Model Graphics on the Past, Present & Future
FLEXO: Where has the flexo market gone in Model Graphics’ history?
Fleissner: From a very small company like Model’s vantage, the single biggest change has been color. Most work was run in a couple or more spot colors. Very few people were doing 4-color process and if you were, you were not doing it real well. The technology in equipment, anilox, plate materials and UV inks has helped a lot. Now, most prime work is run 4-color process, plus a few spots.
FLEXO: Talk about the market today: Advances, growth opportunities, output, etc.
Fleissner: Today, if you have the money and you can find the talent, your world is much broader. Years ago, I had a sales rep tell me in his exit interview that my decision to buy the HP4050 in 2004 was the worst choice I ever made. After a few stops, he settled in with a company that now runs between 25 and 30 digital presses. How ironic. We see growth in shrink as a great opportunity for us. We also see using outside resources can help a small company grow without the major investments needed in equipment today.
FLEXO: Where is the flexo market going?
Fleissner: I have sat in on meetings for a number of small groups and organizations and, most recently, the Digital Packaging Summit. Digital is a huge driver today and will be more so. There are many experts out there who have the statistical data to support this. There are major brand owners who are driving this as well as small startups.
The other part of that is what is now being called “embellishments.” These include things like silk screen, foiling, embossing, many different top coatings and unique laminations.
We are also seeing more customers buying their own short run tabletop digital presses for shorter runs, urgent orders and, in some cases, the entire label purchases have been converted to in house on these small machines. They may own four units and run them as needed.
FLEXO: What challenges does the company face?
Fleissner: Challenges we face are not uncommon to most. We realized in listening to the process owners, they were not properly trained in a lot of areas and some they were to a lesser degree than what we expect today. Today, we have our ETA system across the entire company. When we see a fail or a gap in our quality expectations, we start by asking: Does the original education, training and auditing process cover the opportunity at hand? It’s not quality control or quality assurance, it’s quality improvement with the emphasis on positive future, rather than “How did that happen?” or “Who did it?” If the ETA is solid, then it becomes a respectful discussion and, of course when it is a recurring issue, we often will start retraining and auditing. Rarely does it ever turn into an HR issue.
FLEXO: What is the biggest obstacle you face as a package printer in 2017?
Fleissner: Finding sales talent to grow new business. We have lost some volume over the last few months and it is obvious now that we did not put enough energy into growing new business. Technically, I believe we are fine.
Model Graphics on Sustainability
FLEXO: What does sustainability mean to Model Graphics?
Fleissner: We have been proactive for years in our efforts to operate in a way that conserves energy and resources, as well as recycle anything we can. When it comes to sustainability, in the end, most companies still push back if it is not price competitive.
FLEXO: What are some sustainable initiatives at the company?
Fleissner: We recycle a lot of our office paper; pop cans and liner paper is used as packaging for cartons. We try to minimize all packaging materials whenever possible. We also buy reconditioned pallets.
FLEXO: Do consumers care about a company’s sustainable efforts?
Fleissner: Most of the larger ones do, and usually when we create a plan such as using plastic returnable totes, they won’t agree to do it—even with large savings attached on carton costs. It often seems to be driven by our customers’ customers.
FLEXO: Why should a consumer want to do business with a sustainability minded company?
Fleissner: It tells a story about the mindset of the respect we have for the environment and the resources we have, not to mention the economics that can be gained when taken to a larger scale.
FLEXO: Does sustainability play into some areas of your business more than others?
Fleissner: Not really. As I stated, we are a small company and we do what we can, when we can, and when asked to step up with customers and suppliers, we are always all in. We first qualify the need versus the want from the customer’s eye. We try to go deeper and wider on every comment they make in this area. Having lean principles requires people to wear many hats, and if we believe the client is not all in, we challenge their motive and willingness to collaborate.