RMGT Archives - Graphco

What Does It Look Like When Offset Is Still the Right Investment?

Monica Keenan — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:10:20 +0000

SOLON, OH — March 2, 2026 — Forest Printing Company, a family-owned commercial printer serving the Chicagoland market for more than four decades, continues to reinforce its commitment to high-performance offset printing with the installation of a second RMGT press from Graphco. Following the successful addition of an 8-color RMGT 7 Series Perfecting Press with LED curing in 2024, the company added a 4-color RMGT 7 Series Perfecting Press also with LED curing in 2025 to support growing customer demand for quality, speed, and production consistency.

Founded in 1977, Forest Printing has built its reputation on dependable service and exceptional print quality across a wide range of commercial applications, including brochures, catalogs, newsletters, and direct mail. By keeping all production in-house, the company maintains tight quality control while responding quickly to customer needs—an approach that has fostered long-standing client relationships.

“The RMGT 790 Series platform gives us the performance and reliability our customers expect,” said Randy Martini, Founder, Forest Printing Company. “Adding a second press allows us to increase capacity while improving efficiency and maintaining consistent quality.”

RMGT 790: Built for Productivity, Efficiency, and ROI

The RMGT 790 platform combines traditional offset quality with modern automation designed to maximize productivity while reducing operating costs. With production speeds up to approximately 15,000 sheets per hour, automated plate changing, fast makeready, and closed-loop color control, the press minimizes downtime and waste between jobs. These features allow Forest Printing to produce more work per shift with fewer manual interventions, improving labor efficiency and overall throughput.

LED curing further enhances return on investment by reducing energy consumption, eliminating spray powder, and allowing sheets to move immediately to finishing. Faster job completion, lower consumable usage, and reduced reprints all contribute to a lower total cost of ownership and quicker ROI—especially in high-mix commercial environments.

“The automation and LED curing help us do more with the same crew,” adds Vaughn Martini, President, Forest Printing Company. “That’s critical in today’s labor market and a big part of why the RMGT made sense for us.”

Why Offset Still Wins Against B2 Digital.

As B2 digital presses gain attention, Forest Printing evaluated its production mix and determined that offset remains the most cost-effective and scalable solution for its customers’ needs. While B2 digital platforms can be effective for ultra-short runs and variable data, offset offers clear advantages for the short-to-mid-run commercial work that dominates Forest Printing’s operation.

Offset presses deliver significantly higher throughput, enabling faster job completion and more predictable scheduling. They also provide a lower cost per impression as run lengths increase, delivering stronger margins compared to B2 digital platforms with higher click costs and consumables. From a labor standpoint, offset allows a small crew to efficiently manage higher volumes, while maintaining consistent color and quality across longer runs.

LED curing further strengthens offset’s value by eliminating drying delays and avoiding many of the substrate limitations associated with B2 digital presses—allowing Forest Printing to maintain flexibility without sacrificing efficiency or profitability.

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Meridian Boosts Production with RMGT 970 Perfecting Press with LED Curing

Monica Keenan — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:08:24 +0000

Profiles in Profit spotlights offset and packaging printers gaining
The Unfair Advantage™, turning smart equipment investments into measurable ROI.

SOLON, OH — February 16, 2026 — Graphco, the Midwest and Southeast distributor for RMGT and a leading provider of offset, digital, and print finishing solutions, has announced the successful installation of a new RMGT 4-color 970 perfecting press at Meridian’s Loves Park, Illinois facility, just outside Rockford. Installed in 2025, the press represents a strategic step forward in Meridian’s continued investment in high-performance print manufacturing.

Headquartered in the Midwest, Meridian operates three integrated production facilities and five fulfillment and distribution centers, delivering end-to-end print and marketing collateral management. With more than 40 years of experience, the company serves a national customer base across healthcare, manufacturing, retail, nonprofit, and other industries (https://www.meridian-direct.com).

The RMGT 970 Perfector was selected as a versatile, right-sized solution to support Meridian’s need to find a press that could produce a diverse job mix. Upgrading from a three-quarter size sheet to a full 25" x 38" format, the RMGT 970 Perfector enables Meridian to efficiently produce the vast majority of its general commercial work, without taking on the added cost and footprint of a 40-inch offset platform. “At Meridian we’re always looking to invest in cutting-edge, user-friendly technology.” said Bob Chanson, CEO, Meridian. “The 970 press checked all our boxes and then some.”

