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Brand Refresh in 6 Weeks from Start to Finish

CASE STUDY: HOIST

Company Overview: Hoist is a rapidly growing ready-to-drink hydration beverage. Their growth over the past 7 years has meant interpreting lots of retail feedback as well as marketing changes. In their most recent packaging change, they aligned with their new marketing message of ‘strong enough for the military’ due to recent military contracts.

Challenge: In 6 weeks, update full branding, colors, and convey hydration and strength with design and printing techniques.

Solution: Several ink draw downs were tested to be used in the main Hoist logo – it needed to be shiny but not too much – to give the feeling of gunmetal. Additionally, a spot matte varnish was used to keep the metallic highlighted but also give the product a good feel in hand. And lastly, collaboration between their agency and Steinhauser’s pre-press department resulted in achieving very subtle fine lines overprinted on the background color.

Beverly International achieves boost in sales and brand recognition after label upgrade

Challenges

-Establish an eye-catching label that could be produced efficiently, consistently, and economically, in various sizes 

-Achieve recognition and confidence among suppliers as a premium brand

-Switch label type to ease application process

-Dedicate time to the growing packaging demands from their expanding supplements line

Solutions

-Metallic film substrate was used to give a reflective foil look

-Digital and flexographic printing were utilized to optimize the short and long print runs for various sizes and products

-A dedicated customer service representative was assigned to the account so all details and communications were managed by one person

-Instituted a pricing grid for ease of ordering

Results

-14% growth in sales (2012)

-Increased brand recognition and trust among suppliers and customers

-Better representation of the quality product inside the package

-Speed to market achieved due to set pricing and proactive customer service

-More time for brand owners to focus on core business issues with Steinhauser supporting their packaging needs

Senior Prepress Technician
FULL-TIME
Artwork Review and Processing:
Reports to:
Prepress Operations Manager
About Steinhauser:
From concept to shelf, Steinhauser works with customers to ensure brands make the best impression at every opportunity. Since 1905, a dedication to the craft of printing has guided the family business. Steinhauser has embraced technological and innovative changes, all the while maintaining our steadfast commitment to quality printing and excellent customer service. As a fourth-generation family business that is now 100% woman owned, Steinhauser’s success comes from integrity and long-lasting relationships. That is the Steinhauser Way.
Job Purpose
As part of Steinhauser’s dedicated team, the Senior Prepress Technician collaborates across functions to ensure our customers’ brand artwork is handled with care and expertise. Through a proactive and positive approach, the Senior Prepress Technician will ensure the delivery of the quality labels that our customers deserve.
With respect and consideration for one another, and a strong belief in communication and transparency, at Steinhauser we accomplish everything as a team. We are proud of our people and the way we treat others. Once you walk through our doors, you will see why we have maintained some customer relationships for over 60 years.
· Review and process new artwork; modify existing artwork to reflect customer changes. · Ensure accuracy of all job elements to create custom labels. · Communicate effectively with Customer Service Representatives regarding any art-related issues. · Serve as the liaison between Steinhauser, customers, and prepress house for all incoming and conceptual graphics work.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Note: The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the company.
Your Responsibilities:
· Prepare and send files to the press or prep house as needed, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. · Organize and maintain an archive of completed jobs and prepress files, including ripped files. · Update job-specific notes for future reference.
File Preparation and Management:
· Generate, maintain, and update workflows, color strategies, and ICC profiles to streamline production. · Determine project-specific color strategies using advanced color management techniques. · Perform file manipulations, including trapping (spreads, chokes, holdbacks, overprints) and size adjustments, to meet target requirements. · Provide support to ensure color targets are met and approved.
Production Tools and Color Management:
· Dies (Rotometrics Flexo and Digital): create dielines as needed, place and receive orders, and enter details into Label Traxx. · Screens (SPG): complete SPG order forms, generate POs, submit orders with required documentation (Order Form, PO, and artwork), receive orders, and enter screen details into Label Traxx. · Plates: finalize artwork and incorporate prepress information into files; collaborate with business vendors to determine plate specifications and place orders, ensuring all required document (e.g., Order Form, PO, artwork) is complete. Approve vendor supplied plate artwork through tools like Web Center or Acrobat and confirm receipt of orders.
A minimum requirement of high school diploma or general education degree (GED); a technical related bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. Minimum 5-7 years of Prepress experience or Graphic Design experience. Highly proficient in Mac Operating System, Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat. Possess a TEAMWORK attitude. Utilizes strong time management, project management, communication, problem solving, and organizational skills. Successfully manages priorities, drives decisions, and obtains closure on recommendations and issues.
Additional Duties:
Order Processing and Equipment Management:
Collaboration and Best Practices:
· Attend and actively participate in Pre-Pros and Go/No-Go meetings, offering insights on incoming artwork. · Recommend techniques and best practices to optimize quality and efficiency
Color Certification and Scoring:
· Create Color Certification Jobs (CCJ) for new projects and evaluate their performance. · Submit jobs to My Colors website, ensuring accurate scoring and adherence to standards.
Continuous Improvement:
· Identify and recommend improvements to workflows, processes, and tools, promoting a culture of continuous enhancement.
· Perform other duties, including cross-functional tasks, as directed by supervisors or management.
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