By Melissa Donovan
Part 2 of 3
Packaging businesses, whether a segment of a large corporation or autonomous, are typically an amalgamation of various printing technologies. Analog devices are trusted and proven for long runs with little variation in data. Many of these companies add digital printing devices to their lineup to complement screen printing, lithography, and flexography to offer short runs and customization.
Growth from All Sides
We continue our series on packaging providers with Foremost Graphics Group LLC, based in Grand Rapids, MI. The 100 employee company offers a broad portfolio of services. Originally a commercial and flexographic printer, Foremost Graphics entered packaging in 2015 when it acquired the print packaging business of Display Pack Inc. Today growth is focued on folding carton packaging, which involves paper-based packages used for consumer items.
Part of its expansion involved a physical move. In the Fall of 2017, Foremost Graphics transitioned its packaging division to a newly remodeled 80,000 square foot facility outside of Grand Rapids, MI. It also installed a KBA Rapida 106 41-inch sheet fed offset press. The goal with this press was to double capacity, allow for faster changeovers, expand its range of substrates, and improve efficiency throughout the workflow.
Specifically, the KBA Rapida 106’s feeder system is advantageous because it allows Foremost Graphics to consistently run jobs at higher speeds. “This single press allows us to produce all of our current business with the highest quality and best throughput while providing additional capacity for growth,” shares Paul Kelly, president, Foremost Graphics.
In August 2017, Kelly anticipated at least 50 percent more throughput on the KBA Rapida 106 than the two presses it replaced. Today it continues to grow the company’s packaging business and complement its full-service offering.
At Foremost Graphics custom packaging solutions are built around the customer’s needs—whatever the volume or complexity. Process engineering is offered for optimized production and supply, as well as make-and-ship or make-and-hold production. Capabilities in addition to the KBA Rapida 106 include carton manufacturing, thermoforming, inline laser die cutting, windowing, cello wrapping, film sealing, adhesive, and digital sampling, small run production, and limited edition promotions.
Diversification Goals
Whether offset or digital, Foremost Graphics is dedicated to diversifying its product and service offerings in both packaging and commercial markets. “Our five year goal has a 100 percent sales increase coming from organic and acquisition growth strategies. Our goal is to continue to streamline our workflows to become as efficient and cost effective as possible so we can pass these savings along to our customers,” adds Kelly.
In the final part of this series on packaging providers implementing digital technologies, we spotlight Smurfit Kappa and its acquisition of a second Barberan Jetmaster.
Click here to read part three of this exclusive online series, Global Goals.
Jul2018, Industrial Print Magazine