Designed to function as both a two-over-two perfector and a four-color straight press, the RMGT 970 delivers the flexibility today’s commercial print environment demands. For Meridian, that adaptability has already made an impact. “The RMGT 970 Perfector has truly become the Swiss Army knife of our pressroom,” said Marc Scordato, Director of Operations. “We can run two-over-two work in a single pass and then quickly switch over to four-color straight jobs. That flexibility has been really helpful.”

Equipped with RMGT’s double/double/single-diameter cylinder perfecting mechanism, the press achieves perfecting speeds of up to 15,000 sheets per hour while maintaining precise sheet control. Integrated LED curing technology further boosts performance. Sheets exit the press instantly dry, allowing work to move directly into finishing without delays. “With LED, we’re moving right into post-press, where we used to see bottlenecks,” Scordato added. “Now we’re getting faster turnaround times and basically zero delays between press and finishing.”

Beyond productivity gains, the Benford LED system consumes significantly less energy than conventional UV systems and eliminates the need for spray powder, contributing to a cleaner work environment and lower operating costs.

“Meridian took a real strategic approach to this investment,” said Derek Gordon, Regional Vice President of Sales at Graphco. “When we analyzed their production profile, the RMGT 970 Perfector was the perfect fit. It covers roughly 95 percent of their general commercial work while giving them the flexibility and efficiency they need to keep growing.”

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, praised the partnership and shared commitment to smart technology investments. “Meridian has built an impressive operation by aligning the right equipment with their customers’ needs,” said Manley. “The RMGT 970 Perfector will help them continue to deliver quality and efficiency, and we’re proud to support their continued success.”

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University of Alabama Birmingham Printing & Mailing Transforms Workflow with Graphco’s RMGT 970 with LED Curing

Monica Keenan — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:50:37 +0000

Photo credit: In-Plant Impressions

SOLON, OH — July 28, 2025 — Graphco, the Exclusive Distributor for RMGT’s top-selling 970, 920, and 790 offset presses across the Midwest and Southeast, is pleased to announce the successful installation of a 5-color RMGT 970 press with LED-UV curing technology at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Printing & Mailing Services.

Photo credit: In-Plant Impressions

Operating out of a 19,000 sq. ft. facility in Birmingham, AL, UAB Printing & Mailing delivers a wide range of services—including admissions packets, magazines, newsletters, postcards, flyers, and brochures—to faculty, students, departments, and campus organizations. “It’s a one-stop shop,” says Director Paula Blackwell. “We strive to keep all our work in-house.”

In a market increasingly dominated by digital printing, UAB’s continued commitment to offset printing is notable. “We run offset all day, every day, Monday through Friday,” Blackwell explains. “We have a digital department but offset has never slowed down here. It still accounts for half our production.” With their 30-year-old legacy press nearing the end of its life, UAB selected the RMGT 970 for its modern capabilities and long-term cost efficiency—ensuring the department’s offset excellence continues for years to come.

Photo credit: In-Plant Impressions

A standout feature of the new press is RMGT’s LED curing system, which dries sheets instantly in a single pass. This leap in technology means jobs can proceed immediately to finishing operations such as cutting and folding, dramatically accelerating production cycles. “LED curing has been a game-changer for our workflow,” says Production Supervisor Greg Curtis. “Before, we sometimes had to let jobs sit overnight to dry. Now, we print a job in the morning, and it’s folded, stitched, and in the mailroom that afternoon.”

LED curing also eliminates spray powder and cuts energy usage, resulting in a cleaner, more sustainable pressroom. The RMGT 970’s ink efficiency adds to its environmental and economic advantages. “We’re seeing a lot less waste,” Curtis notes. “In the past, dried-out ink cost us every morning. Now, ink only cures under the LED lamp, so nothing goes to waste. Every drop we buy gets used.”

The press has also expanded UAB’s in-house finishing capabilities. “Soft touch coatings are in high demand here, and we used to outsource those jobs,” says Blackwell. “Now we can handle them internally.” With support for both aqueous and LED-curable varnishes, the RMGT 970’s inline coater delivers high-impact finishes without the delays and inefficiencies of offline equipment.

