As the printing industry stands at a critical juncture defined by rapid technological shifts and increasing environmental accountability, leaders are looking toward major industry gatherings to chart their course. Among these visionaries is Dilo Wijesuriya, President and COO of ARC Document Solutions—a titan in the digital printing and technology services sector. As ARC prepares for the upcoming 2026 PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas, Wijesuriya offers a compelling look into how a national powerhouse leverages industry-wide knowledge to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The ARC Ecosystem: Bridging National Scale with Local Precision
To understand the strategic perspective of Dilo Wijesuriya, one must first understand the expansive footprint of ARC Document Solutions. Operating with a network of approximately 140 locations, ARC—and its specialized brand, Riot Creative Imaging—sits at the intersection of traditional print and modern digital transformation.
The company’s portfolio is vast, spanning visual graphics, architectural signage, large-format printing, comprehensive document scanning, and sophisticated managed print services. However, Wijesuriya emphasizes that the "ARC advantage" is not merely the size of the network, but the duality of its service model.
"What makes ARC different is our ability to combine national scale with strong local production," Wijesuriya explains. "We have the infrastructure to support some of the largest organizations in the country, ensuring consistency across their entire brand footprint. Yet, we maintain the ability to produce and service that work right in the neighborhoods where our clients operate."
This "hub-and-spoke" philosophy—centralized technology and standards paired with localized execution—is a critical differentiator in an era where supply chain reliability is paramount. By maintaining a local presence, ARC reduces transit times, minimizes the carbon footprint associated with shipping, and provides a level of responsiveness that purely national competitors often struggle to replicate.
The Role of Industry Expos in Strategic Planning
For seasoned executives like Wijesuriya, the PRINTING United Expo is not merely a trade show; it is a vital diagnostic tool for the health of the industry. Having attended the event multiple times, he views the Expo as a centralized hub of intelligence.
"I continue to come back because it brings so much of our industry together in one place," he notes. "It is a rare opportunity to see new equipment, materials, software, automation, and workflow technology in a live, tactile environment. But beyond the hardware, it is about the meaningful conversations with manufacturers, customers, and other print leaders."
For Wijesuriya, the value proposition of the Expo is strictly tied to "actionable intelligence." He does not attend to passively observe; he attends to curate a list of initiatives for the coming fiscal year. "Every year, I try to leave the Expo with a few ideas that we can immediately put into action at ARC," he says. This pragmatic approach underscores the necessity of industry events for high-level decision-making.
Core Pillars of Innovation: The 2026 Focus
When looking toward the 2026 Expo, Wijesuriya identifies three primary pillars of interest that dictate the future trajectory of ARC. These areas represent the most significant challenges and opportunities for print service providers in the current decade.
1. Productivity, Quality, and Speed
The first pillar involves the evolution of digital printing and finishing technologies. In a market that demands "just-in-time" production, the ability to improve throughput without sacrificing print fidelity is essential. Wijesuriya is looking for systems that move beyond incremental improvements to offer genuine shifts in productivity—machines that can handle complex finishing tasks in-line to reduce manual labor.
2. The AI and Automation Revolution
Perhaps the most transformative focus for ARC is the integration of Artificial Intelligence and advanced workflow automation. "We are looking for AI that can simplify workflows and help our employees make better, more informed decisions," Wijesuriya explains. In a business model as complex as ARC’s, automating the "order-to-delivery" pipeline is the key to maintaining margins. By removing friction from the administrative and pre-press stages, the company empowers its workforce to focus on high-value client consultations rather than repetitive manual tasks.
3. Sustainability as a Business Imperative
Sustainability is no longer a corporate social responsibility "extra"; it is a requirement for doing business with major, environmentally conscious corporations. Wijesuriya is specifically scouting for sustainable substrates, eco-friendly inks, and production methods that minimize waste. "We are committed to meeting the growing environmental expectations of our customers," he says. By adopting greener production methods, ARC is not only reducing its impact on the planet but also future-proofing its contracts against tightening environmental regulations.
Maximizing the Experience: A Methodology for Success
Wijesuriya’s approach to navigating the sprawling floor of the PRINTING United Expo is disciplined. While he maintains scheduled appointments with key manufacturing partners—the bedrock of ARC’s supply chain—he deliberately reserves time for serendipity.
"I make a point of walking the entire show floor," he shares. "Some of the best ideas can come from a company or technology you were not expecting to find." This "open-floor" methodology allows him to identify emerging trends in niche markets that might not be highlighted in major press releases.
Furthermore, Wijesuriya prioritizes networking with fellow business owners. In a rapidly commoditizing industry, understanding the "soft" side of the market—where consumer demand is shifting and how applications are evolving—is as critical as understanding the technical specifications of a new flatbed printer. He views the Expo as a collaborative ecosystem rather than a competitive arena.
Implications for the Workforce and the Market
The impact of attending such an event extends far beyond the C-suite. ARC’s commitment to education is evidenced by the fact that over 25 additional employees are slated to attend the Expo’s educational sessions. This cross-pollination of knowledge is vital for the company’s internal culture.
"PRINTING United helps me understand where our industry is going and where ARC should invest next," Wijesuriya says. "Sometimes that means equipment, but sometimes it is software, automation, materials, training, or a completely new service. If I leave Las Vegas with two or three ideas that help our employees work smarter, help our customers succeed, or open a new market for ARC, the trip has been worthwhile."
This strategy reflects a broader trend in the professional services sector: the shift from being a "vendor" to being a "solutions partner." By ensuring that his team is as well-versed in the latest technology as he is, Wijesuriya ensures that ARC’s 140 locations operate with a unified, forward-looking vision.
The Path Forward
As the print industry continues to reconcile the demands of traditional craftsmanship with the high-speed requirements of the digital age, the leadership at firms like ARC Document Solutions will continue to serve as a bellwether for the sector. By focusing on productivity, AI-driven automation, and environmental sustainability, ARC is positioning itself not just to survive the next decade of technological change, but to define it.
For industry professionals, the lesson from Dilo Wijesuriya is clear: technology is a tool, but strategy is the blueprint. Whether it is through an investment in a high-speed finishing unit or the implementation of an AI-driven workflow, the goal remains the same: creating a measurable advantage for the customer.
As the 2026 PRINTING United Expo approaches, the industry watches with anticipation. The event, held in Las Vegas from September 23–25, promises to be a focal point for the innovations that will carry the print industry into the next phase of its evolution. For those in attendance, the opportunity to witness these shifts firsthand—and to learn from the leaders currently shaping them—is an invaluable investment in the future of the trade.
For more information on the evolving landscape of print technology or to register for the upcoming 2026 PRINTING United Expo, visit printingunited.com.
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