Success Stories Archives - Graphco

Speed and Ease with The Graphco Fold Stream by Pro Cut

Dan Cerrato — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:01:48 +0000

At PRINTING United Expo in Orlando, Graphco showcased the Fold Stream, a high-performance folder gluer engineered for speed, flexibility, and remarkably fast changeovers.

While the machine was running straight-line box applications at approximately 8,500 finished pieces per hour, raw speed is only part of the story. What truly sets the Fold Stream apart is how quickly and easily it transitions between jobs.

Fast Changeovers That Keep Production Moving

In today’s print and packaging environments, downtime is expensive. The Fold Stream is designed to minimize it.

Moving from one box size to another, for example, shifting from a current run to a 5" x 6" square format — can be completed in approximately two to three minutes. That level of efficiency dramatically reduces setup time and supports shorter production runs without sacrificing profitability.

For operations handling multiple SKUs or customized packaging formats, rapid changeover capability is a competitive advantage.

Production Flexibility Across Applications

The Fold Stream is built to support a wide range of packaging and finishing applications, including:

Straight-line boxes
Crash lock bottom cartons
Pocket folders
Inline taping
Specialty flat boxes with pop-up configurations

One standout demonstration at the show featured a flat box design that transforms into a dimensional piece when assembled which was modeled after the SD-Italy Augusta F150 Pro cutting system. This example highlights the Fold Stream’s ability to support creative structural packaging solutions.

Whether producing 6" to 8" cartons or more complex folded pieces, the system maintains production speeds at or around 8,500 pieces per hour, delivering both consistency and throughput.

Designed for Modern Finishing Demands

As packaging runs become shorter and customization becomes more common, finishing equipment must deliver:

High-speed output
Minimal setup time
Repeatable precision
Application versatility

The Fold Stream is engineered to meet these demands, helping folding carton and commercial print operations streamline post-press production while expanding their packaging capabilities.

For printers looking to enhance efficiency without compromising flexibility, the Fold Stream represents a practical and scalable finishing solution.

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.

The post Speed and Ease with The Graphco Fold Stream by Pro Cut appeared first on Graphco.

Graphco and Awning Innovations Announce Integration of SD Augusta CNC System with Auto Stud Welding

jesikieler — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:41:51 +0000

SOLON, OH — Apr 14, 2025 — Graphco, exclusive distributor of SD-Italy’s cutting-edge Augusta hybrid CNC solutions, proudly announces the successful installation of the SD Augusta F150R Pro Hybrid CNC Routing & Cutting System with Auto Stud Welding (ASW) technology at Awning Innovations, one of the nation’s largest wholesale-only sign manufacturers. Installed in November 2024 at their McCordsville, Indiana facility, just outside Indianapolis, the system is already revolutionizing their operations with enhanced speed, precision, and efficiency.

Founded in 1999, Awning Innovations serves clients nationwide—ranging from local shops to major corporations—by focusing solely on manufacturing. That singular focus allows them to pour resources into elevating product quality, optimizing production, and continually refining both equipment and processes. Their investment in the Augusta F150R Pro is the latest example of that drive toward relentless improvement.

“Our routing department was always a bottleneck—even with seven routers from major brands, we couldn’t keep up,” says Frank Green, President of Awning Innovations. “After seeing the Augusta F150R Pro in action at the ISA Expo, the decision was easy. The speed blew me away—it’s three to four times faster than our other machines. We realized one Augusta could replace at least two of our existing routers.”

But it wasn’t just the speed that sealed the deal. The Augusta F150R Pro’s Auto Stud Welding feature added a whole new layer of value. Learn more about the ASW here: https://graphco.com/augusta-f150r-pro/. Offering low-contact, high-precision stud welding, the ASW automates what was once a painstaking manual process—one that Awning Innovations relies on daily.

“The ASW is a standout feature—we use it all day, every day,” Green explains. “We used to engrave a circle and manually weld each stud using a handheld welder. Now? It’s faster, more accurate, and produces a stronger weld. And because it’s automated, it frees up our operators for higher-value tasks.”

That automation translated directly into labor cost savings. “We had someone full-time on two shifts just welding studs. With the Augusta, we streamlined that department by two people,” Green adds. The 0-tolerance accuracy of the F150R Pro’s 9kW router and ASW means the cut and welded panels all fit the rest of the process perfectly, saving lots of time downstream as well.