Photo credit: In-Plant Impressions

Using the well-established Insta.Color makeready technology, the RMGT 970 is refreshingly easy to operate. “We expected a learning curve,” Curtis admits, “but our press operators caught on fast. It’s just so much faster and more intuitive.” Equipped with touchscreen controls and automated assist features for makeready, printing, and maintenance, the press has quickly earned favor. “Our operator loves the new console,” Blackwell adds. “It’s got more bells and whistles, but it’s even easier to use than our old machine.”

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, expressed his pride in the partnership. “We’re honored that UAB chose Graphco for this major investment,” says Manley. “Their team truly understands the importance of reliability, efficiency, and quality in offset printing, and the RMGT 970 delivers all of that—and more. We’re proud to support UAB Printing & Mailing as they continue serving their campus community with excellence.”

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The post University of Alabama Birmingham Printing & Mailing Transforms Workflow with Graphco’s RMGT 970 with LED Curing appeared first on Graphco.

Graphco & EZ Mailing Host Commit to Print Open House in Indianapolis

Monica Keenan — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:04:22 +0000

SOLON, OH — March 10, 2025 — Graphco, the Midwest & Southeast distributor for RMGT and a leader in offset, digital, and print finishing solutions, successfully kicked off its Commit to Print - 2025 USA Tour with a well-attended Open House in partnership with EZ Mailing of Indianapolis, IN. The event took place on April 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at EZ Mailing’s state-of-the-art facility and served as the launch point for the national tour, which will culminate at PRINTING United in Orlando, FL, this October.

This exclusive Open House showcased the advantages of integrating RMGT LED Offset printing with cutting-edge Horizon finishing solutions. EZ Mailing, a premier print and mailing house in the Midwest, has fully embraced this innovative combination, creating a seamless and efficient workflow under one roof.

Over the past five years, EZ Mailing has strategically expanded its capabilities with the RMGT 9 Series offset press, renowned for its efficiency, automation, and low operating costs. Complementing this investment, the company has incorporated Horizon finishing equipment, ensuring precision and reliability across various finishing tasks. The result? Exceptional growth and enhanced service offerings.

"We’ve evolved far beyond our roots as a mailing service provider," says Kevin Bennett, President of EZ Mailing. "Integrating RMGT LED offset printing and Horizon finishing solutions has allowed us to deliver top-tier quality with turnaround times that our competitors simply can’t match. This event is a great opportunity to showcase how the right technology can transform a business."

Gary Greis, Regional Vice President of Sales at Graphco, adds, "Kevin’s investment in the RMGT 9 Series and Horizon finishing solutions has been transformative. The power of LED curing technology and 4/4 single pass printing has enabled faster turnarounds, superior quality, and increased production capacity. EZ Mailing has always been a standout operation, and it’s exciting to see how these technologies have propelled their growth."

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, highlights the impact of these advancements: "EZ Mailing has fully embraced the potential of RMGT’s Long Perfector with LED Offset and advanced finishing. They’re proving that this high-quality, cost-effective approach can outperform traditional digital workflows in terms of cost, quality, and speed."

EZ Mailing’s finishing department is fully equipped with industry-leading Horizon solutions, including the Horizon StitchLiner Mark IV, RD-4055DMC rotary die cutter, AFC-566FG computerized paper folder, BQ-300 iCE Binder, SMSL-100 SmartSlitter, and two CRF-362 creasing/folding machines. This setup ensures seamless print-to-finish workflows, allowing the company to meet tight deadlines efficiently.

The Commit to Print Open House featured live demonstrations of seven state-of-the-art machines, technical roundtable discussions, and a guided plant tour. Attendees witnessed RMGT LED offset technology and Horizon finishing solutions in real-world applications and engaged with industry experts on optimizing their print operations.

"Our ability to produce high-quality print work at unmatched speeds has been a game-changer," Bennett concludes. "These machines have enabled us to expand our capacity, accelerate our speed to market, and exceed client expectations. We’re excited to share our experience and show others how they can achieve similar success."

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The post Graphco & EZ Mailing Host Commit to Print Open House in Indianapolis appeared first on Graphco.

RMGT 970: How much more do you get with Single Pressman Operation?

Monica Keenan — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:48:04 +0000

Single Pressman Operation with ASAP & Speed Productivity Boost

The ability to staff a highly automated RMGT 8-UP press with a single pressman has always been important for profitability and flexibility; however, now it has become more important than ever. The single pressman operation that allows for reducing per shift staffing costs with the RMGT 970, will bring greater viability to pressrooms who take the 9 series approach to manufacturing.

