Need a Matte Look for Digital Printing?

Have you ever wished your digital print had a MATTE look?

Maybe you didn't even know it was possible, so you never asked!  We just upgraded our NexPress digital press and we can now offer matte digital printing.  Our retail customers are absolutely loving it!

The way it works is we simply change the fusing roller to a special matte fuser, and it completely takes away any shine the ink may have.  When digital printing on an uncoated stock the gloss of the ink doesn't match the dullness of an uncoated paper, until now.  This new fuser completely eliminates any glare.

You may be asking "can it print on gloss paper?".  You bet!  Also it has a really cool look.  We just printed a job for a cosmetics company where they wanted a glossy background and a dull spot varnish.  The product had a lot of specular highlights that would allow the glossy paper to show through.  We used the clear ink in our 5th color station and created spot varnish over the product and it ran with the Matte Fuser on a Kromekote stock.  The customer was blown away and couldn't believe we did it with digital printing!  Keep in mind, any ink on the paper will have the matte look including type.

Our digital press can also print a 5th color PMS or dimensional clear ink (raised printing).  Call us or ask your sales rep for samples, you'll be blown away too!

Premium Color Group Cited for Marketing Excellence

Marketing Plus Award

Premium Color Group was recently awarded a Merit Award of Excellence in NAPL's  Annual Marketing Plus Awards competition for exceptional marketing achievement.

The award in the category of cross channel marketing honored Premium Color Group for the announcement of the Premium Color Group and Handpack Inc. merger using a skillful combination of variable data printing and PURL concepts and strategies.

This award is sponsored by the National Association of Printers and Lithographers (NAPL).  The award recognized Premium Color Group's ability to launch new cross marketing initiatives that will be key drivers for their clients success and growth.

Premium Color Group Suports Sigma Group with Major Project Challenge!

7,000 dealer kits distributed across 21 US Regions

Sigma Group, a major advertising agency in North Jersey recently approached PCG with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

Sigma's client one of the largest window fashion manufacturers in North America needed to have 7,000 dealers promotional kits produced, printed, packaged and fulfilled throughout the US across 21 regions and completed over a major holiday weekend.  The promotional kits included 25 collateral pieces emanating from 6 different vendors.

To meet these extraordinary requirements and deadlines.  Premium Color Group initiated its "Circle of Quality Control" which included a web based camera.  This enabled Sigma from their offices to have the ability to view the PCG production floor, in real time as the project was in the works.  Premium coordinated all elements of the project working simultaneously with all 6 sub-vendors.

The end result was the project was a major success.  Sigma's client reported that the promotion turned out to be the most successful consumer rebate in their history!

The Smile Factor...Increased Success for Customers Direct Marketing

Campaigns Featuring DirectSmile Personalization

To support our clients needs to customize and personalize their marketing campaigns and generate greater response rates to their direct mail programs, Premium Color Group hs integrated the new DirectSmile VDP Studio as part of their suite of one-to-one marketing services.

This new software combined with our Kodak NexPress Digital Color Printing Press and Rioch's C900 Color Production System enables us to produce customized and variable images for print marketing campaigns and to help increase interest in the clients marketing message.

With DirectSmile software we can create fonts out of anything----snowflakes, falling leaves and foot prints in the sand are just a few examples of personalized and specialized campaigns we are planning for our clients.

Our clients are experiencing great results and exceptional returns on their marketing investments (ROMI) with the DirectSmile image personalization program and our suite of variable data print (VDP) software products.

Are You Using QR Codes in Your Print Material Yet?

You should be and here is why....QR (Quick Response) codes are popping up everywhere.  If you own a smart phone you can simply download a QR Code Reader usually for free and it is as easy as snapping a picture of the code.  The information is then saved on your phone for future use.  It really is that simple.  Many of our PCG clients from large to small are requesting these on their printed materials as an additional way to advertise or direct consumers to a specific website with special offers. 

As their usage grows in popularity we are seeing this as a way for print and technology to work closely together.  You need somewhere to put the code in order for people to be able to scan it, this is where print is especially important.  They can be placed anywhere brochures, business cards, postcards, displays, signs, posters, advertisements, you name it Premium Color can put your QR Code on any of your materials.  They can also hold all kinds of information, phone numbers, or website information.   We can work with you on how to place your QR Code on your print materials.

