry manufacturers, providing him with in-depth knowledge of the large format print market and UV print applications across various industries.
Kevin's extensive experience and industry knowledge will help solidify DCS as a leading player in the direct-to-substrate, large format print market. His keen understanding of customer needs and market trends is crucial for shaping DCS's marketing initiatives, positioning the company as a trusted partner for printing solutions.
Michael leverages over 7 years of dedicated service at Direct Color System, where he has honed his expertise in inkjet printing. With a robust background encompassing 8 years of military technical training and a veteran status, he embodies a steadfast commitment to precision, efficiency, and excellence in all his endeavors.
Renowned for his customer-centric approach, Michael possesses a genuine passion for guiding individuals and organizations towards achieving their objectives. He excels in developing tailored solutions that not only meet but surpass client expectations, fostering enduring relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect. Rooted in the values instilled during his military tenure, Michael integrates leadership, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence into every facet of his career.
Laura Mancini
Controller
I have worked with Direct Color Systems as the Customer Service Manager for the past 3 ½ years, managing my Team to success, while learning the ins and outs of the printer industry.
Prior to working with Direct Color Systems, I worked in the medical industry as a General Accounting Specialist. I bring with me, 30 years’ experience in Payroll, General Ledger, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
I look forward to bringing the same energy that I brought to the Customer Service Team into my new role as Controller, with continued success and supporting the DCS Team to the best of my capabilities.
