Koozie Group's Jeff Ibberson on Inkjet in Promotional Printing
Koozie Group produces promotional and photo specialty products from pens to calendars. At its Minnesota factory focused on printing ink on paper, the company added two varioPRINT iX 3200 presses. Watch the video to learn how Canon sheetfed inkjet technology helps Koozie pursue growth as an efficient on-demand printing facility.
Canon Helps Koozie Group Capture True On-Demand Production
In the ever-evolving world of promotional printing, speed and customization are the cornerstones of success. For a company like Koozie Group, transitioning to an on-demand business model was not just a goal, but a necessity to remain competitive in a high-volume industry. This shift required a technological leap from traditional analog processes to cutting-edge digital inkjet systems. By collaborating with Canon, Koozie Group has effectively streamlined its production, reduced operational complexity, and opened new doors for business growth.
Overcoming Analog Bottlenecks
Before the integration of digital inkjet technology, Koozie Group’s printing process relied heavily on analog equipment, such as their large-format 57-inch wide web presses and multiple multi-color sheetfed presses. While these machines provided significant output capacity, they were better suited for high-volume, static print runs rather than the variable, personalized orders that define the modern promotional market.
Under the traditional model, Koozie Group would often print "blanks"—generic versions of products like calendars—and inventory them in anticipation of future orders. When a specific customer request came in, the company would then have to pull those blanks from inventory and perform a second print run to add the specific advertisement or logo. This multi-touch process was not only time-consuming but also required significant upfront investment in inventory and warehouse space.
The Solution: Canon’s Digital Inkjet Innovation
Recognizing the need for a more agile production environment, Koozie Group integrated Canon’s production inkjet technology into their facility in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The implementation centered around two Canon varioPRINT iX-series presses, which replaced a much larger fleet of older equipment. By moving from six pieces of machinery down to just two, Koozie Group dramatically simplified their workflow.
The high-speed, sheetfed inkjet capability of the Canon varioPRINT iX-series allows for true on-demand production. Instead of the multi-step "print-inventory-reprint" cycle, Koozie Group can now print a complete, finished product in a single pass. This capability is particularly transformative for their calendar production, where an average order size of approximately 356 units can be printed in its entirety the moment an order arrives.
Benefits of the New Implementation
The move to Canon’s inkjet technology has delivered immediate and measurable benefits across Koozie Group’s operations:
Increased Efficiency: By combining the printing of the base product and the personalized advertisement into a single step, the company has significantly reduced the number of "touches" required for each order.
Lower Initial Costs: The ability to print on demand has helped eliminate the need for large-scale inventory of pre-printed blanks, reducing the financial risk and storage costs associated with warehousing goods.
Reduced Complexity: Replacing six older machines with two Canon presses has minimized the maintenance burden and simplified operator training.
Enhanced Capability: The high quality of Canon’s inkjet output allows Koozie Group to maintain the professional standards their customers expect, while the speed of the digital process enables faster turnaround times for small and medium-sized orders.
Beyond operational savings, this new technology has created "capacity" for innovation. With a more efficient production floor, the team at Koozie Group is now exploring new markets and potential partnerships, using the flexibility of their Canon equipment to test new product lines and personalized offerings that were previously too costly or complex to produce.
A Future-Proof Printing Strategy
Koozie Group’s transition to digital inkjet is a testament to the power of modern production technology in solving traditional business challenges. By moving away from a model of mass production and toward one of mass customization, they have positioned themselves to meet the growing demand for personalized promotional goods. Canon’s role as a technology partner was pivotal in this transformation, helping to provide the reliability and precision needed to make on-demand printing a reality.
As the industry continues to move toward shorter run lengths and higher variability, companies that embrace digital inkjet will have a distinct advantage. For Koozie Group, the journey is just beginning as they continue to explore the full potential of their digital assets to drive future growth.
Interested in learning how Canon production printing technology can help your business grow? Contact us today.