One of our many strong points is our ability to turn our production processes onto their heads and make something completely different! We never know when to say no, and as a result, we entertain some wonderful projects. Working very closely with an experienced design and marketing agency, we have been instrumental in creating several working prototypes which have now turned into one of the largest ever production orders for us.
A globally recognised bag and case manufacturer wanted to obtain some high quality promotional "belly bands" to wrap around their latest laptop case designs which are due to hit the shops in time for the Christmas 2004 period. The designs needed to be eyecatching and prominent first and foremost, closely followed by functional and effective too. The "belly bands" were also designed to hold a blister pack which contained either a cordless or an optical mouse as a sales promotional aid. This meant that the chosen material needed to be capable of not only being screen print decorated, but also die-cut converted to final shape, with enough strength to hold the blister pack in place once assembled.
Good designs were put forward and these were accepted with minimal alterations, which then meant that we could get on with the serious business of production. No mean feat when you consider that the overall volume of material required amounted to just over twelve tonnes in weight, and production would need to take place during the month of August in order to meet the deadline to air freight the consignment over to China for final assembly in the two factories producing the laptop cases.
Production was commenced, and in total a quantity of some 28,000 sheets (1100mm x 650mm) of 500um Priplak Polypropylene was overprinted with a total of three line colours throughout. There were three designs in total, and all were decorated with high gloss UV cured inks to achieve the definition and vibrancy required. Bearing in mind that the majority of the material stock was BLACK, it was not an easy task to keep the colours strong when printing onto such a dark substrate. We achieved a stunning result however, thanks to ingenious use of correct stencils, meshes and ink choice.
Overall there were 104,000 qty of finished pieces produced, each packed 350 units to a carton, before being bulk palletised for transportation to Middlesex, and ultimately, onto London Heathrow, destined for the Peoples Republic of China. The entire resources of Evans Graphics were utilised to help achieve the completion of the prestigious order on time, and there was the over-riding feeling of satisfaction when the last box was sealed and placed on the remaining pallet for shrink-wrapping.
Never one to rest on our laurels, we have already successfully sampled the next prototype belly band which is to be manufactured for the Spanish marketplace. Hopefully there will be a continuing demand for the quality product that these belly bands encompass whilst on the retailers shelf, and we can look forward to manufacturing more of the same!
Thanks go to all of our suppliers for their efforts in supplying the necessary materials and resources to allow us to complete such a large order in a remarkably short time.
To discuss "belly bands" for your own promotional usage, please do not hesitate to contact us direct. We would love to help you, just ask us.
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