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The release of the new ASAP system will allow RMGT customers to enjoy an entirely new level of automation and autonomous press operation in the 8 UP+ press format.

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Graphco Announces the Successful Installation of RMGT 790 with LED Curing at K&M Printing

Monica Keenan — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:43:30 +0000

SOLON, OH – February 24, 2025 – Graphco, the Exclusive Distributor for RMGT’s most popular 970, 920 and 790 offset presses throughout the Midwest and Southeast, is proud to announce the successful installation of a 5-color RMGT 790 press with LED curing at K&M Printing. Based in the greater Chicago area in Schaumburg, IL, K&M Printing is a family-owned commercial printing and signage company with over 51 years of industry expertise. Known for its commitment to high-quality print solutions, K&M Printing caters to a diverse range of industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and pharmaceuticals.

“We’ve relied on Heidelberg presses for decades, but maintaining our older six-color Heidelberg, which was over 20 years old, had become increasingly costly,” shared Rich Stobart, Co-Owner of K&M Printing. “After evaluating options in the marketplace, including a full transition to digital presses, we determined that the RMGT 790 with LED curing would be the best solution to bridge the gap until digital technology advances in increasing speed and lowering operating costs. It has turned out to be a fantastic decision.”

The RMGT 790 press brings a new level of efficiency, flexibility, and quality to K&M Printing’s operations. With a setup time of approximately 10 minutes and LED curing technology, the press allows for faster drying times across a broad range of substrates, including uncoated papers, plastics, and metallics. “One of the most significant advantages we’ve seen is the drying time,” said Keith Stobart, Co-Owner of K&M Printing. “With conventional inks, we had to handle uncoated papers with extra care, often relying on aqueous coatings for drying. Now, with LED curing, we can immediately handle jobs turning them, running them back through and sending them off to finishing. The process is faster, cleaner, and more efficient.”

The addition of the RMGT 790 has expanded K&M Printing’s substrate capabilities and improved production efficiency, especially for short- to mid-run jobs. “This press replaced our workforce press, which handled a large volume of short- to mid-run jobs,” observes Rich Stobart, Jr., Co-Owner of K&M Printing. “The ease of setup and the performance of the LED curing system have been game-changers. We’re now able to confidently print on materials we were previously hesitant to use. We also invested in the RMGT inspection system and our operators rave about the system’s ability to flag and auto-correct issues at high speeds.”

K&M Printing’s decision to embrace LED curing technology reflects their forward-thinking approach and commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. “While it was initially daunting to move away from the conventional inks we’d used for 50 years, it became clear that LED printing is the way of the future,” concludes Rich Stobart. “The RMGT 790 has exceeded our expectations in every way, from print quality and efficiency to the versatility it provides.”

“We’re thrilled to see K&M Printing embrace the future of printing with the RMGT 790,” said Derek Gordon, Vice President of Sales at Graphco. “This press, with its advanced LED curing technology and exceptional performance, is a perfect fit for their business. It’s been exciting to watch them enhance their capabilities, and we look forward to continuing to support their growth and success.”

If you would like to learn more about how Graphco can provide your company The Unfair Advantage^TM, please fill out this form and a Graphco representative will contact you.

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Quick Reliable Printing Installs RMGT 970 Press with LED Curing Technology

Monica Keenan — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:06:45 +0000

46-year-old company in Michigan is growing with a new, full size, four-color RMGT sheetfed-offset press highlighted by LED technology.

SOLON, OH - February 18, 2025 – Graphco, the Exclusive Distributor for RMGT’s most popular 970, 920 and 790 offset presses throughout the Midwest and Southeast, announces the installation of the full size 8-up RMGT 970 four-color press to Quick Reliable Printing (QRP). Based in Midland, MI., QRP serves clients across diverse sectors, including education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and non-profits. This advanced piece of equipment represents a significant technological upgrade, replacing legacy sheetfed offset presses that had faithfully served for two decades.

We realized we were relying on outdated technology, operating an ‘ancient’ press that lacked many of the automation tools available today,” explained Hal Grunwell, a Solutions Specialist at QRP since 2006. Grunwell highlighted the enthusiasm of the entire team for the new press, particularly its advanced features, such as automated ink management and skid loading. Among the most impactful innovations during the first four months of operation have been the LED lamps from Benford.