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, applauds the partnership: “The SD Augusta delivers the most efficient CNC routing and cutting solutions on the market. The ASW option is a true game-changer. We're thrilled to see Awning Innovations pushing the limits of what’s possible with this system.”

Awning Innovations chose the 15-foot version of the F150R Pro, giving them more flexibility and production capacity. “Our biggest bed before this was 12 feet,” Green notes. “Now we can run full-length 6’ X 15’ aluminum sheets for large sign faces without seams. That’s a major benefit.” The F150R Pro is available in various table sizes, up to 24 feet long.

Beyond aluminum, the Augusta F150R Pro tackles a wide array of materials—including dense, hard-to-cut substrates up to six inches thick. Its robust capabilities make it a cornerstone of Awning Innovations’ very strong future.

Gary Greis, Regional Vice President of Sales at Graphco, sums it up: “This installation is a perfect example of how the right technology fuels real business growth. Awning Innovations is committed to quality and process improvement, and this investment proves it.”

Frank Green closes with a sentiment every equipment buyer can relate to: “The F150R Pro lives up to the hype—it does exactly what Graphco said it would. That says a lot. I’ve bought machines before that couldn’t back up the sales pitch. But this one? It delivers. I’m a fan. We’ll definitely be buying another.”

If you would like to be contacted more about the Augusta F150R Pro, fill out the form and someone will reach out to you.

The post Graphco and Awning Innovations Announce Integration of SD Augusta CNC System with Auto Stud Welding appeared first on Graphco.

LS Art Consulting Realizing Limitless Possibilities With Graphco’s SD Augusta F150R Pro

jesikieler — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:42:45 +0000

SOLON, OH — March 31, 2025 — Graphco, the exclusive distributor of the SD Augusta CNC Routing and Cutting solutions, proudly announces the successful installation of the Augusta F150R Pro system at LS Art Consulting, the premier division of FrameWorks in Miami, Florida. A powerhouse in art consulting and fabrication, LS Art Consulting welcomed this cutting-edge routing and cutting system into their 20,000-square-foot facility in January 2025, marking a bold step forward in their production capabilities.

For over three decades, FrameWorks has evolved from a custom framing shop into their premier division, LS Art Consulting - a full-service art consultancy, specializing in high caliber fabrication for the hospitality and cruise ship industries. Operating throughout Florida, the Caribbean Islands, and throughout the world via cruise ship lines the company handles every stage of production — from concept to fabrication, framing, and shipping — continually pushing creative boundaries with advanced CNC routing and cutting technology.

Their latest leap in innovation? The SD Augusta F150R Pro. “Our tagline is ‘Limitless Possibilities,’ and we mean it,” says Cris Sweeny, LS Art Consulting Co-Founder and CEO. “We’ve taken materials traditionally used in signage and transformed them into groundbreaking, reproducible works of art. The F150R immediately stood out as the highest impact way to elevate our creativity while delivering incredible value to our clients.”

A true hybrid machine, the Augusta F150R Pro fuses precision cutting with high-powered CNC routing on one fast and efficient platform. Its CNC-controlled movement along the X, Y, and Z axes unlocks new creative dimensions. “The moment I saw it in action at the ISA tradeshow, I knew it was a game-changer,” Sweeny recalls. “Our first CNC machine was limited to X and Y movement. With the F150R’s Z-axis control, we can quickly carve three-dimensional art pieces like never before.”

One of the system’s standout features is its advanced automatic tool changer, supporting up to 25 tools. This seamless, hands-free transition between tools slashes production time while maintaining razor-sharp accuracy. “The automatic tool changer is hands down my favorite feature,” says Mario Soldevilla, Special Projects Fabrication Lead at LS Art Consulting. “It gives me total design flexibility and speeds up production, making every project more efficient.”

For LS Art Consulting, efficiency is everything. Their hospitality and cruise ship clients demand large-scale, high-volume art installations with intricate dimensionality — a challenge for traditional fabrication methods. “Our clients want depth and detail, but large-scale reproduction has always been a hurdle,” Sweeny explains. “Now, with automated precision, we can bring our artistic vision to life at scale while producing hundreds of pieces for our hospitality and cruise ship clients.”

