The Top Five Enjoy Continued Success

Human Resources: The company increased personnel in sales and customer service, but decreased administrative staff in the past year.

GBS outsources more than 90 percent of its products. However, the company does have two label plants and a print-on-demand facility that provides document fulfillment services. “The fact that we are primarily non-asset based is a real advantage, as it gives us the ability to produce documents in the best, most efficient and economical method,” said Bryan Hartong, executive vice president, Document Management. “We are not tied to equipment and the overhead associated with it. We do not fit customers’ needs into our equipment. We take an individualized approach to provide the best solutions.”

Hartong sees the company’s greatest growth area in managing marketing fulfillment through the entire document life cycle. “This includes design consulting through complete project management and fulfillment,” he said.

As to changing distributor/manufacturer roles within the supply chain, Hartong observed that customers are demanding more value-add services and are not viewing print as a commodity. “It will become more critical in the future for both the distributor and manufacturer to blur this line if they are to meet the customers’ expectations,” he said. “As the market demand and expectations of our customers’ shifts, we will be challenged to have the proper talent and resources. We must continue to develop our current employees and find the right blend of experience and skills. We continue to make this a focus as we move forward.”

For more information, visit www.gbscorp.com.

5 Merrill Corp.

Monroe, Wash.

Established 1981

2006 Sales: $83.9 million

2005 Sales: $82.5 million

Most profitable products: Forms (22 percent); commercial printing (18 percent); promotional products (17 percent).

Manufacturing capabilities: Yes

Typical order size: From $4,250, to $650,000 for the largest order last year.