“The automation is impressive, but the instant curing of UV ink with LED curing has been a game changer,” he remarked.

Speed and efficiency are critical for this print service provider (PSP), located in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. “2024 has been an incredible year of expansion and growth”. The family-owned company operates a 20,000-square-foot facility on a single shift, employing over 30 full-time team members. The team produces a variety of commercial print materials, including corporate brochures, newsletters, postcards, and other direct-marketing pieces.

Accelerating Production

The RMGT 974 press has proven to be a game-changer for QRP. Its impressive running speed of 16,000 sheets per hour, coupled with 30% faster makeready times, significantly enhances productivity. “We achieve optimal color much more quickly now,” Grunwell stated. He also emphasized the benefits of G7 compliance from Idealliance, which ensures consistent color matching with reduced paper waste. The press’s ability to “learn” during color calibration has been particularly noteworthy. Additionally, the automatic skid-loading system streamlines workflow, enabling faster paper handling. “We can flip and feed paper much more efficiently,” Grunwell reported.

Celebrating Success

In recognition of its growth and the capabilities of the new press, QRP hosted an Open House on October 16, 2024, which attracted over 150 attendees, including Michigan State Representative Bill Schuette. Visitors toured the facility in small groups, observing the production process and the quality of printing firsthand. Employees showcased sustainable production features such as the LED ink curing process, which reduces the need for chemicals and other caustic substances. The use of Sentinel canisters from Pamarco, which maintain ink consistency on the press, further minimizing waste and environmental impact.

“The Open House was an outstanding event,” praised Derek Gordon, Regional Vice President, Sales for Graphco. “There was tremendous energy and a strong pro-print atmosphere that was truly inspiring,” added the seasoned 37-year industry veteran.

Grunwell concluded with high praise for Graphco’s support: “We can’t say enough about the Graphco team. Their post-installation service has been exceptional. They are always just a phone call away, and their technicians are on-site the next day if needed.”

If you would like to learn more about how Graphco can provide your company The Unfair Advantage^TM, please fill out this form and a Graphco representative will contact you.

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Discover How DPS Transformed Their Workflow with Advanced Printing Technology

Monica Keenan — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:15:35 +0000

SOLON, OH – January 20, 2025 – Graphco, the leading provider of the most popular 8-up sheetfed offset press in North America, is proud to announce the sale of an 8-UP RMGT 920PF-8+LED eight-color Long Perfector to DPS, Inc. in Winter Park, FL, near Orlando. While the acronym of the company features Digital Printing Solutions, DPS prints a large volume of its work in offset.

A key highlight of this installation is the press’s advanced LED Curing Technology, which has revolutionized DPS’s printing operations. The full-sized 8-UP press has already proven its value, enabling high-speed, high-quality production for the company’s busy political direct-mail season.

“Our new press makes high-volume, fast-turnaround work possible, and LED instant-curing technology is one big reason,”

said Terry Sutton, Owner of DPS. The firm recently completed a major project—printing 286,000 mailers within two days of receiving artwork. LED Curing Technology ensures printed materials are immediately dry and ready for the next production step, significantly speeding up workflow.

The use of UV inks from Toyo has further optimized DPS’s production efficiency. “Not having the printed product sit to dry is essential to keeping work flowing smoothly through the plant,” Sutton explains. In the past, DPS often used aqueous coating to expedite drying, even at additional cost. Now, LED Curing eliminates the need for such measures while delivering superior results.

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, highlights the aesthetic and operational benefits of UV inks: “LED inks are 8% to 10% glossier than traditional oil-based CMYK inks. Sheets coming off DPS’s new RMGT press almost have a sheen comparable to aqueous coating, without the energy-intensive drying process.”

Digital Printing Solutions: An All Ryobi/RMGT Shop

Founded in a garage in 2001, DPS begins its 25^th year in business in 2025. In addition to now having a color and monochrome digital printing line up, “we’ve been an all Ryobi/RMGT shop for about 17 of those years,” reveals Sutton. Its offset and digital presses are G7-certified by Idealliance for coordinated color calibration. The firm also features a full-service bindery. Its 35 employees work around the clock (two 12-hour shifts), Monday through Thursday. Within the 31,000-square-foot Florida manufacturing facility, press crews had been running a 6-color RMGT sheetfed-offset press with an aqueous coater. However, after six faithful years in service, Sutton says, some work was taking too long to produce.

