Duplo USA Corporation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Shima Awards, its second annual print embellishment competition. Si Nguyen, Vice President of Sales at Duplo USA, interviewed the recipients and showcased their entries on a dedicated video.
Gold Award
Citywide Printing
Silver Award
Printing Specialist
Bronze Award
University of Pittsburgh
Citywide Printing
Citywide Printing in Des Plaines, Illinois has been using its print embellishment capabilities to acquire new customers, especially from graphic designers. “In commodity printing, you need a way to differentiate yourself from others and the DDC-810 helps me get in the door,” says Jim Hess, President of Citywide Printing. “I’m seeing repeat business from designers and other printers and even print brokers. Designers are definitely the right market for this.”
Printing Specialist
Printing Specialist in Glen Burnie, Maryland was the second print service provider in the world to invest in Duplo’s solution. With the ability to apply raised spot UV to anything from business cards to packaging, they often collaborate with advertising agencies to create print marketing campaigns that stand out.
“One of the beauties of the DDC-810 is that it is one-off. You can basically set it up, run one sheet, cut it out, and give them a sample they can see,” says Scott Buswell, Vice President of Sales at Printing Specialist. “There are no plates, no screens, not a lot of large make-ready. You’re able to do something on the fly, show the client, and then upsell.”
University of Pittsburgh
Of over 60 units installed across the country, the Printing Services Center at the University of Pittsburgh was the first higher education print shop to add the DDC-810. They serve the academic, administrative, and student organizations on campus using an array of print and finishing equipment. With their new added-value capability, the Printing Services Center has been producing more engaging recruitment and other marketing pieces with tactile effects.
“We want to attract students to the university and make really great pieces they can touch and feel…something with a WOW factor. Students don’t get a whole lot of mail so when they get an embellished piece, they’ll save it,” says Robert Fitzgerald, Senior Manager of Printing Services. “I think it’s important from a print standpoint to have that embellishment on the documents that you’re giving to your students and alumni to really bring out that extra personal touch.”