Orlando, FL-based commercial printer SunDance USA made a strategic move amid the downtrends that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning into flexible packaging. This venture not only brought a significant turnaround in its business strategy but has accelerated its growth momentum ever since.
Beginning as a commercial printer in 2007, SunDance USA evolved to add wide-format printing to its services. When the pandemic dealt a blow to its traditional tourism-based business, SunDance President JohnHenry Ruggieri (above) led the charge to embrace a new operational strategy by diving into flexible packaging to mitigate the downturn.
“We had decided to get into packaging a little bit deeper in 2019 and bought a label press,” says Ruggieri. “With COVID hitting, our major verticals were all very tourism-based, so we pivoted into flexible packaging. We evaluated a whole bunch of different equipment, did site visits, and the staff, the technology and the support were all major drivers in that decision.”
In its quest to dive deeper into packaging, SunDance found a reliable and reputable partner in BW Converting’s bag-converting equipment and invested in its Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP (standup pouch) machine. The Florida printer ultimately chose the equipment for its adaptability to digital printing, particularly for short runs. Providing quick changeovers, the Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP delivers recycle-ready pouches with low scrap rates. “The Ares 400 had a relatively small footprint. The auto-correct and other automatic settings were very attractive for us, particularly with the digital print. And Hudson-Sharp’s reputation was a factor as well,” adds Ruggieri.
The transition was not without challenges, with a learning curve much greater than Ruggieri had anticipated. However, BW Converting’s support, training and round-the-clock technical assistance helped SunDance skillfully navigate its foray into packaging, the success of which has far exceeded Ruggieri’s expectations. He stressed the importance of having such a supportive partner during major transitions, and advised other businesses considering a similar move to “lean into them and use the support that they offer.” He added that SunDance is geared up for future growth with BW Converting on its side.