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  • Positioned as a Partner: How JDS Industries continues to focus on the customer as a part of growth

    With a storied history that traces back to the 1970s, JDS Industries has grown by expanding its warehouse locations and product selection to become one of the personalization industry’s foremost suppliers.

    “Businesses in our industry are being asked to do more than ever,” says Kyle Alexander, marketing director at JDS Industries. “They’re serving more markets, offering more decoration methods, and turning orders around faster while managing inventory and costs.”

    The company, he says, has continued to expand its offerings while staying true to the lineup that helped it establish its name. 

    Whether it’s awards, drinkware, apparel decoration, signage, or personalized gifts, the goal is to “give retailers more ways to serve their customers through one trusted partner,” Alexander adds. 

    With a massive network of 13 warehouses, including its main location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, JDS has expanded its footprint on both coasts, plus several locations in the Midwest and Southwest. 

    Choosing New Products 

    Currently, JDS’s offering sits at more than 25,000 products, with more incoming. With that massive an inventory, Alexander says it’s important for the company to choose products that best serve retailers rather than just fill the cache. 

    “We focus on making investments that help our customers grow, serve more markets, and stay competitive,” he adds. “If we can make their businesses a little easier or create new growth opportunities, that’s where we want to invest.” 

    In recent years, that’s meant expanding the scope of retailer supplies from promotional products to decorated apparel tools like direct-to-film (DTF) supplies and blanks like hats and canvas bags. Alexander points to changes at the retail level that are directly affecting product growth and expansion. 

    “What’s been most interesting is how our customers are evolving,” he says. “Businesses are looking for partners that can support a broader range of products and decoration methods.”  

    Rather than staying within a single category, many retailers, he says, are expanding into complementary products that fit naturally with what they already offer. 

    “It’s less about replacing their core business and more about creating additional opportunities for the customers they already serve,” Alexander notes. 

    Creating Opportunities with Existing Resources

    Outside of decorated apparel and accessories, another focus area for JDS Industries’ products has been an expansion of UV-printable goods, engravable products, and customizable tumblers. That’s because retailers who work with JDS already have the equipment to personalize these goods, so it’s just a matter of upselling to their end customers and refining techniques they’re already familiar with. 

    “Products like Laserable Leatherette, Polar Camel, and UV-printable materials allow shops to expand into new markets without completely changing how they operate,” says Alexander. “Whether it’s corporate recognition, home decor, or promotional products, these product lines create additional opportunities to increase average order value while serving a broader range of markets.” 

    Alexander says there are also other opportunities for retailers who have the capacity to make moderate investments, especially with technologies like DTF printing. 

    “It gives businesses a relatively low-cost way to expand into products like hats, patches, and apparel without making a significant equipment investment,” he adds. 

    Positioned as a Partner

    With the wide breadth of wholesale suppliers in the personalization industry, JDS leans on its product knowledge as a large part of what sets the company apart from other big players. 

    Alexander says JDS employees take pride in being product experts, which is likely reinforced by the company’s overall culture and structure. In early 2025, JDS announced that it was 100% employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). 

    With that engaged workforce, Alexander says one of the biggest focuses right now is helping retailers take the often nerve-racking step of investing in new markets or equipment, rather than upselling them without good cause. 

    “Our goal is to make that transition as easy as possible,” he adds. “That starts with knowledgeable people who understand the products, inventory businesses can count on, and educational and marketing resources that help shops get started with confidence. As an employee-owned company, every one of us has a vested interest in helping our customers succeed, and we believe that mindset comes through in the way we serve them every day.” 

    Into the Future

    Alexander says JDS sees a continued demand for premium goods that “combine functionality with customization.” Those premium products include UV- and DTF-printed goods, which also help meet demand for shorter turnarounds and durability. 

    “As customer needs evolve, we’ll continue investing in the products, inventory, technology, and support that help businesses stay competitive,” Alexander adds. “What won’t change is our commitment to helping our customers grow.” 

    By continuing to listen, adapt, and invest in the areas that matter most, JDS will remain a trusted partner for years to come, he notes. 

  • Printing Possibilities with Mutoh

    How the printing technology innovator is continuing to meet modern demands

    By Mike Clark

    For more than 70 years, MUTOH America has offered print providers the ability to adapt to changing markets through cutting-edge technology and application-driven innovation. 

    For forward-thinking businesses, that means refining and iterating on equipment that delivers high-quality output and supports new revenue streams and shorter turnaround times. 

    That commitment to innovation has shaped the MUTOH evolution over the years, including the launch of the ValueJet series in the early 2000s and the XpertJet line. 

    “The XpertJet 661UF was an instant success due to its outstanding ability to produce ADA-compliant signage,” says Emilio Rangel, product manager at MUTOH America. 

    More recently, the HydrAton 1642 provided printers with capabilities for sustainable water-based printing.

    Each step and new product release has reflected the same goal: to provide tools and equipment that are practical, dependable, and ready to meet the demands of print businesses.