Speed is another advantage of the Augusta F150R Pro. The machine rips through cuts at over 6.5 feet per second with nearly 2G acceleration while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. Its robust design tackles a variety of materials, slicing through dense substrates up to six inches thick. This opens the door to unconventional applications. “We love reimagining materials,” Sweeny says. “Nobody expects high-density foam to be an art medium. But with the F150R, we carved foam into a detailed piece, painted and framed it, and now it’s high-quality dimensional artwork—produced affordably and at scale.”

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, sees LS Art Consulting as the perfect partner to showcase the Augusta F150R Pro’s full potential. “They have an incredible creative approach,” Manley says. “The F150R Pro is a powerhouse of possibilities, and we’re thrilled to see LS Art Consulting take it to the next level.”

Sweeny agrees. “It’s rare to find a machine like this—it’s a diamond in the rough. But success isn’t just about the equipment. It’s about perspective, commitment, and investing in the people and resources to make it work. Our experience with Graphco has been outstanding, and our Team love their new Augusta.”

If you would like to be contacted more about the Augusta F150R Pro, fill out the form and someone will reach out to you.

The post LS Art Consulting Realizing Limitless Possibilities With Graphco’s SD Augusta F150R Pro appeared first on Graphco.

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

Dan Cerrato — 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.

Need more information?

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.

The post RMGT 970: How much more do you get with Single Pressman Operation? appeared first on Graphco.

Graphco Announces Successful Installation of Fold Stream at Wells & Drew

jesikieler — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:02:46 +0000

SOLON, OH – March 3, 2025 – Graphco, a leading provider of offset, print finishing, and dimensional signage solutions in North America, proudly announces the successful installation of the Fold Stream system at Wells & Drew in Jacksonville, FL. With a 170-year legacy of excellence, Wells & Drew has mastered the craft of engraving, foil stamping, embossing, raised print, and letterpress offering comprehensive in-house specialty printing services that only a handful of providers in the country can match. This milestone marks the first installation of Fold Stream in North America, underscoring Graphco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to specialty printers.

“As a specialty printer, we constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in print,”

states Blake Houser, Principal at Wells & Drew. “The Fold Stream system enhances our capabilities, allowing us to streamline intricate folding and finishing processes while maintaining the unmatched quality our customers expect. This installation reaffirms our commitment to investing in top-tier technology to serve our clients better.”

Fold Stream by Pro Cut is a high-speed, precision folding and gluing system designed for efficient, small-run packaging with quick changeovers. “I reviewed plenty of folder-gluers before,” continues Houser, “and we have a variety of them here including industry heavyweights like Moll. But when I saw the Fold Stream demo video, I immediately understood how the system worked, which was a big deal. The current systems we use demand significant operator expertise, so I appreciate the simplicity of the Fold Stream for our digitally oriented work.”

“What sets Fold Stream apart is the fast setup,” states Houser. “Unlike the Molls or similar machines, which require an hour or more for a switchover (even for highly skilled operators), the Fold Stream can switch from a folding carton to a pocket folder in just 10 to 15 minutes. For our digital press operator to achieve that speed is a massive time savings—potentially cutting very complicated changeover times from two to three hours down to 30 minutes.”

“Our goal is to offer packaging solutions because, right now, every printer is trying to move into that space, but very few of them offer the special embellishments we have done for years” observes Houser. “The challenge is figuring out how to integrate our specialty printing processes across various substrates and colors while maintaining efficiency for small runs. This machine enables us to do just that—offering six different printing processes on 21 different paper types.”

Graphco’s Fold Stream system is renowned for its precision, efficiency, and ability to handle complex folding and finishing tasks with ease. The system’s advanced automation significantly reduces manual labor while increasing production speed and accuracy—critical factors for a specialty print house like Wells & Drew.

Chris Manley, President of Graphco, highlighted the importance of this first North American installation: “We are thrilled to see the Fold Stream in action at Wells & Drew, a company that embodies excellence in specialty printing. This installation is a testament to how Fold Stream can revolutionize niche print operations, providing efficiency and precision for even the most intricate jobs. Wells & Drew’s decision to adopt this technology further reinforces their position as an industry leader.”

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

jesikieler — 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.

The post Quick Reliable Printing Installs RMGT 970 Press with LED Curing Technology appeared first on Graphco.

A Year of Growth & Innovation: Graphco’s 2024 Year in Review

jesikieler — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:38:38 +0000

SOLON, OH – January 29, 2025 – Graphco, a leader in advanced printing solutions, proudly celebrates a landmark year marked by innovation, exceptional sales achievements, and a growing presence in the signage and commercial print markets. Serving as the Exclusive Midwest & Southeast Distributor for RMGT’s 970, 920, and 790 Series sheetfed offset presses, Graphco secured the #2 global sales volume ranking for RMGT in 2024, second only to China.

