In today’s marketplace, it is key that companies constantly innovate in order to stand out from the competition. Five Lakes Press is no exception. Even its tagline, “Print Your Way,” expresses how it listens to its customers to continually improve its printing process and differentiate itself in the industry.
Though Five Lakes Press was launched just six years ago, it has deep roots in the printing market. Its sister companies include JPL Design Solutions (JPL) and Color House Graphics (CHG). JPL offers years of experience in book cover and internal book design, and formatting, along with print collateral design and more. According to Brad Rusticus, general manager of Five Lakes Press, “Five Lakes Press branched off from Color House Graphics, which brings over 35 years’ experience in offset printing for longer runs.” Five Lakes Press is the digital print company of the group, conveniently located in the mid-west. It focuses on shorter print runs and quicker turn-around times of personalized books and other types of marketing and educational materials. It prides itself on its innovation, even offering an easy-to-use online portal that enables its customers to order printing projects anywhere, anytime. In order for Five Lakes Press to achieve its goals and be a leader in the printing industry, it installed two SheetFeeder VP 6000 systems from Tecnau.
The company’s biggest jobs are books, religious and children’s ones in particular. Five Lakes needed a solution that would enable quick turn-around times while still being cost effective. According to Mr. Rusticus, “Five Lakes Press has been printing the very popular Hometown Hunter series of children’s books geared for 8- to 12-year-olds. We use the Canon varioPRINT 6270 TITAN in conjunction with the Tecnau SheetFeeder VP 6000 system to produce these books. Tecnau equipment’s roll to cut sheet capability has been essential for us to print our books quickly. It really has been the biggest benefit for us.”
The Tecnau SheetFeeder VP 6000 system increases the 6270 TITAN’s throughput while lowering downtime, operator involvement, and paper costs. “We conducted a cost analysis and discovered that we experienced a 20 percent savings with rolls. It was a no brainer for us,” declared Brad. The SheetFeeder VP 6000 runs every size paper that the printer can handle as well as paper weights down to 27# text (39 gsm) papers. It is also the best feeding option for lightweight papers.
Operators can spend up to two to three hours per shift unboxing, unwrapping, staging, and loading cut sheet paper as compared to typically five minutes per shift with roll feed automation. With 60,000 sheets per roll, the Tecnau SheetFeeder VP 6000 delivers maximum productivity and reliability. “Our staff doesn’t have to fill up drawers any longer. We simply set up multiple jobs at one time and let the rolls run. Our labor costs have been reduced by one third,” said Mr. Rusticus.
In addition, the SheetFeeder VP 6000 can switch sizes between letter and tabloid without changing rolls. It cuts to final sheet size resulting in big savings on odd sizes and even more savings on lightweight and non-standard papers. “Five Lakes Press lets its rolls run continually, sometimes even 24 hours per day and up to six days per week depending upon the jobs to be completed,” stated Brad.
The SheetFeeder VP 6000 is compatible with all Canon varioPRINT 6000 TITAN series digital printers. In addition, it can be combined with finishing devices such as self-mailers, gluers/folders, stitchers, and binders to provide complete end-to-end solutions. All components use standard power, are mobile, modular, compact, and designed to dramatically improve workflow.
Five Lakes Press purchased their first Tecnau SheetFeeder VP 6000 system over three years ago. Then a year later the company purchased a second system. “With the second system we experienced a noticeable level of innovation. These revisions really gave us confidence in Tecnau because they are always trying to improve the equipment for its end users. They stay on top of cutting-edge technology,” stated Mr. Rusticus.
In closing, Brad declared, “The equipment is very durable, dependable, and well-built. We have had very little to no issues thanks to the great support from our vendor partner, Applied Innovation. Overall, our experience has been very successful.”
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