Big changes are happening at The Vomela Companies. We've undertaken moves to new facilities that allow us to work more efficiently. In addition, we're constantly improving our equipment to provide even better quality. Our most recent acquisitions continue to build our capability to deliver high-impact graphics and improve our services!
Capitalizing on efficiencies isn't just a focus for our production teams. When the VCG location in Northern Virginia needed to expand its facility, there was a business case to consolidate with the C2 Imaging location in Maryland. The resulting coalition—now referred to as Vomela's Metro DC location—is an 88,000 square foot office and production space.
Combining VCG's existing 60,000 square foot operation with C2's 22,000 square foot workshop was no easy feat. Many moving parts had to mesh throughout the buildout of the physical space and the moving process, which was completed in October 2022. The result is a state-of-the-art, modernized facility where both brands can serve the needs of their customers.
After Visual Impact was welcomed into the Vomela family of brands, they too sought to upgrade their production space. In November 2022, the operation moved into a 40,000 square foot facility that is nearly triple the size of their old location. The expanded space positions VI for growth while being supported by Vomela's strategic and operational capabilities.
Expanding our C2 Imaging Canadian operations in Vancouver, Total Graphics joined the company in January 2023 to bolster our retail and custom display graphics.
Along with their move, Visual Impact's expanded facility allowed the company to invest in new equipment. Their acquisition of an EFI FabriVU 340i+ dye sublimation printer with inline fixation not only expanded VI's printing capabilities—the new press also helps them facilitate larger-scale kitting projects, decrease lead times, and increase speed to finish. And the incredible image resolution and rich, deep color of this printer are perfect for backlit displays and a wide variety of other applications.
With soft signage and SEG framing systems in hot demand currently, this acquisition was perfectly timed. In addition, VI is able to add to their production of other high-end fabric graphics, including in the event, retail, and out-of-home advertising spaces. Learn more about the amazing things you can do with dye sublimation.
In another move-inspired purchase, the VCG Metro DC location acquired a Ricoh Pro VC4000 that was installed in their new facility. The 4-color continuous feed inkjet press boasts high print speeds and inline perforating and cutting. This furthers VCG’s capability to quickly produce quality print projects, from short-run books to variable data jobs.
The VCG Detroit location recently added a 2007 Komori UV press to their production arsenal. With 6-color capability and a UV coater, the press can print on a maximum sheet size of 28 x 40. And it's got range! The press can print on most substrates, from 50# offset text paper to 36 mil synthetic material.
VCG Detroit also added a reconditioned Kompac Offline UV coater that can be used in conjunction with any of its presses. This finishing machine can produce a UV flood coat on a 13 x 19 press sheet on substrates with a thickness from 100# text to 16pt board. Learn more about how UV coating can protect and embellish your print projects.
Not to be outdone by its sister companies, the VCG Chicago location has been busy expanding their offerings as well. Last fall, VCG Chicago acquired a Manroland R706LV Evolution 28 x 40" press with aqueous coating capabilities. This machine is state-of-the-art, with an automated makeready system for simultaneous plate changing and color control. (This is huge for efficiency and time savings!) The press also uses cameras to read each press sheet in real-time, then adjusts the color to specified densities or lab values. It's capable of printing up to 18,200 impressions per hour and will print substrates up to 1mm thickness.
But that's not all! VCG Chicago has invested in advancing their finishing services, too. They installed two Flowmaster Inserters, each with six pockets and inline inkjet and folding capabilities. These inserters also have a camera match system in two pockets as well as on the output to verify that the correct pieces are inserted together. Supremely helpful for mailing jobs, these inserters are mainly used for #10 envelope packages but can insert into up to a 6x9 envelope. Learn more about mailing strategies you can employ for your business.
And finally, VCG Chicago installed an automated high-speed punch system for spiral-bound and wire bound book projects. This new equipment allows them to punch projects up to 75,000 sheets per hour! In addition, they added a semi-automated spiral inserter for book jobs up to 5,000 copies.
We are excited to continue expanding our service capabilities and creating more efficient ways to support your print projects. Our commitment to success has us constantly improving, and we're proud to be your printing partner!