Vomela: From Humble Beginnings to Print Powerhouse

When The Vomela Companies first started out more than 75 years ago, in 1947, it began as the Vomela Specialty Company in Minnesota. It was a small print shop that specialized in Christmas gift tags. Fast forward to today, and Vomela has grown leaps and bounds.

Mark Auth, President and CEO at The Vomela Companies: “We are consistently strategizing and responding to the markets we sell into .”

Since its humble beginnings, Vomela has blossomed into a 21st-century, multi-million-dollar visual communications powerhouse that employs 1,300 people and operates out of 21 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

And today, it’s safe to say Vomela is doing much more than just Christmas tags. Over the course of just one year, Vomela’s wide-format sales rose by 40%, with its wide-format sales coming in at an impressive $145.6 million, and total sales coming in at $364 million.

President and CEO Mark Auth explains that The Vomela Companies see many opportunities and growth in the wide-format segment.

“We see upside and growth opportunities for wide-format," Auth says. "By continuing to focus on vehicle and fleet graphics, retail environments, experiential platforms, and sustainable printing opportunities. We look to our continuing partnerships with key vendors as they continue to introduce new technology and substrates."

Also, now that wide-format is finding its way into new segments like hospitality, health care, and education, Auth explains that the company’s wide-format customer base is far from typical. In fact, he says, it’s quite diverse. Currently, Vomela serves several markets, including retail, arts and entertainment, transportation, banking, and finance.

Auth adds that jobs are getting even more unique because, increasingly, customers want to stand out and get their messages across. Considering Vomela prides itself on transforming ideas into memorable brand experiences, that is a challenge the print powerhouse is willing to accept.

“The customer base for wide-format is quite varied — from retail, to transportation graphics, to events and entertainment," Auth says. "The product mix has stayed steady, however there are increasing demands for broader branding placements, bold imaging, and messages that cut through the clutter.” Aside from creating lasting brand experiences via vehicle wraps, POP displays, and exhibitions, Vomela aims to provide a smooth experience for its customers, by offering more than just print — in fact, The Vomela Companies have fully embraced the approach of offering whatever customers need.

“One of Vomela’s hallmarks is providing our customers with a ‘one-stop shop,’ incorporating end-to-end customer service, large and small-format printing, finishing capabilities, design, project management, technology platforms, kitting, and fulfillment,” Auth says.

He continues, “We are consistently strategizing and responding to the markets we sell into, and are continually looking to broaden the products and services we offer. In a typical year, non-wide-format products account for approximately 15-20% of our revenue.”

Overall, Vomela is eager to keep growing, and it is looking forward to the future. In fact, Auth has some predictions of what sectors will help Vomela keep flourishing.

“The Vomela Companies are excited about 2025 and beyond," he says. "Significant tailwinds across the commercial fleet, events, and retail sectors will continue to drive our growth."