    For retailers specializing in promotional products, signage, and awards, attention to market demand matters. There’s a continued need for short-run production, customized items, and specialty effects that help businesses stand out from commodity print providers. 

    “At the same time, shops are looking for equipment that can handle multiple applications without adding complexity to their workflows,” says Rangel. 

    Designed for Growth

    Rangel highlights how the combination of MUTOH product offerings and unique features helps address several needs of modern retailers. 

    “MUTOH UV printers, including models like the XpertJet 661UF and 1462UF, are well-positioned for these trends by allowing users to produce signage, promotional products, awards, ADA signage, and personalized items all on a single platform with strong adhesion and high image quality,” he notes. 

    Other thoughtful features, such as UV Local Dimming Control Technology, which allows users to print CMYK and gloss in one pass easily, simplify the process of embellishing their products. Rangel also points to Spot Lenticular, an advanced graphic technique that applies a glossy, transparent lenticular-lens effect to specific, targeted areas of a print, as a way for printers to create impressive effects on anything under 5.9 inches.

    Turning a Printer into an Asset

    For most businesses, consistent output is what turns a good printer into a business asset. MUTOH has long emphasized manufacturing quality, and its products prioritize repeatable results and user-friendly operation. 

    Rangel says that such reliability and minimal workflow disruption are crucial for retailers managing short-turn orders, multiple substrates, and mixed production methods.

    “Customers trust our products because they are manufactured to some of the highest standards,” he says. “Our constant strive for innovation also means that we are introducing features in terms of printer technology and workflow that focus on providing premium levels of quality.”

    In short, retailers can focus more on production and spend less time on troubleshooting. 

    MUTOH UV technologies also support a safer and more environmentally friendly production environment. 

    “Our water-based ink for the HydrAton 1642 has no SVHCs or GHS hazard symbols, as well as half the VOC content of latex,” Rangel points out. 

    Fewer volatile chemicals mean shops can run more environmentally conscious businesses and safer workplaces. 

    Support for the Long Term 

    Equally crucial to meeting modern demands for retailers is the support that accompanies any equipment investment. MUTOH provides customers with a library of learning content, how-to resources, and application guidance designed to help users build confidence as they move into new print categories. 

    For retailers in more specialized markets, there’s also robust video and instructional content on a broad range of products and industries. Specialized education includes key categories such as braille, color management, and dye sublimation, as well as vehicle wraps and wallpaper. 

    “We also provide all new users with the StartRight Kit 3.0, which is a training tool kit that walks them through how to produce several key applications, complete with blanks and printed samples,” says Rangel. 

    Shifting Demands 

    Looking ahead, Rangel says the biggest opportunity for retailers in 2026 lies in personalization, premium finishing, and short-run specialty work. 

    “Customers increasingly want custom products, textured effects, ADA-compliant signage, direct-to-object printing, and premium embellishments like spot varnish and layered finishes,” he suggests. 

    MUTOH UV platforms, including the XpertJet 661UF and 1462UF, are positioned to help businesses capitalize on those expectations with precise color output, durable substrate adhesion, and the versatility to handle a wide range of applications.

    That versatility extends to categories such as awards, promotional items, and ADA-compliant signage, where both precision and presentation matter.

    Rangel points out that there’s still a strong opportunity in these segments because businesses want a single production solution that can keep pace with shifting customer demands while preserving quality and efficiency. 

    “We are excited about what the future holds here at MUTOH and will continue to be one of the leaders in the industry when it comes to manufacturing reliable, user-friendly, and innovative products.”

  • Growth Through the Years: Johnson Plastics Plus maintains a focus on product knowledge and extensive customer support

    Since its founding in 1970 by Tom and Margaret Johnson, Johnson Plastics Plus has been a leading distributor of equipment and supplies for the signage, personalization, and awards industry. In 2015, the company was added to the Rowmark family of companies, followed by standoff and display manufacturer Gyford Standoff Systems in 2018. Johnson Plastics Plus, Gyford, and seven other business units across various industries are now collectively referred to as part of The Rowmark Group (TRG).

    With the business’s 50-plus-year history, one constant has been serving retailers with contemporary solutions. 

    “Johnson Plastics Plus has always been a company that evolves right alongside our customers,” contends Mike Johnson, strategic growth sales manager at Johnson Plastics Plus. “In the early 1990s, Johnson Plastics fully embraced sublimation, based on customer feedback and trends.”  

    Using Feedback to Expand 

    That response to customer feedback turned the company into one of the first to offer a complete line of equipment and blanks for sublimation technology. 

    That evolution continues today, as Johnson Plastics Plus has embraced newer technologies like UV-LED, direct-to-film (DTF), and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. 

    “That being said, we continue to look for new and innovative products and materials in laser and rotary engraving, sign making, and other personalization methods,” adds Johnson. 

    Consistency, Quality, and Innovation 

    One of Johnson Plastic Plus’s most popular products from its extensive array is its engravable sheet material. It’s used by awards and personalization retailers for a range of customizable recognition products.

    Johnson says that popular products such as the engravable sheets, which retailers order daily, have led the company to rely on its team of trained professionals to direct buyers to the right products for their applications. 

