High-Tech Hero
Mark Andy’s LP3000 servo press adds muscle to Rotocolor’s arsenal.
November 2006 by Susan Busch
|
Many a superhero has relied on the power of advanced equipment—such as Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth, Green Lantern’s power ring, and Captain America’s shield—to help perform their extraordinary feats.
For today’s narrow-web printers, technical heroism is often required to meet print-job demands, and advanced equipment can also hold a pivotal role in “saving the day” for a customer.
At Rotocolor Inc., playing the hero—through a willingness to go where other printers won’t—has helped the 16-year-old flexo printer become master of its own unique corner in the narrow-web universe. “We find a way to get it done when everyone else says, ‘We can’t do it,’” General Manager Tom Vargus explains. “We make the impossible possible.”
With the recent installation of Mark Andy’s LP3000 productivity platform press with servo infeed, Rotocolor now has additional tools to fulfill its “We can do it!” attitude—advanced technology designed to help it rise to even more exceptional levels of efficiency, versatility, and performance—and resolve battles with printing challenges for a host of new customers.
Strength in problem-solving
Operating in a 28,000-sq.-ft. facility in Hayward, Calif., with 11 employees and four 7˝-13˝ presses, Rotocolor has made a name for itself by taking on label jobs that haven’t previously met success at other printers—trying different approaches and conducting test runs until a solution is reached. The printer focuses primarily on very high-end, pressure-sensitive prime labels; signature services include 200-linescreen work, as well as inline foil stamping and embossing/debossing. Rotocolor also specializes in managing very complex jobs on customers’ behalf; for one health and beauty aid client, it manages the production of printed labels for more than 250 SKUs.
Rotocolor’s problem-solving panache has captured a large share of customer loyalty in nutraceuticals, automotive, and food/beverage labels, and generated steady gains in flexible packaging and folding carton work. The company also strives to operate in a manner that minimizes potential problems from the start, employing strict standards for using highest quality materials, regardless of cost. This philosophy has helped Rotocolor forge a nearly flawless customer satisfaction record. The only time Vargus remembers a customer calling him on the quality of a label was when a contract packager couldn’t get the label to work on its packaging equipment.
These operating strategies have kept Rotocolor going strong in the face of the difficult business climate. Vargus reports that while marketplace pressures have left other northern-California printing firms struggling to keep their doors open, Rotocolor’s business has remained brisk and vigorous enough, in fact, to warrant the purchase of a new press that could further cement its staying power.
For today’s narrow-web printers, technical heroism is often required to meet print-job demands, and advanced equipment can also hold a pivotal role in “saving the day” for a customer.
At Rotocolor Inc., playing the hero—through a willingness to go where other printers won’t—has helped the 16-year-old flexo printer become master of its own unique corner in the narrow-web universe. “We find a way to get it done when everyone else says, ‘We can’t do it,’” General Manager Tom Vargus explains. “We make the impossible possible.”
With the recent installation of Mark Andy’s LP3000 productivity platform press with servo infeed, Rotocolor now has additional tools to fulfill its “We can do it!” attitude—advanced technology designed to help it rise to even more exceptional levels of efficiency, versatility, and performance—and resolve battles with printing challenges for a host of new customers.
Strength in problem-solving
Operating in a 28,000-sq.-ft. facility in Hayward, Calif., with 11 employees and four 7˝-13˝ presses, Rotocolor has made a name for itself by taking on label jobs that haven’t previously met success at other printers—trying different approaches and conducting test runs until a solution is reached. The printer focuses primarily on very high-end, pressure-sensitive prime labels; signature services include 200-linescreen work, as well as inline foil stamping and embossing/debossing. Rotocolor also specializes in managing very complex jobs on customers’ behalf; for one health and beauty aid client, it manages the production of printed labels for more than 250 SKUs.
Rotocolor’s problem-solving panache has captured a large share of customer loyalty in nutraceuticals, automotive, and food/beverage labels, and generated steady gains in flexible packaging and folding carton work. The company also strives to operate in a manner that minimizes potential problems from the start, employing strict standards for using highest quality materials, regardless of cost. This philosophy has helped Rotocolor forge a nearly flawless customer satisfaction record. The only time Vargus remembers a customer calling him on the quality of a label was when a contract packager couldn’t get the label to work on its packaging equipment.
These operating strategies have kept Rotocolor going strong in the face of the difficult business climate. Vargus reports that while marketplace pressures have left other northern-California printing firms struggling to keep their doors open, Rotocolor’s business has remained brisk and vigorous enough, in fact, to warrant the purchase of a new press that could further cement its staying power.
Companies Mentioned:
 |
|
Diversifying with Packaging Services: Unlocking Hidden Profit Potential
Common-Sense Flexography