Case Study: Western States Anniversary Book

Celebrating a Century of Innovation: Buckaroo’s Role in Crafting Western States Machine’s Centennial Coffee Table Book

Buckaroo Marketing - Western States Anniversary Book Case Study

As Western States Machine approached its 100th anniversary, the company sought a unique way to commemorate a century of innovation in the sugar processing industry. The solution came in the form of a beautifully crafted coffee table book, designed to capture and celebrate the rich history of the company. Buckaroo, a team known for its creative expertise and project management skills, played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.

Conceptualizing the Centennial Book

The idea of creating a hardbound history book to mark the centennial was born out of a desire to honor the legacy of Western States Machine. The book needed to be more than just a historical record; it was envisioned as a tribute to the company’s journey, highlighting its contributions to the sugar processing industry and the people who made it all possible. Buckaroo took on the challenge, starting with developing a clear concept and creative direction for the project.

Building the Dream Team

To achieve the ambitious goal of producing a coffee table book that would do justice to Western States Machine’s storied history, Buckaroo assembled a specialized team of professionals. This included experts in design, photography, writing, and publishing, as well as vendors who could handle the technical aspects of printing and binding. With a dedicated team in place, Buckaroo managed every aspect of the project, ensuring that all elements came together seamlessly.

Preserving History Through Images and Artifacts

A key component of the book was the extensive collection of images and artifacts that would tell the story of Western States Machine over the past century. Buckaroo undertook the massive task of scanning and preserving more than 5,500 images and historical documents. These included photographs, engineering drawings, advertisements, and other artifacts that had been collected over the years. Each image was carefully retouched and curated to ensure it captured the essence of the company’s history.

Gathering Personal Stories and Testimonials

Understanding that the people behind Western States Machine were just as important as the machines they created, Buckaroo conducted over 50 face-to-face interviews with managers, employees, and retirees. These interviews provided invaluable insights and personal stories that added depth and authenticity to the book. Additionally, Buckaroo reached out to global customers and suppliers, inviting them to contribute their own experiences and perspectives on working with Western States Machine. These contributions helped paint a comprehensive picture of the company’s impact on the industry.

Creating a Visual Journey Through the Decades

With the historical content gathered and preserved, Buckaroo set to work on crafting a visually stunning, decade-by-decade narrative of Western States Machine’s history. The book was designed to be more than just a collection of facts and figures; it was a lavishly illustrated journey through time, showcasing the evolution of the company and the industry it served. Each chapter highlighted key milestones, technological advancements, and the people who played a role in the company’s success.

Bringing the Book to Life

The final stages of the project involved overseeing the layout, printing, and binding of the book. Buckaroo supervised every detail to ensure that the finished product met the highest standards of quality. The result was a coffee table book that not only told the story of Western States Machine but also served as a work of art in its own right.

A Successful Celebration of Legacy

Thanks to Buckaroo’s meticulous planning and execution, the finished coffee table book was delivered ahead of schedule, well in time for Western States Machine’s centennial celebration. The book, spanning over 300 pages, featured more than 1,300 retouched images and was the culmination of 1,500 hours of dedicated work. It stood as a testament to the company’s century-long legacy in the sugar processing industry, celebrating the innovation, hard work, and commitment of everyone involved in its success.

This coffee table book now serves as a cherished keepsake for Western States Machine, its employees, and its global partners—a lasting tribute to 100 years of excellence.