Grace Label sees 15 percent sales growth with Domino N610i

Founded in 1975 by Ned and Alice Grace, the family-owned business offers pressure-sensitive, roll-fed, and cut and stack labels; shrink sleeves; pouches and flexible packaging. The company provides labels for food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, personal care and household chemical segments. 

 

Lou Thurston, account executive, said that customers demand quality products, on-time delivery, quick turns and customized products. ‘We knew we needed to get into the digital label business. We were doing a ton of short-run work that was tying up our flexo press capacity and with the cost of printing plates, it negatively impacted our competitiveness on acquiring new business.’ 

 

Steve Grace, president and CEO, added: ‘The Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press best matched our flexo capabilities over dry toner and other digital offerings. The absence of click charges and other cost drivers was also quite appealing. We have been very satisfied with Domino as our partner in our digital venture. 

 

‘We have realized year-over-year sales growth exceeding 15 percent. We have gained several new accounts, and it has allowed us to go after business we could not have acquired with just flexo.’    

 

Thurston explained that the company can now target shorter runs. ‘We are also able to be more competitive on combo runs with many SKUs that don’t require press stops and plate changes. The Domino N610i gives us the flexibility to grow with our customers and transition their business to flexo when the quantities make sense. The ability to match color using the Domino has been a significant benefit as well. 

 

‘The addition of the Domino N610i press has extended our bandwidth in the markets we serve. It has helped us bring on new business quicker, as well as improve our response time to our customers. Domino has proven to be a great partner and the N610i has proven to be a perfect complement to our flexo production. Thanks Domino!’ 

 

The company has decreased the small run load on its flexo presses and improved overall production efficiencies throughout its operations. 

 

Kyle Grace, manufacturing manager, said: ‘Domino’s training is very thorough. We were able to send personnel to Gurnee, IL for training, and Domino personnel came to Grace Label as well. And Domino’s service has been very good. We call Domino and get answers quickly, and their technicians come here for more extensive service and maintenance.