Due to the lack of local capacity for high quality packaging, and with the encouragement of J. Rieger for their distillery label needs, we are so excited to launch a new label and packing capability to the KC market!

In April, MEDiAHEAD acquired a Hewlett Packard 6800 7-color digital packaging press with the most versatile finisher on the market – the Grafisk Maskinfabrik HF 330 Standalone Hot Foil and the SC330 Compact Label Finisher.

The New Press The New Press

The “Rolls Royce” of label and packing solutions – it can perform multiple finishing processes in one run: shrink films for packaging and beverages, multi-layer labels, laser die cutting, hot and cold foil, digital varnish and cast & cure.

The right combination of quality and beauty.

The HF330 delivers endless hot stamping possibilities, combined with embossing. With our 50-ton stamper, thin lines and detailed elements are no problem, giving you the best embellishments that are available.

The New Press

The new HP 6800 packaging press has the widest ink portfolio in the industry: spot PMS, premium white, silver with a wide gamut of metallic colors, fade resistant yellow, magenta and orange, invisible yellow, blue and red for security, fluorescent pink for glow in the dark. Orange, violet and green can achieve highly accurate spot color emulations.

A suite of enhanced label resistance labels will also be available – chemical, mechanical, thermal, water and scuff resistance.

The New Press

With this press, anything can become variable: text, barcodes, images of even the patterns themselves. Once you provide the basic elements, HP Collage creates virtually unlimited variations.

We will be sharing more stories about these capabilities being used for client projects to show you just how capable this new solution is!

If you want to learn more about these capabilities for your next project, please give us a call!

Burning BridgeBy Kat McDaniel, Principal at MEDiAHEAD

There are times when you need to consider firing a client. It’s always a delicate and stressful situation that requires a lot of tact.

Before you decide to fire the client, evaluate the benefits and risks of doing so.

  • How will this affect your reputation and resources?
  • Are there unresolved conflicts that could be resolved?
  • Is the client too demanding, expects impossible deadlines and wants more than they’re paying for? (Sound familiar?)

I’ve had to fire clients in the past because of the way they treated my team. If you don’t let your employees know that you will stand up for them, how can you inspire loyalty?

Parting on Good Terms

If you decide to move forward, it helps to do some planning. When you talk to your client, you should have an honest message that explains why you’re dissolving the partnership, what you appreciated about the relationship and how you will handle the transition. (Having an exit strategy will help avoid misunderstandings, disputes, and legal issues.)

The way you talk to your client about your exit can make a big difference. Don’t blame or criticize them. Don’t accuse them of any wrongdoing even if there are good reasons to do so. Of course, if they did something illegal, that is fair game.  Focus on the positive parts of your relationship and acknowledge their contributions.

A Bridge in Kansas CityWe can’t forget that even though this is a business relationship, people’s feelings are involved. Most importantly, Kansas City is a VERY small town, so be respectful.

You should also consider maintaining the relationship with your former client if possible. They can still be a valuable source of referrals and insights. You never know when you might cross paths in the future.

Post Breakup

After the transition is complete, reflect on the experience and learn from it.

  • What worked and what didn’t?
  • Was there something you did in the beginning that led to parting ways?
  • What lessons did you learn that will help you make sure the next partnership works well?

Some people are going to be angry. Some people will understand. All you can control is making the right decisions for your team and your company. And if that means parting ways with a client, even one that’s important to your business financially, trust your instincts and act. There’s a reason your gut is telling you it’s time to make a change.