Marsid-M&M Group Makes Strides Toward a Successful Future (Continued)

Originally Published in Printing News Magazine - written by Erica Iacono

So, in June 2002, The Marsid-M&M Group was born, with Messrs. Caputo and Halpern acting as equal partners. After just six months, the two began to make sweeping changes to the company. First, nearly all existing equipment from the two companies was replaced. The only exceptions were an Agfa Accuset 1000 imagesetter and a Polar 76em computerized cutter. Next, the company moved to CTP workflow, becoming a beta site for the RIPit Symphony software and Speedsetter imagesetter. The imagesetter’s double buffer bridge allows the shop to process more plates at a higher speed; the shop currently produces 1,500 plates per month

The company’s postpress department has provided an added value for customers.

Marsid-M&M continues to produce a variety of work—from full-color brochures and
catalogs to newsletters and stationery. These days, trade work accounts for about 30
percent of business. In keeping with customers’ requests for fast service, Marsid-M&M
is able to meet a 24–48-hour turnaround time. Average run length on a job is
5,000–12,000. The press room runs one eight-hour shift per day with overtime, when
needed. The majority of work is done on the firm’s Ryobi 3304 four-color press, two
Ryobi 3302 two-color presses, and a Ryobi 3200.

In addition, the company boasts a full postpress operation, including the Polar 76em
cutter, two Baum folders, a Duplo Dynamic bookletmaker, a Duplo Perfect Binder
MR-500, and a Count Auto Pro Plus, among others. Recently, the company added
mailing services to its operation with an Asmarc Accufast system.

Messrs. Halpern and Caputo agree that adding value to Marsid-M&M’s services is one of the best ways to succeed in today’s competitive printing industry. “We don’t mind spending the money,” Mr. Halpern says. “It takes money to make money.”

Internet Exposure

As part of the effort to keep up with customers’ needs, the company recently launched a new Web site, http://www.mmprint.com/. After only two months, nearly 25 percent of the company’s busi- ness comes from the site—including national accounts.

The site allows customers to upload digital files, which can then be pre-flighted and sent to press. For those customers who are not as proficient in design-based programs, or use PCs, Marsid-M&M encourages the Direct 2 Press aspect of the Web site. The feature allows users to download the company’s print driver to their own computer and print their jobs to the driver, regardless of format. The file is then converted into a PDF format and sent to Marsid-M&M’s prepress department. Willingness to work with, and correct, less-than-perfect files, Mr. Caputo says, is something that sets the company apart.

In addition, the site allows prospective customers to enter multiple quotes for consideration. Despite the technology involved, good customer service still plays a role in this aspect of the business. Customers can plug in the information for the job they want quoted and receive a personalized response within two hours.

In spite of the weakened economy, business is good at The Marsid-M&M Group. Moreover, there is the overwhelming desire to make it even better. For Mr. Caputo, it is through technology, which he researches daily on the Internet and at trade shows. Mr. Halpern says he would like to eventually get into the digital market, when it makes economical sense for the company. At the very least, he’d like to see the operation add a digital imaging press in the near future.

Ultimately, though, he is concerned with making sure each of Marsid-M&M’s 15 employees enjoys coming to work as much as he does. “I’m here because I love being here,” he says. “We’re going to be here for a long time.”