Large-Format Printing on the Rise at Matrix Department
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
At Matrix Department, Inc., a large-format printer in Leesburg, business activity is up according to President John S. Bell II. Matrix prints signs, banners, displays, posters, wall graphics and its most popular item, vehicle graphics.
"We moved into our 8,000 square foot facility in Leesburg about a year ago, which gives us the space to bring cars and vans inside to wrap," Bell said.
Established 11 years ago, Matrix currently has six employees and one location. The company operates three large-format printers: a 10-foot Sky Jet Solvent printer that prints on flexible materials such as those used in vehicle and wall graphics; a 54-inch Eco Solvent printer that is environmentally friendly; and a flatbed UV printer that works with any substrate such as glass, aluminum and steel, making it ideal for printing outdoor signage.
"Right now we are doing a lot of government work including building signs, banners and other large-format work that is put out to bid by the GPO [Government Printing Office]," Bell said.
Quality, price and customer service are what sets Matrix apart, according to Bell. Most orders require a quick turnaround, usually three days or less.
An Online Opportunity
Bell believes there is a significant growth opportunity for Matrix online. The company is currently working to implement an online store for preprinted items.
"Our goal is to offer online preprinted items such as safety and identification signs," Bell said. "In companies that do a lot of manufacturing, signs related to 5S quality standards are a big deal."
According to toolbox.com, the 5S Principles in Manufacturing Management are based on the five Japanese terms namely Seiri, Seiton, Seison, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. These are shorthand expressions for principles related to maintaining an effective and efficient workplace in the manufacturing and production environment. Companies also use 5S as the basis for continuous improvement in the workplace.
A Human Challenge
The biggest challenge Matrix faces, according to Bell, is finding qualified production employees. The company employs design interns from local technical schools but has a difficult time finding skilled craftsmen to work in its printing shop.
"Any kind of work force training program that local leaders could encourage or implement would be very welcome," Bell said.
Persistently high unemployment rates can be an indicator of a mismatch between the skills demanded by employers and those available in the work force. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported unemployment in Albany at 9.6 percent in March 2012.
More information on Matrix Department, Inc. is available at www.matrixdept.com.
