Case Study: Ranir

Ranir and Foremost Graphics formed a solid partnership in the early 1980s, when we began printing dental floss backer cards using offset presses. In 1999, dissatisfied with their flexographic vendor, Ranir asked us to consider adding flexo printing capabilities and so we could take on their flexo packaging work.

After a joint research and analysis effort, Foremost Graphics purchased a UV flexo press and began producing Ranir’s vinyl toothbrush backers. A few years later we added digital plates for improved print quality—just one example of the two companies’ ongoing collaboration in pursuit of process improvements.

In 2006 we co-developed a flexo process management system to streamline our shared workflow and reduce indirect costs. The following year, Foremost Graphics invested in a second narrow-web UV flexo press to handle Ranir’s growing order volumes.

Through innovation and close collaboration, Foremost Graphics and Ranir have successfully trimmed time and costs from the packaging production process, all while improving agility and product quality. For example:

• Foremost Graphics switched to an environmentally friendly coating to meet Ranir’s customers’ sustainability needs.
• We became GMI certified to assure consistent color matches to the end customer’s standard.
• Our process management software allows us to customize run lengths by SKU.
• Ranir’s inventory is dramatically smaller, thanks to supply-side forecasting and inventory control. This reduces the costs associated with inventory control and obsolescence.

In short, this partnership allows the two companies to focus on their core business and achieve lean manufacturing results that serve the consumer as well.