Good Alone. Better Together
In times of intense competition, it is increasingly important to
offer customers individual added value. Two case studies show how
it can go: Franz Kuthal GmbH & Co. KG from Germany relies on a
combination of full-service print shop, logistics, shipping and IT
services. Tecnografica S.A. from Italy, on the other hand, is going
strong with its sense of family, which customers love.
Business Model: Full Service Provider - Kuthal, Mainaschaff, Germany
"There are a lot of good print shops. But there are only a few which take over the demanding logistical tasks for their customers," says Helmut Kraft, Managing Partner of the companies Kuthal, RMD and e.ms in Mainaschaff, Germany, naming the reasons for creating their unique business model. From the idea to delivery, three separate businesses - a print shop, logistics and fulfillment and IT services - complement each other, depending on the customer's demands.
More than others
What is behind it all? The roots of the business stretch back to 1910, when Franz Kuthal founded his print shop, "Kunst- und Handelsdruckerei," in Aschaffenburg. Because he had no successor, he sold his business to Oskar Glaab and Vinzenz Kraft in 1959. And that was actually the birth of today's business, because both owners got to work trying to breathe new life into the print shop with five employees - and with success. Kuthal moved to a larger production building in Mainaschaff in 1967. There, in 1978, the era of offset printing also began. Even at that time their strategy was to offer "more than the others," and that is why the company management did not just invest in the "usual" four-color machines, but rather in five and six-color machines as well in the ensuing years.
Fully developed logistics
When Helmut Kraft took over management of the company in 1984, he initiated an additional growth step: In 1989, new construction created the much needed free space in the old building, which was in the meantime bursting at the seams. At the same time, the former pressrooms became home to the new Drupack GmbH - the company's own logistics service provider. "We wanted to offer our customers full-scale logistics, and so we founded an additional foothold with the logistics company," Helmut Kraft adds and then elaborates, "The idea of investing in further prepress services was also thrown around, of course, but then we would have still been comparable to others, because our prepress was already very industrial and efficient. We therefore asked ourselves, what comes after printing? And how can we offer our customers additional services in that area? In this way, the concept of establishing our own company for shipping, logistics and service was developed."
Business Model: Cooperation - Tecnografica, Lomazzo, Italy
Performance with familial ties
The Italian print shop, Tecnografica, in Lomazzo near Milan is one of those companies that stand out right away. Here the customer is truly king, with an inviting atmosphere, open ambience and friendly staff. "We love our work," says Antonio Nocco, one of four owners and managers. A look into his eyes reveals - he means it! And he immediately explains why: When Nocco founded the print shop in 1975, he began in the proverbial garage - with letterpress and hot type - and an enthusiasm that had to lead to success. Today, a mid-sized company has emerged from the one-man operation, employing 76 people and offering both sheetfed and reelfed offset printing.
Open and cordial
Even after more than 30 years, the enthusiasm is palpable. One reason is because there is hardly any hierarchy at Tecnografica. The four managers stand in the middle of production or order processing. Every employee knows that he can go directly to the "boss" with any issues. The weekly meetings with the department heads deal not only with production, but also employees' larger or smaller problems. Romano Sassi works in sales management and is also responsible for a lot of other tasks. "We work a lot and very flexibly. Our employees also come on Saturdays and sometimes stay a few hours longer. We're like a big family where everyone knows they have a place and is an important part of the whole. That motivates and helps us all move forward together," he says.
You can download the complete article on the top right-hand side.
Business Model: Full Service Provider - Kuthal, Mainaschaff, Germany
"There are a lot of good print shops. But there are only a few which take over the demanding logistical tasks for their customers," says Helmut Kraft, Managing Partner of the companies Kuthal, RMD and e.ms in Mainaschaff, Germany, naming the reasons for creating their unique business model. From the idea to delivery, three separate businesses - a print shop, logistics and fulfillment and IT services - complement each other, depending on the customer's demands.
More than others
What is behind it all? The roots of the business stretch back to 1910, when Franz Kuthal founded his print shop, "Kunst- und Handelsdruckerei," in Aschaffenburg. Because he had no successor, he sold his business to Oskar Glaab and Vinzenz Kraft in 1959. And that was actually the birth of today's business, because both owners got to work trying to breathe new life into the print shop with five employees - and with success. Kuthal moved to a larger production building in Mainaschaff in 1967. There, in 1978, the era of offset printing also began. Even at that time their strategy was to offer "more than the others," and that is why the company management did not just invest in the "usual" four-color machines, but rather in five and six-color machines as well in the ensuing years.
Fully developed logistics
When Helmut Kraft took over management of the company in 1984, he initiated an additional growth step: In 1989, new construction created the much needed free space in the old building, which was in the meantime bursting at the seams. At the same time, the former pressrooms became home to the new Drupack GmbH - the company's own logistics service provider. "We wanted to offer our customers full-scale logistics, and so we founded an additional foothold with the logistics company," Helmut Kraft adds and then elaborates, "The idea of investing in further prepress services was also thrown around, of course, but then we would have still been comparable to others, because our prepress was already very industrial and efficient. We therefore asked ourselves, what comes after printing? And how can we offer our customers additional services in that area? In this way, the concept of establishing our own company for shipping, logistics and service was developed."
Business Model: Cooperation - Tecnografica, Lomazzo, Italy
Performance with familial ties
The Italian print shop, Tecnografica, in Lomazzo near Milan is one of those companies that stand out right away. Here the customer is truly king, with an inviting atmosphere, open ambience and friendly staff. "We love our work," says Antonio Nocco, one of four owners and managers. A look into his eyes reveals - he means it! And he immediately explains why: When Nocco founded the print shop in 1975, he began in the proverbial garage - with letterpress and hot type - and an enthusiasm that had to lead to success. Today, a mid-sized company has emerged from the one-man operation, employing 76 people and offering both sheetfed and reelfed offset printing.
Open and cordial
Even after more than 30 years, the enthusiasm is palpable. One reason is because there is hardly any hierarchy at Tecnografica. The four managers stand in the middle of production or order processing. Every employee knows that he can go directly to the "boss" with any issues. The weekly meetings with the department heads deal not only with production, but also employees' larger or smaller problems. Romano Sassi works in sales management and is also responsible for a lot of other tasks. "We work a lot and very flexibly. Our employees also come on Saturdays and sometimes stay a few hours longer. We're like a big family where everyone knows they have a place and is an important part of the whole. That motivates and helps us all move forward together," he says.
You can download the complete article on the top right-hand side.
pdf Document
Here you may download the complete article in pdf format in English, French or Spanish.
Franz Kuthal GmbH & Co. KG
Further information about the print shop is available here. (German version only) Homepage
Tecnografica srl
Further information about the print shop is available here. (Italian version only) Homepage