The new 8-color RMGT 920 perfecting press can run 13,000 sheets per hour. “It was just time for better technology,” he notes, illustrating the example of 20,000 copies of an artist’s calendar that the company has been printing for four years. Before, press proofing took three days because of running two-up, one side at a time. This year that process was expedited by running four-up and printing both sides of the sheet simultaneously on the larger format (24x36-inch) perfector. “The job was out the door in five hours!” Sutton exclaims.

The addition of LithoFlash measurement and control technology ensures consistent color accuracy, while reducing makeready waste. “Every single sheet pull was perfect,” Sutton notes, praising the system’s ability to maintain color consistency across press runs.

With its proprietary job-ticketing system, DPS efficiently manages over 3,000 digital and offset jobs monthly, maintaining an impressive on-time ratio of nearly 90%. The company’s investment in LED Curing Technology and cutting-edge equipment positions it as a leader in high-speed, high-quality printing solutions.

“Graphco is extremely proud of our engagement with Terry and the DPS Team, and we absolutely love keeping our Ryobi/RMGT customers happy as their businesses grow and flourish,” states Manley. “It’s great to see Florida, and the Southeast, becoming Graphco/RMGT Country.”

If you would like to learn more about how your business can benefit from a RMGT Press, please fill out the form.

The post Discover How DPS Transformed Their Workflow with Advanced Printing Technology appeared first on Graphco.

RMGT 970 Perfecting Press Interview With Don Kallil, Owner of Verdant Graphics

Monica Keenan — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:45:47 +0000

By investing in the RMGT 970 press, Verdant Graphics has significantly boosted both efficiency and productivity. The press allows them to print greeting cards eight times faster than before. Previously, using their older DI press, they could only print two cards at a time, with long drying times between each side. Now, thanks to the RMGT's perfecting press and LED curing technology, they can print eight cards at once, front and back, and they're ready for finishing immediately.

"Our efficiencies and productivity have been well worth the additional investment to make that big jump. We're printing greeting cards eight times faster than we were previously."

-Don Kallil, Owner of Verdant Graphics

If you would like to learn more about the RMGT 970 Perfector for your business, please fill out the form.

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EMBRACING PRINT’S ART & SCIENCE: RMGT 9 Series Perfector Helps Business Flourish at Verdant Graphics

Monica Keenan — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:13:25 +0000

Michigan printer of wholesale greeting cards adds LED cured sheetfed-offset to expand their commercial print business.

SOLON, OH - November 11, 2024 – Graphco, the Exclusive Distributor for RMGT’s most popular 970, 920 and 790 offset presses throughout the Midwest and Southeast, announces the positive results of the installation of an eight-color full-size RMGT 920PF-8+LED perfecting press to Verdant Graphics in Wyoming, MI, six miles south of Grand Rapids. The 8-UP press, which features LED instant-curing technology, SMART RPC (2-minute plate changing), and the full Insta.Color makeready suite, is enabling the firm to churn out greeting cards at least eight times faster than its previous workflow from 2022.

“Our previous print production was on a 20” Ryobi/Presstek DI press,” states Don Kallil, Owner and Chief Vision Officer at Verdant Graphics. “We had to print two-up greeting cards on one side, let them dry for two days, then run the other side. It took us four days to print two cards. Now, not only is the RMGT 9 Series perfector a larger format press, but it prints both sides in a single pass. We are printing eight cards at a time. They dry instantly and are ready for finishing.” Verdant’s in-house postpress/embellishment capabilities include die-cutting, embossing and foil-stamping for special effects.

Kallil figures that, when UV curing time is equated, the speed increase could be by a factor of 8 or even 10 times faster overall. Such dramatic performance improvement means that Verdant is producing cards quicker and in much larger volumes, freeing up press time for other commercial print work. Their 15,000-square-foot production facility in western Michigan employs 15 full-time workers, “mostly working one shift,” according to Kallil. However, he sees that changing. “We’d like to be running two shifts by the end of 2024 and grow to three down the road. That’s my goal.” To stimulate sales, the management team hired a dedicated account representative this spring and plans to soon hire two more people in similar roles.

