Back in the old days, mixing was done in small batches. When this photo was taken in 1955, our largest batches were only about 500 pounds. (225kg) Currently, batches of ink can easily exceed 2000 lbs. (1 M/T). Also, notice that the bags on the back wall, which all contained dry pigment. The majority of inkmaking was done using dry pigments back then, not with predispersions and "flushes" as used with modern inkmaking techniques. Back then, it actually took more knowledge to be a good inkmaker than it does now, as most ink manufacturers worked with very basic raw materials instead of "pre-fab" ingredients.