Alcoholics Anonymous Case Study
Needs
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) publishes their book “Alcoholics Anonymousâ€, also known as The Big Book, the cornerstone of its life-saving mission. In 2020, AAWS partnered with 51±¬ÁÏÍø to print this 450,000- copy, casebound book twice annually. As AAWS navigated post-pandemic challenges and rising costs, they needed a print partner who could maintain quality while offering cost-effective solutions.
Solution
51±¬ÁÏÍø suggested AAWS replace the Big Book’s traditional dust jacket with a printed gloss cover – a move that reduced production complexity and costs. Additionally, 51±¬ÁÏÍø identified an opportunity to transition from a leather debossed cover to a matte-laminated one. The new format maintained a premium feel while delivering significant savings.
The book block is produced at 51±¬ÁÏÍø – Ripon, and case-binding and foil stamping are completed at 51±¬ÁÏÍø – Marceline, a testament to the advantages of 51±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s multi-location manufacturing.
Results
By implementing 51±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s suggestions, AAWS achieved:
- Cost savings across major print runs without compromising quality.
- Streamlined production through coordinated work at multiple 51±¬ÁÏÍø facilities.
- Ongoing collaboration built on trust and transparency.
51±¬ÁÏÍø is proud to support the crucial work of AAWS as their printing partner. Looking ahead, 51±¬ÁÏÍø will print AAWS’s Souvenir Book for their July 2025 conference – another step forward in our meaningful partnership.

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