Manufacturers On the Cutting Edge

Forms leaders speak out about the past, present and future of the industry

Transcontinental Printing, Newtown, Pa., keeping up with industry needs means paying close attention to industry trends and customers' needs.

"We make sure we are manufacturing the products that distributors are asking for," said Tracy Dennis, sales manager. She explained that company representatives continually talk to and meet with customers and ask where they see the industry headed.

This feedback, she noted, has shown that distributors are seeking fewer continuous forms and more value-added products such as direct mail, label forms, cut sheet products, security features and commercial pieces.

"We are also providing the full-package. We want to take a product from disk to press and then to the mail," said Dennis.

She also foresees a growth in the demand for inline variable imaging capabilities.

To this end, the company is utilizing its commercial web capabilities. "Rather than moving a product from one machine to another, we can personalize, perforate, add glue and seal inline," Dennis explained.

In addition, this year's equipment purchases include a sheeter for 14&Mac253; sheet work, an additional Labelair and another imagesetter with a digital proofer.

On the workflow side, the company is in the process of in-stalling new manufacturing software, Logic, in order to improve efficiencies.

As for the tight labor market, Dennis admitted that it can be tough for those companies looking for new people, but it hasn't been a concern for Transcontinental. She attributed much of the company's ability to hold on to its workers the fact that "We've always put people first—both employees and customers. In good times and bad, our group really sticks together."

In order to ensure future growth, Dennis suggested that distributors continually look into new areas and explore new avenues. "Distributors should ask for the opportunity to be-come involved with everything their customers print."