Manufacturing & Packaging a marketing field guide to
“ “ Boost loyalty and Drive operational retention efficiency
For a distinct advantage, manufacturing companies must enhance employee loyalty and retention, improve operational efficiency, and foster a safe working environment. To follow are actionable strategies and innovative tactics to communicate essential information and engage and motivate the workforce, streamline processes, and reinforce safety protocols. With a focus on practical solutions and real-world applications, we examine the tools and insights necessary to attract talent, transform manufacturing operations, and build a more cohesive, efficient, and safe workplace. The quit rate among workers plateaued in 2023, coming in at 2.3% back in September, marking the end of the Great Resignation. (Forbes) In 2024, [worker demand] needs to stay strong, either through increased job postings or employee retention. (Forbes) Investing in workplace safety reduces fatalities and injuries, leading to cost savings in areas like compensation and medical expenses, and can boost an organization's productivity and financial performance. (OSHA) Business Operations at a glance
Business Operations Quick Tips According to Jobvite, 30% of new employees leave their jobs within the first 90 days. Make new employees feel valued from day one with a “Welcome Kit” filled with branded essentials. Don’t forget about rewarding your existing employees as well! When it comes to vendors – less is more! Form a strategic relationship with a print partner who can supply everything from Business Stationery and Forms to Signage, Labels and Packaging and see efficiency gains, optimized costs, and stronger business outcomes. Administrative staff members are often stretched to the limit. Make ordering, approving, and re-ordering of printed materials quick, cost-effective and consistent with your own branded ordering site. ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES • Draw attention to job fairs and interview locations with Yard Signs, Banners and Feather Flags • Spread the word about hiring events with full-color Posters, Flyers and Postcards • Keep new hires organized with benefits and training materials in Presentation Folders • Recognize employee milestones and accomplishments with acrylic, wood and metal Plaques and Awards • Ensure compliance with state and federal labor law requirements, with a Labor Law Poster Subscription Service PROMOTE A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT • Clearly mark walkways, restricted areas and social distancing requirements with durable full-color Floor Decals • Provide reminders about health and safety expectations with fullcolor Signs, Posters and Banners in break rooms and public areas • Inform and direct employees and visitors with engraved Directional, Desk and Wall Signage • Post safety notices on equipment with full-color Outdoor Labels, Reflective Labels, Tech Decals and Magnetic Signs • Promote safety messages and certifications on Hard Hat Labels DRIVE EFFICIENCY IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS • Custom Business Forms give a branded and professional image to job applications, HR forms, invoices, order forms and requisitions • Minimize repetitive messaging with a custom Stamp or Dater • Identify plant visitors with fluorescent Visitor Badge Labels • Custom Checks and Tax Forms simplify AP, payroll and tax processing • Locate warehouse items efficiently with Rack Labels
Main image: Presentation Folder with Interior Printing; Letterhead; Business Card; Travel Tumbler; Custom Post-it® Note; Engraved Desk Sign with Metal Wrap Around Holder; Pen Top: Teardrop Sail Sign; Yard Sign Middle: Custom Sign Bottom: Custom Full-Color Form
“ “ Increase product visibility Balance safety and aesthetics
Regardless of whether your company handles packaging in-house or through a co-packer, certain priorities remain consistent: cost-effectiveness, domestic sourcing, compatibility with packaging lines, product safety, brand communication, and differentiation from competitors. Consumers now prioritize sustainability, product safety, and aligning with brands that reflect their values. This shift has prompted manufacturers to make notable changes in packaging design and structure. We offer packaging and labeling solutions for various industries, including industrial parts, food and beverages, personal care products, and more, tailored to meet diverse product specifications and requirements. Smithers latest market report, ‘The Future of Global Packaging to 2024’ forecasts the global packaging market value will increase to $1.05 trillion by 2024. Major trends include: a continued focus on sustainability and environmental issues; flexible packaging will continue to replace traditional packaging; and we’ll see a growing demand for convenience and security, including childresistant closures and tamper evidence features. (Smithers) Packaging & Labeling at a glance