Here is ours!  Happy Scanning!

Our Commitment to the Environment

We use Wind for our Power

We continue to work actively with Renewable Choice Energy to use renewable energy as a single source of power through the use of renewable energy credits.  We voluntarily participate with Renewable Choice Energy in the program of purchasing renewable energy credits to be used for carbon offset. 
Premium Color Group continues to play an active role to save natural resources and support clean technology projects.  Environmental sustainability is of significant importance and a cornerstone of all our production and print related programs.  When you work with Premium Color Group you are aligned with an organization that is 100% committed to maintaining environmental standards and the use of renewable energy credits.

PCG's HandPack Group provides Hand Assembly, Fulfillment & Distribution

Hand Assembly

Bring us your outrageous quantities, and your impossible deadlines.  When no one else will even listen, we'll tell you what you want to hear:  "No Problem".  And you can take that to the bank.  Seriously, there is virtually no hand-assembly job we can't handle.  While our permanent staff can handle most challenges, we can bring in hundreds more on a moment's notice.  Nobody does it better....nobody understands better than is that quick, dependable, quality assembly is the key to making you look good.  Whether its pocket folders, POP displays, dimensional packaging assembly or a hand-glued project, we will complete the job on time, on budget and of course to perfection.

Our complete range of complementary equipment finishes any job with shrink wrapping, poly bagging, lamination, gluing and a full range of binding options, all performed in-house and designed to meet even the most demanding deadlines.

Fulfillment/Distribution

Getting your packages out fast is what we are all about.  Using the latest dedicated computer systems, we work closely and efficiently with all of the major carriers so that your products reach your customers as soon as humanly possible.  While a typical week at PCG involves 8,000-10,000 drop shipments, we've handled as many as 13,000 in a single day.  With the most advanced facilities and the finest people in the business,  there's very little that can't be done.

Need space?  Service?  And meticulous organization?  No worries.  We'll set up a dedicated area of our warehouse specifically for your materials.  Items will be entered into our database for inventory control and updated daily.  Each item can be picked, packed and shipped as needed.  It's like warehousing your own materials, just a little easier!

Kodak NexPress Dimensional Coating System

The Difference You Can See and Feel

We just added an incredible new dimensional coating and clear dry ink system to our Kodak NexPress digital printing press.  The new coating system gives text and images a raised 3D and dimensional effect that will ensure your communications stand out in today's crowded and competitive marketplace.  This new feature is being used by our clients for a wide variety of applications ranging from promotional brochures to direct mail pieces to point of sale displays to calendars.

Creating the dimensional art is relatively easy.  You can work with design applications including and not limited to:  Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign CS and  all that it takes it creating a layer to carry the dimensional ink which you specify as a spot color. 

Dimensional coating creates prints that are recyclable and do not require and special de-inking and uses no volatile organic compounds (VOC's).

Your Premium account manager has a copy of The Kodak Guide "Creative and File Preparation Guidelines" which provides complete design and preparation information for this amazing new dimensional coating system.

Wide Format Printing

Signs, Banners, Posters

Our wide format printing group produces hundreds of projects for clients each year.

From huge signs and banners to posters, we work on a variety of substrates including foam, gator and re-positionable vinyl and provide full laminating and mounting services.  If you or your clients require printing and graphics for indoor/outdoor promotions, trade show signage and retail point of sale we have the experience and technologies to produce high quality wide format prints and graphics.

We are proud of the excellent work we have done producing wide format signage and banners for our client group.

The Seven Layers of Digital Color and Variable Data Printing

It is now a well proven concept that digital color printing and VDP can help you achieve a maximum ROI from your marketing initiatives while lowering your overall costs per sale.
To help you better understand the digital color print and VDP benefits, here are the key 7 levels of this important concept and process.

Level 1 - Short Run:  Digital will save you money on smaller batch jobs while being able to keep the content fresh.

Level 2 - Versioning:  Segment messages enabling you to more effectively target key markets.

Level 3 - Personalization:  Using customer names and addresses to target and get closer to them.

Level 4 - Customization:  Creating an enhanced personal feel with group texts and messages.

Level 5 - Transactional:  Adding data driven graphics and charts to personalized messages.

Level 6 - Fully Customized:  A totally unique piece printed for each of your print projects.

