ArcWest Architects > Profiles > Rick Ruffino

Rick Ruffino

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Rick Ruffino | Partner

Mr. Ruffino is a veteran newspaper and publishing executive who brings his corporate “customer point of view” experience to ArcWest’s existing strengths in architecture and engineering.

His experience as an innovative problem-solving executive experienced in assessing, planning and implementing manufacturing solutions that embrace new business models for printing and publication industries is exemplary.

Prior to joining ArcWest Architects, Inc., Mr Ruffino was the Director of Manufacturing, for the US Outsourcing Group at Transcontinental, Inc. His extensive industry resume includes senior positions at:

Transcontinental Inc.                                                       2007 – 2009

In a strong team management structure, Rick was responsible for the development of the manufacturing planning, capital cost estimates and implementation schedules for all US activities.  Rick conceived, developed and perfected computer simulation models that optimized the capital investment with the associated value added for the manufacturing process. This effort necessitated that the Group stay at the forefront of the latest technology and assess its appropriateness for practical applications in our manufacturing model. This comprehensive assessment included heat-set and cold-set printing, material handling, post press, systems integration and management systems to effectively run the complete enterprise with a minimum of labor.

Rick was a senior member of the steering committee overseeing the implementation of the first Greenfield LEED certified hybrid-printing plant in North America. This manufacturing facility is now producing the San Francisco Chronicle for tens of millions of dollars less annually. This state of the art lean manufacturing facility is fully integrated from material handling, printing and post press operations.

North Jersey Media Group                                               1995 – 2007

Vice President of Technology

Rick’s responsibilities included strategy development, architecture, implementation and operations for all manufacturing and digital technologies.  Major accomplishments include the replacement of all legacy systems and controls in News, Advertising, Production, Circulation, and Distribution. These technology advancements, coupled with instilling a culture of excellence, allowed NJMG to become a three-time winner of the IFRA Newspaper Quality Printing Award.

Rick completed the first complete digital workflow project in North America, encompassing variable web, closed-loop registration and on-press imaging.

Program Management                                                  1993 – 1995

Industry Consultant

As a consultant Rick advised media organizations on equipment selection, pricing, implementation, installation, personnel assessment and organizational structure.  Rick’s clients included The Record, The Charlotte Observer, The Akron Beacon Journal, Gannett, Inc., The Washington Post, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, McClatchy, Detroit Newspaper Agency, Southam and Central Newspapers, Inc.

Gannett Company, Inc.                                                 1983 – 1993

Planning Director/Facilities

Senior Manager/Corporate Real Estate

Project Manager/Corporate Production

Rick’s responsibilities included technology, engineering and construction projects for Gannett’s 90 newspapers and broadcast properties. Carrier highlights included:

  • Directed implementation team for USA TODAY’s expansion from 12 to 33 printing plants worldwide.
  • Managed and implemented over $1 billion in equipment and services.
  • Built a flawless track record for bringing projects in on time and under budget.
  • Directed local operating companies on project management, design, implementation and scheduling.
  • Successfully completed over 40 major projects over nine years.
  • Built four “ultra fast track” USA TODAY complete production facilities, with each taking just nine months from concept to “on edition.”
  • Developed estimating software to accurately predict final project costs.
  • Developed a model for staffing and space allocation for newspapers.
  • Developed construction and vendor contracts that allow for greater owner control with lower risk.
  • Implemented value-engineering techniques to improve project delivery and reduced costs.

Rick founded his career on his Masters in Architecture and Bachelors in Industrial Technology degrees from SUNY Buffalo.

Rick continues to be an industry leader as a working member of the Newspaper Technology Committee of the NAA in the U.S. and the Newspaper Production Committee of IFRA in Europe. Rick is a frequent speaker at NEXPO and IFRA conferences.