“We were standing outside a building that was still on fire not so long ago. To be sitting here today, with our business growing, is a blessing. It’s a beautiful place to be.”
– Roman Schlesinger, Art Director, Adhesive Tape Printers, LLC.
Based in Danbury, CT, Adhesive Tape Printers, LLC (ATP) is a specialized manufacturer and converter focusing exclusively on high-quality printed tape for authorized distributors. This niche focus has positioned ATP as a primary supplier to major wholesalers across the United States.
In May 2019, a devastating fire destroyed ATP’s warehouse, presenting the company with a critical challenge. However, ATP saw this as an opportunity to rebuild and revitalize its operations with state-of-the-art digital platemaking technology.
Revitalizing ATP with Digital Platemaking Technology
Post-fire, ATP needed to reconstruct its entire plant. The team decided to upgrade their operations with superior, higher-quality equipment. Prior to the fire, ATP used a legacy A&V platemaker that required producing a film and then marrying it to the actual plate material, resulting in long lead times—two days to produce a stack of 20 plates. This workflow averaged two hours to make one plate.
To enhance efficiency and profitability, ATP aimed to find new digital platemaking technology that produced quality plates faster. “We were looking for everything that would advantage us in rebuilding the company, getting back on our feet, bringing back clients, and, of course, gaining new ones,” said Roman Schlesinger. After consulting with various teams, ATP chose to go digital with Anderson & Vreeland.
ATP was equipped with a new ThermoflexX 30 CTP digital imager, StudioRIP software package, and the Orbital X Plate Washer with a whirl-away filtration system. They also began using Toyobo Cosmolight® QS digital plates, identified by A&V as ideal for ATP’s needs. The new digital platemaking technology immediately yielded three significant improvements.
Transformative Results with the Digital Platemaking Technology
With the ThermoflexX 30 digital imager, ATP experienced faster turnaround times. A plate that previously took two hours to produce now took only 30 to 45 minutes. The ThermoflexX 30’s MultiPlate capability allowed ATP to keep up with deadlines and expand their business significantly. Mr. Schlesinger was amazed at the productivity increase, noting that he could produce 22 plates at once with minimal waste. “One of the greatest assets has been this new plate machine from A&V,” stated Mr. Schlesinger. “It’s one of the best assets for our bottom line.”
The StudioRIP software package also proved beneficial, allowing ATP to specify dots per inch and produce consistently clean dot printing. “For us, the magic number seems to be 65 DPI, but no matter what DPI we set, we are always blown away by the level of resolution this system produces,” Schlesinger explained. This high-quality output enabled ATP to rapidly expand its customer base.
Another significant improvement was the longer plate life. The Toyobo Cosmolight® QS material was extremely durable, often lasting the entire run without needing backup plates. “It’s a very durable material, no question about it. It really gives us peace of mind,” Schlesinger noted.
As a result of the new workflow, ATP could now turn around projects in four to five days, a substantial reduction from previous times. Schlesinger praised A&V for these improvements, stating, “I personally can’t thank you guys enough for steering us in this direction because it’s been huge for us and our bottom line.”
Responsive and Reliable Support
Beyond the new equipment, Schlesinger appreciated A&V’s reliable support. Whenever ATP faced technical issues, A&V’s Tech Support team responded promptly, often within 10 to 15 minutes.
Schlesinger also credited much of his knowledge to Digital Business Analyst Jeff Skolnik and Director of Technologies Jessica Harrell. Working closely with these A&V members, ATP developed an ideal workflow, including the perfect Orbital X washout setup and optimal use of the ThermoflexX 30. “I couldn’t have asked for better instructors. They offered so many good pointers that I still refer back to whenever I start making new plates,” Schlesinger said.
Continued Partnership with A&V
Anderson & Vreeland is excited to continue its partnership with ATP and support its growth, especially with the launch of a new website and division. Account Manager Robert Feyre stated, “ATP is a great customer, and we’re just glad we could assist them in their journey towards success.”
