The Top Five Continue to Thrive

A proactive approach to marketplace changes proves profitable for suppliers

There are no big surprises at the top of the BFL&S Top 100 Supplier listing this year. Except for a bit of order shuffling, the five companies tßhat have dominated the rankings for the past few years—Ennis, Quality Park, TST/Impreso, Western States Envelopes & Labels and Champion Industries—continue to do so. And, it is traditional products, including envelopes, forms, tags/labels, commercial printing and direct mail, that account for the bulk of the sales that these powerhouses are posting.

Principle officers for the companies, however, stressed that it is product line diversification, acquisitions, ongoing initiatives to streamline operations and outstanding customer service that are driving growth and profitability.

Here, representatives for three of the top companies talk about factors contributing to their ongoing success and strategies for maintaining an upward track.

Ennis is Bigger and Better

Ennis, headquartered in Midlothian, Texas and lead by Chairman, President and CEO Keith Walters, has moved up from second place to capture the top spot from Quality Park this year. With a current run rate of more than $582 million in sales—an increase of more than $254 million over last year's figures—Ennis continues its strategy of growth through related manufactured products and acquired growing product lines. The company also reported an additional 3,531 employees.

"The acquisitions of Crabar/GBF, Alstyle Apparel and Royal Business Forms were easily the most significant events in what was the most active acquisition year in the history of the company," said Walters.

Not surprising, sales are up in the company's Forms Solutions Group. "Crabar/GBF and Royal Business Forms added estimated annual revenues of approximately $70 million, as well as additional production capabilities and geographical coverage," noted Walters. "The merger with Alstyle Apparel and Activewear establishes a new growth platform and brings an estimated annual revenue in excess of $200 million."