RMGT: Unmatched Efficiency and Quality

Graphco achieved the #2 global sales volume ranking for RMGT in 2024, selling and installing 33 press units and solidifying its position as a leading provider of RMGT presses. This milestone, surpassed only by the People’s Republic of China, underscores Graphco’s commitment to delivering high-efficiency solutions tailored to the needs of modern printers. The RMGT 9 Series perfecting press, celebrated for its ability to reduce operating costs while maximizing productivity, was a key driver of this success.

PRINTING United: A Resounding Success

The PRINTING United Show proved transformative for Graphco, generating over $4.4 million in sales and capturing widespread interest in its advanced printing equipment from world-class partners, including RMGT, SD-Italy, ProCut, and Foliant. Live demonstrations at the booth showcased groundbreaking solutions tailored to modern printing demands, resulting in finalized deals and a robust pipeline of opportunities. “The response at PRINTING United was nothing short of remarkable,” said Chris Manley, President of Graphco. “The energy and enthusiasm at our booth highlighted the industry’s eagerness for innovative solutions that enhance productivity and profitability.”

Fold Stream, Foliant, and Horizon ShineGraphco’s finishing solutions also garnered acclaim. Wells & Drew Printing Company (Jacksonville, FL) became the first U.S. buyer of the ProCut Fold Stream. Detroit-based Accuform Printing & Graphics expanded its capabilities with both the Fold Stream and a Foliant Taurus 530NG. Horizon’s advanced trimming, binding, and folding systems continued to drive success, with numerous sales to leading companies such as EZ Mailing and Polpress.

ISA Show Ushers Graphco into the Signage Market

“Graphco was proud to bring a strong new competitor from Europe to the CNC routing & cutting market in North America,” states Chris Manley, President of Graphco. “We are hybridizing cut by introducing a true hybrid cutting solution that fills a unique gap in signage manufacturing that not only cuts and mills, but we are also offering CNC controlled welding capabilities, drilling & tapping of sign brackets which creates a one-of-a-kind solution.”

SD-Italy: Revolutionizing CNC Routing and Cutting

The SD Italy Augusta F150R CNC Routing & Cutting System emerged as a standout, with seven units sold and installed during the year. A highlight of 2024 was the introduction of the Auto Stud Welding (ASW) feature, a groundbreaking addition to the F150R. Summit West Sign (Mesa, AZ) and Awning Innovations (McCordsville, IN) embraced this cutting-edge technology, leveraging the ASW system for improved efficiency and precision. Additional sales included units for diverse applications such as vinyl kiss-cutting and 3D material milling.

Looking Ahead

“Building on the incredible achievements of 2024, we are focused on expanding our market share in both the signage and commercial print sectors,” said Chris Manley, President of Graphco. “By delivering innovative solutions and strengthening our partnerships, we aim to empower our customers with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving marketplace. The future is bright, and we are excited to lead the way in 2025 and beyond.”

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.

The post A Year of Growth & Innovation: Graphco’s 2024 Year in Review appeared first on Graphco.

Discover How DPS Transformed Their Workflow with Advanced Printing Technology

jesikieler — 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

jesikieler — 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.

The post RMGT 970 Perfecting Press Interview With Don Kallil, Owner of Verdant Graphics appeared first on Graphco.

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

jesikieler — 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.

Success Stories Archives - Graphco

Speed and Ease with The Graphco Fold Stream by Pro Cut

Fast Changeovers That Keep Production Moving

Production Flexibility Across Applications

Designed for Modern Finishing Demands

Graphco and Awning Innovations Announce Integration of SD Augusta CNC System with Auto Stud Welding

LS Art Consulting Realizing Limitless Possibilities With Graphco’s SD Augusta F150R Pro

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 Successful Installation of Fold Stream at Wells & Drew

Quick Reliable Printing Installs RMGT 970 Press with LED Curing Technology

A Year of Growth & Innovation: Graphco’s 2024 Year in Review

PRINTING United: A Resounding Success

ISA Show Ushers Graphco into the Signage Market

SD-Italy: Revolutionizing CNC Routing and Cutting

Looking Ahead

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

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