By Cassandra Balentine
Print buyers look for a range of applications, from variable and static direct mail—in varying runs—to design and poster work. For print providers, the balance is strategically investing in equipment that serves as many of these applications as possible while maintaining the work needed to justify the purchase.
Since 2007 Kessler Creative has served more than 9,000 clients, both locally and nationwide. The marketing agency specializes in helping its customers grow business through a variety of results-driven marketing solutions. Its 21,380 square foot production and sales facility is based in Jacksonville, FL, and currently employs 52 full-time employees.
The company built its business as a one-stop shop, priding itself on it’s ability to handle almost any project that comes through the door, whether it’s design, printing, or mailing services. “We work closely with our clients who are focused on targeting their ideal consumers with creative, engaging, and effective direct marketing campaigns,” say both Dina and Keith Kessler, co-owners of Kessler Creative.
While direct mail marketing is the print provider’s core product, they also offer wide format printing, point of sale, graphic design services, email and mobile marketing, social media management, and both digital and offset printing.
Improving the Portfolio
Kessler Creative employs two offset presses; several digital presses, both color and high-speed B&W—including three Canon Solutions America Océ VarioPrint devices and a Xerox iGen 4; a Canon imagePRESS C6010 digital color press; and for digital offset printing—or direct imaging (DI), a Presstek 34DI, and most recently, a Presstek 52DI. It also operates two digital envelope printers for smaller runs.
For finishing, the shop has an MCS Flowmaster inserter with a color variable inkjet system attached, UV coating, die cutting, saddle stitching, and a standard bindery department. It also installed a Canon Solutions America Océ Arizona 400 series and Zünd G3 digital cutter for digital wide format work.
To complement its existing product line, Kessler Creative recently purchased a Presstek 52DI.
Many of the shop’s clients look for a standard 8.5×5.5-inch postcard printed on 10 pt. C2S paper. With the 34DI, these jobs are turned around in 48 to 72 hours, from design to mailing. Typical runs fall between 1,600 to 10,000 pieces. With the 52DI, the company is able to reach 10,000 to 50,000 postcard runs.
The direct mail postcards are ideal for the DI. The Kesslers account this to the press’ speed and minimal running costs. “A 10,000 piece run will take less than two hours total run time and 20 minutes to set plates, which is automatic with the DI. The job can be cut and inkjet the following day.”
On the Horizon
With the ability to offer customers a range of products, Kessler Creative provides an advantage. “We’re always researching new applications to better serve our clients. Our latest product innovation helps customers with both response rates and return mail. Our barcoding system keeps track of their data in real-time. We are excited about providing our clients with another results-driven solution that directly impacts their growth,” say the Kesslers. dps