Eco-friendly with designer roots

Kallil’s creative roots stem from the graphic design and marketing side of the business. He also presides over Design Design, which started up in 1987 as a wholesale greeting card company. Don’s company was recently featured on Inkish TV, and Don’s explanation of his company’s history and future makes for very interesting viewing: https://inkish.tv/?s=verdant

“Verdant,” the rebranded print arm, denotes “green,” and Kallil admits to being extremely conscious of printing sustainably. “We are all about having a minimal environmental footprint,” he explains, adding that the LED-UV technology first caught his eye six years ago in Chicago at GRAPH EXPO ’18. He contends that employing the high-tech drying process “is much cleaner than operating an IR hot air and [spray] powdered system.”

One Pass Printing Solution Became a “No Brainer”

Still, adopting RMGT’s one-pass solution was a major, multimillion-dollar decision for the Verdant leader. Coming from a quarter-size DI press, “it took us a little while to get our ‘groove’ on,” Kallil admits. After 18 months of operation, the RMGT 9 Series perfector is running smoothly, “like a Lexus,” so it’s full steam ahead for his new salesforce.

On plant tours, Kallil proudly calls the RMGT press his “command center for spaceship printing.” Despite looking like a UFO, its benefits are easily identifiable. On-press registration is virtually infallible, he notes, adding that installation of the full-size machine was relatively painless in early 2023. “A six-inch concrete pad is all it requires,” Kallil confirms. “It’s built on metal rails, and there’s no bouncing.”

For Kallil, the automation built in by RMGT’s engineers is a major bonus. “These days, machinery can’t be too technically challenging to operate,” he says. “You don’t need a lot of people to run this press. It’s actually really fun . . . and exciting to see what it can produce! The end products give our people a great sense of pride in their work.”

Derek Gordon, Graphco’s Regional Vice President, Sales, reflects: “This was a very rewarding sale for me, personally, because of the timing. I contacted Verdant only four days after the country shut down in response to the COVID-19 health crisis and then the purchase was made in February 2002. That now seems like a long time ago – when the company was basically an inplant producing greeting cards. If the visionary Kallil has his way, Verdant Graphics will position itself very differently as evolution transforms it into a completely different entity. Watching a full-scale commercial printing company grow from an in-plant card printing operation has been fun so far, and I can hardly wait to see how far Don’s vision can carry Verdant Graphics.”

If you would like to learn more about how the RMGT 970 Press could benefit you, fill out the following form.

The post EMBRACING PRINT’S ART & SCIENCE: RMGT 9 Series Perfector Helps Business Flourish at Verdant Graphics appeared first on Graphco.

RMGT Archives - Graphco

What Does It Look Like When Offset Is Still the Right Investment?

RMGT 790: Built for Productivity, Efficiency, and ROI

Why Offset Still Wins Against B2 Digital.

Contact Us

Meridian Boosts Production with RMGT 970 Perfecting Press with LED Curing

Profiles in Profit spotlights offset and packaging printers gaining The Unfair Advantage™, turning smart equipment investments into measurable ROI.

Contact Us

University of Alabama Birmingham Printing & Mailing Transforms Workflow with Graphco’s RMGT 970 with LED Curing

Contact Us

Graphco & EZ Mailing Host Commit to Print Open House in Indianapolis

Contact Us

RMGT 970: How much more do you get with Single Pressman Operation?

Single Pressman Operation with ASAP & Speed Productivity Boost

​Need more information?

Graphco Announces the Successful Installation of RMGT 790 with LED Curing at K&M Printing

Quick Reliable Printing Installs RMGT 970 Press with LED Curing Technology

Discover How DPS Transformed Their Workflow with Advanced Printing Technology

Digital Printing Solutions: An All Ryobi/RMGT Shop

RMGT 970 Perfecting Press Interview With Don Kallil, Owner of Verdant Graphics

EMBRACING PRINT’S ART & SCIENCE: RMGT 9 Series Perfector Helps Business Flourish at Verdant Graphics

Profiles in Profit spotlights offset and packaging printers gaining
The Unfair Advantage™, turning smart equipment investments into measurable ROI.

Need more information?

EMBRACING PRINT’S ART & SCIENCE: RMGT 9 Series Perfector Helps Business Flourish at Verdant Graphics