W-News

RHL keeps pace, from Screen printer to LED billboards

For more than 45 years, Rheaume's House of Lettering has left its marks across Minnesota.

Through Screen printer signs, T-shirt graphics and other products, RHL Inc. helps companies communicate a message, often a logo.

The latest significant shift the family-owned and -operated firm made was a move into the digital billboard market.

"Adapt to the times," as Wendy Rheaume said. She helps manage sales for RHL with her husband, Troy, whose parents started the company in the late 1960s.

As he grew up, Gaston and Janice Rheaume's son washed screens and completed other small tasks at the home-based business. After a post-high school stint in the Army, Troy Rheaume returned to RHL and later convinced his parents to buy sign-making equipment, according to Wendy.

About seven years ago, the company purchased a digital printer for $250,000. But screen printing remains the best choice for large runs or simple designs, Wendy Rheaume said.

RHL also maintains the black sign and vehicle wrap segments of its company. Small items such as mugs and pens remain part of the business as well, as do T-shirts.

A recent order saw "all hands on deck" producing 20,000 shirts, Wendy Rheaume said. After Pad printer, staff had to hand-fold each item and put them in individual bags. The push was possible because of having a cross-trained staff, she said.