DMS Color Expands Packaging Offerings with UV Digital Print

DMS Color in Pelham, AL, describes itself as “a technology company with sophisticated printing capabilities.” That’s an understatement. With 75 employees and equipment capable of producing almost any type of marketing collateral, DMS Color is well prepared to help its clients meet the challenges of today’s marketplace.

We talked with CEO/CTO Matthew Greer to find out how Roland DG digital inkjet printers are helping DMS expand its fast-growing packaging business — and the role of this technology in the development of his company’s first direct-to-consumer offering.

How did DMS Color get its start?

Matthew Greer: We launched as Digital Marketing Services in 2006, initially working out of a basement. Soon, we expanded to the Butler building, and from there we moved to our own facility. Two years later we moved to our current 55,000-sqft facility, and we are looking to expand. 

Please describe your business today. 

Greer: Our major business divisions include DigiFlo, Digilab, design studio, large-format printing, packaging, promotional items, corporate printing, stickers and labels, and brewery marketing. We are pleased to say we’ve been ranked in Printing Impressions’ Top list as one of the largest printers in the US/Canada.

How did you decide to invest in your first digital inkjet printer?

Greer: We purchased our first large-format inkjet — a Roland DG SOLJET printer/cutter — in response to our customers’ requests for banners, decals, car clings, and posters. We find that having print-and-cut capability increases our “stickiness” with clients by giving us the ability to say yes to more of what they need. 

What led you to add digital UV print capability?

Greer: We wanted a printer capable of printing boxes for our packaging division. We looked to Roland DG again because of its quality and durability, purchasing the Roland DG VersaUV LEC2-300 UV printer. We use it to print boxes and tamper-resistant labels, as well as short-run labels, customer samples, and package prototyping. 

What products are you producing on your UV printer?

Greer: We produce labels for jar tops and sides, tube and can labels, security labels, and 12- and 16-ounce aluminum can prototype labels. We run anywhere from one to 7,500 pieces, typically ranging from 0.5" circles, to 5x10" decals. We also do one-offs for samples and prototypes.

Our packaging division has grown rapidly over the past 18 months. The embossing feature on the LEC2 has been a real game changer. Clients love the embossing, especially over silver and holographic material.

For us and for our clients, color management is critical. The Roland Color Library allows us to control the output and match spot colors with ease.

What lies ahead for DMS Color’s Packaging division?

Greer: Through one of our brands, Goldleafpackaging.com, we are launching an online storefront where consumers can purchase custom labels for various containers. 

We believe that the spot color and embellishment capability of the Roland DG LEC2 UV printer has really helped our packaging division flourish. Our customers appreciate the extra touches that set their packaging apart from their competitors.