No Rest for the Weary

Headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, Ennis has added integrated equipment into its Chatham, Va., facility, and an envelope converting machine in its division at Block Graphics, located in Portland, Ore., said Steven Osterloh, director of marketing.

Although Osterloh couldn’t reveal additional information on the machinery, he was able to discuss some of Ennis’ niche and speciality products. He believes growth will ultimately come from value-added items, including variable data, barcodes, integrated products, and by “turning the ‘basic form’ into a marketing, sales and data movement vehicle.”

Last year, Ennis announced the formation of a national brand for integrated products that is already showing a high ROI. “This brand, Enfusion, incorporates capabilities from five of our manufacturing locations strategically located throughout the United States,” Osterloh explained. “Enfusion sales for 2007 were up 65 percent over prior years’ sales. Enfusion products are traditional forms products with added features such as labels, cards and magnets, which are in high demand.”

In addition, the company launched its Uncompromised line of secure checks in 2007. These software-compatible checks showcase thermochromic ink and toner adhesion paper, with quantities starting at 250, Osterloh commented. He went on to say, “Uncompromised [provides] security features previously offered only on the more expensive and highest-security custom checks.”

Newtown, Fredericksburg, Va., is another supplier finding success with printed forms, and it refuses to relinquish its selling power to skeptics. “Newtown has always focused, and will continue focusing, on selling our core products, including continuous forms, ... unit sets, laser cut sheets and integrated products,” said Gwynne Brown, sales and marketing manager. “Our sister plant [CRW Graphics, Pennsauken, N.J.] produces a myriad of commercial products, which complements our business forms product line.” Brown did, however, acknowledge the decline in continuous forms, but said, as one of Newtown’s core products, it nevertheless remains a best seller for the company.