Shimchock’s Label Service installs Konica Minolta press

Shimchock’s Label Service, a third-generation family business in Roanoke, Virginia, has added a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 Digital Press to expand its capabilities in producing durable labels.

After researching new printing technologies, Shimchock’s installed the AccurioLabel 230 and a GM DC330 Mini finisher. The shop has several analog flexo presses and was using a digital inkjet printer for some jobs, which became a concern because printheads can clog and cause engine issues if the machines are not running jobs on a regular basis. For these reasons, Shimchock’s team decided a toner-based digital printing press was the way to go.

'The AccurioLabel 230 has been a terrific addition to our business. We’re now able to take on longer runs for customers at a more competitive price, instead of using our smaller and slower inkjet label printer,' said Marie Shimchock Conner, co-owner, Shimchock’s Label Service. 'We were amazed at how much easier this press is to use than our other digital press, and because we no longer have to run special inkjet-treated stocks, have substantially reduced our substrate costs — from $1.68 per MSI (1,000 square inches) to just $0.44 MSI.'

Pairing the AccurioLabel 230 with the GM DC330 Mini has expanded Shimchock’s capabilities.

'The finisher came with all the bells and whistles and gives us multiple finishing options, from UV flexo varnish, lamination and cold foil to die cutting, slitting and rewinding, all in a small footprint. It’s basically an all-in-one finishing solution for the AccurioLabel 230,' said Conner. 'This combination allows us to provide labels and service that are better than online providers, and it’s one of the reasons we’re on the list of preferred suppliers for many of our customers.'

Shimchock’s team prints a wide variety of labels for food and personal care products that are frequently high-usage, high-abrasion items. According to Conner, customers are asking for more highly specified and varied jobs with shorter runs, faster job turnaround and more colors. The AccurioLabel 230's food-grade safe toners add another advantage for many of its customers.

'We are extremely pleased with the results Shimchock’s Label Service has experienced after the installation of their AccurioLabel 230,' said Frank Mallozzi, president, IPP, Konica Minolta. 'In addition to enhancing their workflow efficiency with faster turnarounds, increased output and reduced waste, it’s clear their customers are delighted with the labels the press delivers. The new digital label press is another reason that customers keep coming back to Shimchock’s, job after job.'

Serving only local companies, Shimchock’s is known for its service, which includes hands-on help at a customer’s production facility if needed and in-person delivery at no charge. Shimchock’s has no call center; customers who call talk to a real person. The company has never done any advertising, relying on word of mouth for 73 years.