(KAIR)--116-years of business is coming to an end, as the Lockwood Company, of Atchison, announces the plan to close.

That word is delivered to customers of the print shop in a letter dated April 11.

President and CEO Justin Snowden, in the letter, thanks the "continued loyalty" of the customers, but says that due to "changing times," the business, located at 8191 Pratt Road, has been left "with no option but to close [the] doors as a commercial printer." The letter says the “decision [to close] has been made predominantly due to increased costs of materials and a diminishing demand,” with the company “no longer able to remain competitive on price and remain a viable business at the same time."

Snowden told MSC News that based on those factors, the stockholders voted to dissolve the company.

Snowden is the 5th generation of the family business, which he says was started in 1903 by his great-great-grandfather, C.A. Lockwood, as the Trade Printing Company. According to the company’s website, it’s one of the oldest print shops in Kansas.

Snowden said it’s with heavy heart that he has to announce the closure, but he is grateful for the skills and knowledge gained through his involvement.

Jacque Pregont, President of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, told MSC News, “It's very sad to lose any business, but especially one that has such a history in our community. We hate to see them go. We have used them for so many different things... day to day supplies as well as brochures and marketing materials.”

According to the letter, a closing date of April 30 has been set, but the print shop “will continue to take jobs on a limited basis based on the availability of inventory and supplies” until that date.

The customer service center will remain fully operational until 3:30 on the afternoon of May 31.

The business employs five full-time and two part-time employees.