Packaging & Labeling DRIVE SHELF DISRUPTION BY ATTRACTING & ENGAGING • Enhance Folded Cartons, Bottle-Neckers, Labels and Hang Tags with foil stamping, spot gloss, blind embossing, soft-touch coatings, and specialty stocks • Full-color Flexible Pouches and Shrink Sleeves allow you to print end-to-end and seam-to-seam for a full-coverage presentation • Prime Labels with randomized artwork can feature unique designs on every label, plus effects like watermarks, dimensions, gradients, and security features • Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability with natural, recycled stocks for Folded Cartons, Inserts, Tags and Labels INCREASE PRODUCT SATISFACTION AND BRAND TRUST • Offer peace of mind that a product is fresh and safe with TamperEvident Labels • Features such as zipper closures and tear notches on Flexible Pouches ensure ease of opening and resealing • Use Folded Inserts, Cards, Labels or Hang Tags for additional safety information or product instructions • Extend your message by adding a QR code to the Label or Package to direct the consumer to online resources • Protect products during shipment with custom Water Activated Packaging Tape and Shipping Envelopes • Ensure quality scanning, track and manage assets and safeguard your business with UPC Barcode Labels Quick Tips Test marketing gathers vital customer feedback on new products, formulas, or packaging. Our low minimum quantities for Folded Cartons (250) and Flexible Pouches (2,500) enable feasible and cost-effective test runs. Labels are available in quantities as low as 100. Think only paper is eco-friendly? Think again! Flexible Pouches are smaller and thinner than glass, paper and metal, use 60% less plastic and are 23% lighter than traditional rigid packaging, boast a higher product-to-package ratio than rigid packaging, and offer reduced CO2 emissions in production and transport. 83% of global consumers report they would pay more for goods that are ethically produced. Let consumers know your product is sourced in a socially-responsible way, by prominently featuring this information on the packaging. (OpenText)
Main image: Stand Up Flexible Pouch, Folded Cartons, Full-color Label; Top: Kraft Square Cut Label; Desert Storm Folded Carton Middle: Lay Flat Flexible Pouch Bottom: Full-color Hang Tag
“ “ Strengthen relationships Build your brand
In the competitive landscape of manufacturing, establishing a strong brand presence and nurturing lasting relationships with customers and partners are paramount for sustained success. Whether you employ a direct sales force or sell products through distributors, the easier you make it for them to sell, the more willing and successful they will be. Through strategic deployment of marketing assets, manufacturing companies can effectively communicate their value proposition, differentiate themselves from competitors, and forge meaningful connections that endure. Explore the tactics and strategies that follow to grow your brand and cultivate enduring relationships. Sales & Marketing • It takes between 5-7 interactions with a brand for people to start remembering it. (Pam Moore) • 82% of purchasing decisions are made while in a store, 62% of shoppers make an impulse buy while shopping, and 16% of unplanned purchases are driven by in-store promotions. (Spectrio) • 89% of shoppers stay loyal to brands that share their values, and 43% of customers spend more money on brands they are loyal to. (Fundera) at a glance
Sales & Marketing STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS • Coordinated Booth Graphics, Sail Signs and Retractable Banner Stands get your company and brand noticed on a crowded trade show floor • Outfit your company reps with branded Apparel items and Name Badges for a professional impression • Distribute samples of new products in small Lay Flat Pouches • Show your appreciation to valued distributors with a gift of branded Promotional Products – including Pens, Drinkware, Tote Bags, Tech Gear and Planners SIMPLIFY SALES FOR YOUR DISTRIBUTORS • Educate your sales team and distributors with printed Training/ Service Guides, Catalogs, Tech Sheets and Price Guides • Help distributors promote your products to customers with Postcards, Flyers, Booklets and Brochures that can be personalized with their business name, address and contact information • Lend credibility to retailers with “Authorized Dealer” Window Decals, Banners, Counter Mats, Table Throws and Pedestal Signs BUILD YOUR BRAND WITH RETAIL CUSTOMERS • Strengthen brand recognition with retail customers with eyecatching Point-of-Purchase Displays, Large Format Signage and Floor Decals • Draw attention to new products or special promotions with paper or synthetic Shelf-Talkers • Branded Gift Wrap can reinforce brand loyalty for luxury and gift purchases • Introduce new products with a trial-sized "Gift with Purchase" in a branded Plastic Bag Quick Tips 82% of trade show attendees hold purchasing power, and 77% of executives discover new suppliers. (Excalibur Exhibits/Sage World) Prioritize connecting with existing distributors and attracting new prospects. Obtain attendee lists and send pre-show postcards to invite key prospects for meetings. Consistent branding across all platforms can boost revenue by up to 23%, Forbes reports. Align your products, packaging, online presence, POP advertising, and marketing materials to convey a cohesive message about your brand identity and values. According to Shopify, impulse buying accounts for between 40% and 80% of purchases. Engaging in-store signage gives impulse buys a boost simply by making customers aware of a product right where it's located.
Main image: Custom Table Cloth; Vertical Retractable Banner; Fabric Display Top: Screen Printed Shirt; Lanyard; Full-color Metal Name Badge, I.D. Badge Middle: Full-color Booklet and Sale Sheet Bottom: Full-color Window Decals
“ “ Reach, resonate, engage
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