Prestigious 65 year old Japanese printing company integrates JETvarnish 3D and iFOIL technology into strategic growth strategy.
Shimazu Printing Co., Ltd. (Shimazu) in Niigata prefecture has furthered the expansion of their 65 yr. old commercial printing business by adding more premium finishing services with the MGI JETvarnish and iFOIL products proposed by Konica Minolta Business Solutions Japan Co., Ltd. (KMBJ). As a sales company part of the Konica Minolta Group (KM) that offers various advanced printing solutions around the world, KMBJ is vigorously marketing the MGI products in the Japanese market.
Today, Shimazu employs over 300 people and generates approximately 5.84 Billion Yen ($50 USD Million) in annual revenue. It was founded in 1949 and constitutes a corporate portfolio of 5 different printing-related firms, with the company headquarters in Niigata prefecture that faces the Sea of Japan.
Nobuaki Shimazu, President & CEO of the family business, says that the Niigata sea coast area of Japan has been known throughout the country for many generations as the cultural source of many of the island nation’s most cherished traditional foods – in particular, rice-based desserts, sweet delicacies and confectionary pastries.
Therefore, Mr. Shimazu says that his firm “specializes in providing deluxe decorative printing & packaging materials that promotes presents the best of Japanese culinary arts.”
Shimazu, with service being provided by KMBJ and digital technology provided by MGI, is now cooking up a new recipe for success by offering “gourmet designs” with Variable Data Foiling (VDF), precisely placed 2D spot UV coats, sensual 3D dimensional textures and embossed foil applications to clients.
Shimazu has created a dedicated new printing embellishment service called “Premier High-Touch” to take advantage of their own internal design expertise and the power of the MGI/KM Global Alliance.
As a result, they are attracting new customers, winning new business and developing new revenue streams as an elite provider for advertising agencies, graphic designers and other commercial printers across Japan.
Mr. Shimazu said “Both our designers and our customers are very excited about the chance to create new sensory images and branded output with MGI technology. We find that our print samples get physically “touched” by print buyers in the sales process and this creates a lasting impact. The personal interaction helps clients get energized and enthusiastic about developing new ideas and new projects.”
The luxurious finishing touches of the JETvarnish3D & iFOIL have been implemented with classic MGI digital benefits such as increased short run job capacity, time & materials cost-calculations (to help bidding and manage expenses) and the elimination of expensive dies, lengthy setup times and excess makeready waste.
Furthermore, the ability of the MGI equipment to produce exciting prototypes and proof variations means that print buyers are choosing more profitable services. Shimazu’s campaign to promote brand identity with MGI print enhancements is both strengthening client relationships and generating additional income for the firm.
Mr. Shimazu concluded, “The JETvarnish 3D & iFOIL products will help make our business more successful in the future. The MGI digital enhancements bring print to life in a sensational new way.”
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