Jesse Zito, Digital Print Manager at Sutherland Packaging, brings 17 years of experience in the printing industry, covering a range of roles from litho to digital printing. His journey highlights Sutherland Packaging’s transition from traditional printing methods to digital printing technologies.
Sutherland Packaging’s shift reflects an industry-wide transformation, showcasing how companies can evolve from legacy printing methods to digital solutions. This transition, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands, has opened new opportunities for the company.
In this article, we will explore:
- Jesse’s career path and insights into the print industry’s transition from litho to digital printing.
- How Sutherland Packaging embraced digital printing, from its initial investments to current operations.
- The impact of digital printing on Sutherland’s operations, efficiency, and market reach.
- Jesse’s perspective on future trends in digital printing and the importance of adapting to new technologies.
Jesse’s Transition and Opportunities in Digital Printing
Jesse’s journey in the print industry began 17 years ago, covering various roles from narrow web flexo to wide format litho printing, along with pre press work, including foil stamping, embossing, folding, and stitching. This diverse background laid a solid foundation for Jesse’s transition to digital printing.
When Jesse joined Sutherland Packaging, the company was evolving from traditional litho printing to embracing digital print technologies. This transition introduced new challenges and opportunities, which Jesse embraced wholeheartedly.
One major challenge was the learning curve associated with digital printing technologies. Moving from litho to digital printing required mastering new equipment, understanding digital printing processes, and adapting to the unique properties of corrugated materials. This transition also demanded adjustments to prepress workflows and required Jesse and his team to think more holistically about their print operations.
However, these challenges also brought significant opportunities. Digital printing opened new avenues for Sutherland Packaging, allowing them to offer short-run and just-in-time print jobs, which traditional litho printing couldn’t accommodate. Digital printing also eliminated the need for costly plates and tooling, enabling quicker turnarounds and greater flexibility.
By leveraging his broad experience in print and embracing the new opportunities in the digital realm, Jesse has helped position Sutherland Packaging as a leader in the digital printing industry.
The Digital Transformation at Sutherland Packaging
Sutherland Packaging’s transition to digital printing began four years ago. The initial investment included an early digital print portfolio and the company’s first digital printer, signaling the start of a new era.
In the early days of digital printing, Sutherland Packaging faced several challenges. The team had to learn how to operate the new equipment and adjust workflows to accommodate digital printing processes. Additionally, the company had to manage the short-run nature of the digital print market, balancing the influx of smaller orders with their operational capabilities.
However, these initial challenges were quickly overcome, leading to expansion and growth. Sutherland Packaging’s digital portfolio grew rapidly, necessitating the acquisition of a second digital printer. The introduction of the Electron Production Cutter further expanded the company’s capabilities, allowing for seamless, just-in-time printing and streamlined web portal printing. The cutter’s same-size bed provided continuity with existing equipment, and digital printing’s lack of tooling requirements streamlined the production process.
This expansion from multi-pass to single-pass printers also marked a substantial evolution in Sutherland’s digital capabilities. The new equipment significantly increased capacity, leading to a transformation of the company’s operations. Digital printing allowed Sutherland Packaging to tap into new markets, catering to a wider range of clients and industries.
The digital transformation has proven instrumental in Sutherland Packaging’s growth, enabling the company to scale its operations and adapt to evolving industry demands. Through continuous expansion and adaptation, Sutherland Packaging has successfully navigated its digital transformation, offering a model for others in the print industry to follow.
Impact of Digital Printing on Operations
Digital printing has brought transformative changes to Sutherland Packaging’s operations and output, revolutionizing the way the company conducts business. The shift has enabled the company to streamline its workflows, increase its production capacity, and expand its market reach.
One significant impact of digital printing is the elimination of tooling costs, which were previously necessary for litho printing. This change has led to quicker turnarounds and reduced setup times, allowing Sutherland Packaging to handle more jobs in less time. Digital printing’s flexibility has also allowed the company to cater to short-run and just-in-time printing, meeting the growing demand for customized packaging solutions.
Sutherland Packaging’s ability to offer tailored solutions has been a key driver of market expansion. Digital printing has opened doors to new opportunities, particularly in seasonal promotions and regional branding. For example, a recent case study with a prominent national potato chip brand showcased how digital printing allowed for localized marketing. By producing display panels featuring college football programs, Sutherland Packaging helped the brand achieve a 30% increase in sales, highlighting the power of digital printing for targeted marketing.
Overall, digital printing has revolutionized Sutherland Packaging’s operations, enabling the company to cater to new markets, reduce production times, and provide tailored solutions to its clients.
The Future of Print: Important Insights from Jesse
Jesse offers valuable insights into the future of digital printing, highlighting key trends and the importance of embracing new technologies. One notable trend Jesse identifies is the growing demand for speed to market. Today’s customers expect quick turnaround times for their print jobs, placing pressure on printing companies to streamline their processes and deliver rapid results.
Digital printing technologies, particularly single-pass printers, play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Jesse emphasizes that companies must adapt to new technologies to stay competitive in the print industry. This includes embracing digital printing’s flexibility, allowing for short-run and just-in-time print jobs. By doing so, companies can cater to a broader range of clients and industries, expanding their market reach.
Jesse also stresses the importance of automation and digital integration. Automated workflows, robust raster imaging processor (RIP) software, and consistent print quality are essential for maintaining efficiency and meeting customer expectations. This integration helps reduce manual touchpoints, improve quality control, and ensure consistent results across different jobs and print runs.
Furthermore, he highlights the need for strong relationships with OEMs and suppliers, emphasizing the importance of reliable support, particularly in digital printing’s rapidly evolving landscape. Such partnerships can help companies navigate challenges, adapt to new technologies, and ensure consistent uptime, all critical for success in the digital print realm.
Jesse’s perspective underscores the need for companies to adapt to new technologies, streamline their operations, and build strong partnerships. By doing so, companies can stay ahead in the digital printing industry, offering faster turnarounds, better quality, and greater flexibility, ensuring their continued growth and success.
Digital Printing: Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Jesse’s journey in the printing industry reflects Sutherland Packaging’s transition from traditional litho printing to digital printing technologies. This shift has brought challenges, opportunities, and significant changes to the company’s operations.
Jesse’s diverse background and adaptability have been instrumental in guiding Sutherland Packaging through this transformation, allowing the company to embrace new technologies and expand its digital capabilities. The company’s early investments in digital printing led to rapid growth, transitioning from multi-pass printers to single-pass printers and incorporating an Electron Production Cutter. This expansion has enabled Sutherland Packaging to cater to a broader range of markets, including short-run and just-in-time print jobs.
Digital printing has transformed Sutherland Packaging’s operations, eliminating tooling costs, streamlining workflows, and offering tailored solutions to clients. This has led to greater efficiency, improved output, and market expansion, including regional branding initiatives that have driven significant sales increases for clients.
Looking forward, Jesse emphasizes the importance of embracing new technologies, automation, and integration to stay competitive in the print industry. Building strong relationships with OEMs and suppliers is also crucial to ensure support and uptime.
Contact Ricoh to learn more about how digital printing technologies and solutions can transform your operations, improve efficiency, and expand your market reach.
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