SunDance invests in BW Converting machine

Florida-based converter, SunDance, has invested in BW Converting’s bag- converting equipment and its Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP (stand-up pouch) machine. The investment comes after SunDance's new operational strategy to transition into flexible packaging. This venture not only brought a significant turnaround in its business strategy but has accelerated its growth momentum ever since.

SunDance began as a commercial printer in 2007 and evolved to add wide-format printing to its services. SunDance president JohnHenry Ruggieri led the charge to embrace the new operational strategy to mitigate the downturn when the pandemic dealt a blow to its traditional tourism-based business.

'We had decided to get into packaging a little bit deeper in 2019 and bought a label press,' said Ruggieri. 'Our major verticals were all very tourism-based. When Covid-19 hit, we pivoted into flexible packaging. We evaluated a whole bunch of different equipment and did site visits. The staff, the technology and the support were all major drivers in that decision.'

After extensive evaluation, SunDance zeroed in on BW Converting’s bag-converting equipment and invested in its Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP (stand-up pouch) machine. The Florida printer chose the equipment for its adaptability to digital printing, particularly for short runs. Providing quick changeovers, the Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP delivers recycle-ready pouches with low scrap rates.

'The Ares 400 had a relatively small footprint. The auto-correct and other automatic settings were very attractive to us, particularly with the digital print. And Hudson-Sharp’s reputation was a factor as well,' shared Ruggieri.

'When SunDance approached us for a solution, I was struck by their readiness to adapt in the face of a pandemic,' said Tommy Evans, sales executive for BW Converting’s Hudson-Sharp brand. 'JohnHenry's team had zero experience in making pouches, but their eagerness to learn and evolve spoke volumes of their business acumen.'

SunDance experienced challenges during the transition phase. But BW Converting supported the company through extensive training and round-the-clock technical assistance to skillfully navigate its foray into packaging.

Ruggieri stressed the importance of having such a supportive partner during major transitions and advised other businesses considering a similar move to 'lean into them and use the support that they offer.' He added that SunDance is geared up for future growth with BW Converting on its side.

'Our venture with SunDance has set a pivotal example of how flexible and responsive digital printing businesses can be, especially when facilitated with machinery designed for their unique needs,' said Evans. 'Our partnership has shown how companies like SunDance can harness the power of technology and expert guidance to overcome challenges and tap into promising markets.'

JohnHenry Rugierri leads SunDance with his father, CEO John Ruggieri, who purchased what was then a fine art publisher in 2007 and evolved it into a commercial printer with services ranging from printing, design and mail to large format, finishing and bindery. SunDance grew to develop a nationwide client list including businesses in the food and drug, tourism, healthcare and fine arts publishing industries.