Midwest Graphics Working Overtime Since Purchasing Agfa Jeti Tauro H3300

Midwest Graphics, Inc., a leader in the production of quality promotional displays, printing plates, and cutting dies invests in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, making its turnaround time second to none. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Midwest Graphics serves brokers, big box shops and end-users around the globe with high-quality, cost-effective, speedy solutions, and personal client attention. It services multiple industries from the Indiana Department of Transportation for which it created all the state road signs, to high-end graphics for the liquor industry.

"My digital department has nearly doubled since we purchased Tauro," says John Belden, CEO. "It’s a great piece of equipment. It’s built like a tank."

The Future is Digital

Just over eight years ago John Belden, Midwest Graphics CEO recognized the value and importance of digital printing. He purchased four flatbed printers and a die-cutting shop, but “couldn’t get material to my die-cutting equipment fast enough.” “And then we dipped our toe into Agfa’s Jeti Tauro H3300,” said Belden. This hybrid engine would bring Midwest Graphics into the future. After researching options Belden decided “Tauro made more sense. Being able to run 130-inch sheets through it because we do a lot of oversized jobs.” Ninety percent of what Midwest Graphics runs is mostly corrugated and the company deals with a lot of recycled material.

Speed is No. 1, But Customer Service is Key

The first printer to buy a digital engine in Indianapolis, Midwest Graphics started with four single flatbeds which could manage five boards an hour. With the addition of the Tauro, we are now the “go-to shop for speed, able to do things my competitors can’t,” Belden said. “Speed is probably our No. 1 selling point and Tauro helped us do that.” Belden says meeting customer deadlines is key to keeping customers happy. “We work with some big friendly competitors…now we take our jobs from the Tauro straight to the diecutting machine and I can turn things around very quickly…so much faster than anyone else. On average, I can turn around large jobs in five to seven days and two to four days on a small run while competitors are taking two weeks. I like to say you get a Cadillac service for a Chevy price.”

High productivity, Low Ink Usage

Midwest Graphics’ output is greater than anticipated with Tauro H3300. “On average, it’s probably 75 percent to 100 percent more than I thought we would do on a good day, depending on the job,” Belden says. “I tell people all the time with the Jeti Tauro, I do in an hour what I used to do in a day.” The Jeti Tauro H3300 large-format system is available in multiple configurations each with different roll and rigid automation options, combining award-winning print performance with extreme productivity and low ink consumption. This hybrid produces detailed prints up to 3.3m wide at speeds up to 905 m2/h (9741 ft2/h). Ruggedly built to perform under extreme workloads, the heavy-duty Jeti Tauro H3300 family easily handles multiple shift operations and 24/7 printing of both rigid and flexible
media, including corrugated.

A Solid Relationship with Agfa

Belden takes care of Midwest Graphics’ customers and says Agfa does a great job of servicing Midwest Graphics. “I think it’s been a good relationship from the start…being patient with us, trying to help us explain the process early on. When the service teams come out, they do a great job. It’s been a good experience. Agfa also keeps me very informed of opportunities that are out there,” Belden said.

“I’m a happy customer. I wouldn’t trade our Tauro right now for anything…such a great machine.”

With Agfa’s Jeti Tauro H3300 Midwest Graphics is growing, more productive and efficient, staying ahead by meeting customer demands that competitors cannot.