By Cassandra Balentine
Print continues to find new ways to reinvent itself. One way it has remained relevant is through the adoption of digital printing technologies. The concept of shorter, on demand print runs and the ability to customize output with variable data publishing technologies has major impacts on transactional, publishing, and direct mail segments. However, digital print technologies are now primed for the label and packaging industry.
One print provider well versed in the benefits of digital print technology in packaging is The McBattas Group. Established in 1990, it maintains locations in Fairbury, NE and Belleville, KS with 14 employees in 20,000 square feet of space.
Fred Arnold, owner, The McBattas Group, says the company made the switch from traditional offset to digital packaging in 2009. It offers short-run digital packaging, which many enjoy when they are not looking for large runs of inventory.
With a core focus on commercial and package printing, the company provides a range of service offerings including business products, magazines, brochures, books, labels, custom packaging, digital printing, die cutting, folding/gluing, creative design services, fulfillment services, and mailing services.
Printing and Packaging
The McBattas Group is dedicated to helping its customers find the right solution for packaging and printing. The family-owned company has established a long-standing commitment to the community and its customers. Coming from a packaging background, the print provider is able to offer a one-stop solution for customers that want to develop new packaging pieces for their market. It does this with the help of digital printing, die cutting, folding, and gluing equipment.
With more than two decades of commercial printing and packaging experience behind it, the company provides expertise on design, printing, converting, and fulfillment services.
It uses equipment from Canon, Ricoh, Xerox, and others as well as software along with converting equipment to produce on demand, short-run packaging applications.
Its customer base is primarily made up of automotive, pharmaceutical, and medical-based products. With its expertise and equipment line up, the print provider assists small and large manufacturers and printers to find solutions that solve unique printing challenges. The shop has in-house design capabilities to support customers with concept-driven development as well as file creation and management.
Customers can choose from several packaging designs from the company’s growing selection of templates, and if a customer wants a different look they are encouraged to contact its design team. Templates include boxes in various formats, including coffee mugs, Christmas trees, concrete, cube, gable, golf ball, jewelry, pen, pillow, playing cards, and wine glass bottles.
Aside from packaging, a series of on demand printing applications The McBattas Group produces include envelopes, business forms, pocket folders, brochures, calendars, banking supplies, flyers, posters, books, menus, postcards, carton labels, CD covers, fans, marketing collateral, door hangers, automotive belts and sleeves, beverage coasters, gift card holders, postcards, table tents, and letterheads.
It can also produce posters and banners two feet wide by any length.
What Customers Want
As customer needs and expectations evolve in a culture of immediacy and customization, businesses like The McBattas Group that understand the value of serving these demands are prepared for success.
Arnold says the biggest advantage digital print technology brings to the table is short-run variable capabilities. “Customers can now make changes more rapidly without having to do a running change or going inventory first. We can offer true one-off availability. If our customers want one box or package, they can get one box or package. They do not have to pay for larger quantities,” he shares.
Printing in small quantities enables the print provider’s customers to control inventory and cash flow by printing in small volumes. The company believes by offering smaller quantities of folding cartons at a reasonable price, it frees up warehousing space and keeps cash in the pockets of its clients.
For The McBattas Group, the benefits of digital packaging mean it can turn product faster, with fewer employees and less capital outlay. “One of the challenges we face is getting the word out about what we do. Regarding the digital market itself, technology is changing so rapidly that what was cutting edge digital technology two years ago is now outdated and costly to replace,” admits Arnold.
On Demand Packaging
The ability to produce short runs competitively gives print shops like The McBattas Group an edge for small and startup companies trying to introduce and grow brands. “We don’t want to compete with the big guys,” concludes Arnold.
Apr2019, DPS Magazine