Level 7 - Automated Fulfillment:  Customer requests for fully customized pieces are fulfilled automatically.

Premium Color Group can help you succeed at every one of these levels!

Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Conventional Print

Web2Print, bridges the gap between digital content online and commercial print production.  This cost-effective process will enable you to create, edit, and approve computer-based templates during the prepress phase.  Most web-to-print applications will allow you to customize pre-designed templates and upload unique content for automated print production.  When our NexPress digital system is used for the final output, the template is transformed into a PDF file that serves as the "master" plate.

Our content composition based programs designed to create custom print projects will allow you to design and publish web-based templates and customize the templates with highly and individually relevant content, then preview and publish them as print-ready files.  The Web2Print program is ideal for creating and printing promotional brochures, catalogs, flyers, datasheets, posters, signage, office supplies and stationary.

Cross Media Campaigns

Reaching Your Clients Quickly and Effectively

As part of today's fast moving communications, a Cross Media marketing campaign should be combined with a Variable Data Print (VDP) program, and should be utilized as a centerpiece of marketing campaigns that are coordinated through a centralized web portal.  Unique phone numbers, e-mail, SMS-text, QR Codes and landing page data can all be integrated into one platform to eliminate data silos from various marketing programs.  Our NexPress digital system can help support your printing related needs as part of your cross media campaigns.

There has been a lot of buzz at conferences and in blogs and websites about variable and static QR Codes.  The primary usage for marketers has been to link URL's in various forms of advertising and promotion.  For reading the barcode, most users must install specific software on the mobile device in order to read the image.  A well designed and executed cross media campaign can go a long way in staying ahead of your competition and securing new business opportunities.

Carbon Neutral & The Environment

We continue to support our commitment to help create a greener planet.  As an active supporter of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) we recognize that conscious sourcing and material conservation are among the key cores and practices of our business organization.

We recycle paper waste, re-use materials and use soy based inks as well as environmentally friendly blanket wash with low VOC solvents.

We help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in clean energy sources such as Wind Power, through our green power partnership with Renewable Choice Energy.  We recycle all paper waste at both our printing and binding fulfillment operations.

Together we are helping to create a greener planet by saving trees, water and solid waste in addition to lessening greenhouse gases.

Fulfillment, Assembly and Distribution

Managing the Final Stages Smoothly and Efficiently.

As a project nears completion and deadline dates are rapidly approaching, it becomes imperative that the final stages which include fulfillment, assembly and distribution are manged smoothly and efficiently.  We are very proud that with the recent merger of Handpack and Premium Color to form the Premium Color Group you now have an organization tht has the experience and expertise to manage all of your printing and fulfillment requirements.


Our clients now have the ability to work with one vendor for all of their production, print and fulfillment needs.  Some of the tri-states leading businesses including Hunter-Douglas, Tommy Hilfiger and Mercedes have all experiences the expertise of the Premium Color Group and continue to have their projects completed in a timely and quality manner.  You now have "one set of eyes" for all or your critical fulfillment and print related jobs.  Our services ensure that your fulfillment is not being outsourced and is being provided by experts who know the business, therefore providing a greater attention to detail and a unique personalized service.


If you would like more information please contact Andy Griffin, Managing Partner, Premium Color Group (973) 472-7007.

Printing is Very Much Alive & Well

Contrary to what you have heard or read.....

Print is Thriving and Continuing to Grow.  With the Internet no longer being phenomena, the need for print is now stronger than ever and continuing to grow.

Overall in the U.S. printing is on the rise.  According to Dr. Joe Webb of WhatTheyThinks Economics and Research Center, in 2011 there will be a 3.4% increase in printing vs. 2010.  With the advent of personalized one-to-one variable data print, the direct mail and catalog industries are booming.  According to the Direct Marketing Association and their annual 2010 survey, of all of the communications mediums personalized color print generates the highest response rate among consumers followed by catalog and direct mail.  Furthermore, according to a study conducted by the American Marketing Association, it was noted that on-line consumers who received a printed catalog from a retailer were twice as likely to buy on-line from that retailer as consumers who did not receive the catalog.

The fastest rising segment in the print industry is digital printing.  According to the highly influential PEW Research Organization digital printing today is a $2.4billion industry and expected to undergo a 40% increase through 2012.