Hodges Badge Company searched for years for a UV inkjet printer that could produce custom color inserts for their award medals. Their previous workflow was a slow, hands on and a cumbersome process, far from today’s streamlined approach to production. A quick turnaround on orders was previously out of the question and was holding back their business.
The Solution
Owner Rick Hodges knew he needed to find a more advanced technology if he wanted to take his business to the next level. After meeting ITNH Business Development Manager, Tim Dinneen, at a tradeshow, Hodges’ choice to partner with ITNH came down to the levels of support and expertise that were offered.
“ITNH has a long history as an equipment supplier, but moreover as a technology consultant and repair firm,” Hodges said. “How many equipment suppliers have more people in their technical department than in sales? I don’t know, but ITNH does.”
Per ITNH’s recommendation, Hodges selected a Mimaki UJF-3042 UV printer which is fully capable of customizing their three different types of medals quickly and efficiently. The tabletop flatbed UV printer also works on other substrates including:
- Wood
- Leather
- Glass
“It didn’t take more than a couple of days to make the purchase decision and we have never regretted it,” Hodges said. Flash forward a few years later and Hodges Badge now has four UJF-3042 printers in production as well as the Mimaki UJF-7151, which is the wide format version.
“They also have the support structure that you need to get your machine up and running in a few days. I was worried about maintenance costs and timeliness of repairs; neither has been an issue with ITNH.”
The Outcome
So how did Rick’s decision to partner with ITNH and Mimaki turn out?
- Their medal business has grown over 50%.
- Plaque sales, once minimal, are now a substantial source of revenue.
- Prints are high resolution, with accuracies within hundredths of an inch.
- Operating costs have remained low.
- Manufacturing products for resale gives their ASI distributors another set of items to sell.
What you can do with these machines is pretty spectacular.
The choice to work with a Mimaki printer has certainly paid off. Hodges Badge Company has opened the door for larger and more diverse orders, even those with a tight turnaround. “Orders that would have been turned away in the past now flow through without any issues,” Hodges added. “Just last week we produced an order for 3,000 four-color medals in just two days.”
We want all of our customers to experience the same level of success that Hodges Badge has seen. Don’t hesitate to contact us if your company is facing a similar situation. We’d love to help take your business to the next level!