    “One thing that became a hallmark for Johnson Plastics in the early days was having a team of trained professionals who could support the products and equipment being sold,” adds Johnson. “The company has always been focused on being a source of information and help, not just a distribution and sales point.” 

    That customer-focused spirit is reinforced by an Advanced Support Team that thoroughly tests and vets all new products and equipment before launch. Through extensive vetting, Johnson says customers can count on reliable support from company employees, along with comprehensive technical documentation, product templates, and live support, including installation assistance when needed.

    Materials, Applications, and Innovation

    As retailers’ demand trends shift, Johnson Plastics Plus has noticed a growing number of customers who are more conscious about the materials they choose for products. In particular, eco-conscious and sustainable products have become a larger draw for the company’s customers, so it has followed suit.

    “Rowmark introduced EcoMark, which was the first engravable sheet material made from postconsumer recycled content,” states Johnson. “That was a major engineering breakthrough, and one that the team was very proud of.”

    Additionally, the company is developing new product lines, such as DurMark, which is made of materials that withstand the elements and harsh environments, increasing product lifespan and reducing landfill waste. 

    Johnson says the environmentally friendly focus complements many of Johnson Plastics Plus’s production approaches. 

    “We’ve always taken great pride in our closed-loop manufacturing process and environmental stewardship, and we think our customers appreciate that,” he adds.  

    This past year, Rowmark received the IADP Environmental Excellence Silver Award, which recognizes manufacturers who demonstrate commitment and results with environmental and sustainability programs. 

    Finding the Right Substrates for Customers 

    Johnson says retailers choosing compatible materials for their equipment is about more than optimal printing; it’s also about safety. On each product page, the company uses a set of icons to indicate which substrates are compatible. 

    For example, the letter S in a circle indicates that the product is compatible with sublimation. Other icons indicate details such as outdoor use and UL 94 standards. Product pages also include downloadable documentation, so retailers have the full scope of product information. 

    One standout retailer recently caught the company’s eye. The retailer contacted Johnson Plastics for guidance on replacing their customers’ ADA-compliant signage, as they had never produced ADA-compliant signs.

    “Since ADA signage is something both Rowmark and Johnson Plastics Plus have extensive long-term experience with, we were able to get them started with our free ADA Sign Making guide,” says Johnson. 

    Company representatives provided extensive support and product consultation, along with a video tutorial on producing ADA signage, to help the client. Overall, Johnson says the retailer was extremely happy to have all the products and answers in one place, and they’ve now opened a new revenue stream for their business.  

    “We really pride ourselves on being a full-service partner in being able to help from concept to the finished project that gets delivered to their customer,” he stresses. 

    The company’s YouTube channel, in particular, features extensive resources like how-tos, product overviews, and installation guides to help retailers every step of the way. 

    Maintaining a Network 

    In addition to extensive customer resources and a well-trained support team, Johnson Plastics Plus bolsters its support with multiple distribution locations across nearly all of the United States, offering next-day and three-day shipping. 

    That extensive network also offers fabrication services for custom-cut blanks, helping customers reduce production time and take on larger jobs. 

    “For example, if a customer gets an order for 1,000 name badges and that volume is a little outside their normal production capabilities, we can cut the blanks for them, and they can add the personalization for their customers,” Johnson explains. 

    What to Watch 

    With a reputation for adaptability, the company encourages retailers to adopt a growth mindset focused on their customers. Currently, Johnson says they could explore new color palettes with Pantone’s Color of the Year, add lighted elements, and use mixed media in projects, such as laser-cut and engraved pieces with sublimated or UV-printed images. 

    “With the cost of personalization equipment dropping, such as small-format lasers and sublimation printers, many customers now own more than one personalization method in their business,” Johnson states.

    For retailers interested in expanding into categories such as ADA signage, Johnson Plastics Plus and Rowmark offer educational resources to help them understand compliance requirements and production techniques, including breaking large panels into modular sections, planning mounting and installation early, and understanding how materials work together when mixing substrates to help avoid costly rework later.

    “Multilayered engraved plastics from manufacturers such as Rowmark and IPI, high-contrast ADA substrates, and purpose-built sheet goods can reduce finishing time and improve consistency,” adds Johnson. 

    Looking Ahead

    As the company looks ahead, maintaining a customer focus remains steadfast. 

    “We begin every internal meeting with the phrase, ‘How does what we’re about to discuss today benefit the customer?’ ” says Johnson. The team uses that question to frame discussions on the types of products or company improvements they’d like to make. 

    In recent years, Johnson Plastics Plus has developed partnerships that provide its clients with a competitive advantage through equipment and supplies. That includes small-format laser and rotary-engraver manufacturers, as well as companies such as Epson, which offer sublimation, direct-to-garment, direct-to-film, and UV flatbed printers. This year, Johnson says the company will be sharing more significant partnership updates. 

    “Customers can count on knowledgeable support from the moment we offer a product on our website,” notes Johnson. “They’ll be met with a full complement of technical support representatives and documentation.”