• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Paper Substrates

    Wine Labels

    Static Control

    Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems

    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report

    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays

    Springfield Solutions highlights digital label embellishments

    Labelexpo Americas, Europe postponed to 2022

    Fort Dearborn Company acquires Hammer Packaging
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays

    Springfield Solutions highlights digital label embellishments

    Linerless labels help Belona assist meat product client

    Schreiner MediPharm and AARDEX partner for clinical trials

    Avery Dennison optimizes adhesives for pharmaceutical labeling
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays

    Labelexpo Americas, Europe postponed to 2022

    Fort Dearborn Company acquires Hammer Packaging

    Detailing the journey of the label business seller

    Abbott Label installs Domino K600i dual bar digital UV inkjet printer
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report

    Flint Group Packaging announces global price increase

    Abbott Label installs Domino K600i dual bar digital UV inkjet printer

    CP Printing adds Colordyne 3800 Series AP – Retrofit

    PCMC launches fully modular digital conversion system
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Abbott Label installs Domino K600i dual bar digital UV inkjet printer

    CP Printing adds Colordyne 3800 Series AP – Retrofit

    Edale names SMAG Graphique distributor in France

    X-Rite announces new automated scanning products

    MPS extends production floorspace
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report

    Flint Group Packaging announces global price increase

    VideoBite: Avery Dennison discusses acpo acquisition

    UEI names Ross Hutchison president

    Alphasonics unveils new plate loading system
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Mechanical Specialties, Inc.

    Dantex Group

    KTI

    QC Electronics, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Narrow Web Profile: DWS Printing

    After more than 150 years, the New York converter has remained successful by staying on the forefront of new technologies.

    Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing
    Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing
    TJ Staib (L), Tom Staib, and John Gulino have seen excellent results since investing in the MPS EF SymJet Powered by Domino.
    Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing
    This 10-color Omet press helped DWS establish itself in the shrink sleeve and roll-fed beverage label markets.
    Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing
    Greg Hrinya, Editor03.05.20
    DWS Printing Associates
    89 N Industry Court, Deer Park, NY, USA 11729
    www.dwsprinting.com


    There aren’t many companies – printing or otherwise – that boast the same kind of rich history as DWS Printing. The NY-based converter traces its origins back to the Civil War, but there is nothing old-school about DWS’ printing operations.

    Tom Staib, president and owner, and Andy Staib, owner, currently preside over this fifth-generation label provider. The company has been in business for more than 150 years, and the Staib family has it poised to thrive well into the future. 

    DWS, originally named David Weil’s Sons Lithographic Co., originated in 1865, when Weil established a printing company for his sons following the war. Charles Staib, great-grandfather of Tom and Andy, joined the company in 1888 and soon became principal managing partner. Arthur, Charles’ son, joined his father, where they ran David Weil’s Sons until Allen and his brother Arthur, Tom and Andy’s father and uncle, entered the fold in the late 1950s.

    A compilation book, which was a 1980 Christmas gift from Arthur to Allen, adorns the modern-day DWS conference room. It features a wide range of labels, some that date back to the late 1800s. “The printing back then really blew my mind because a lot of it was done with engraved litho stones,” explains Tom. “The company did a lot of textile labels back then. You can see the illustration and detail on these litho stones, so it fascinates me to no end that the company was able to produce these labels with this kind of quality.”

    Fast forward to 1987, when Tom graduated from Villanova with a finance degree. He had spent summers working with his father at DWS, occupying several roles that included packing labels in the back of the shop. While many of his friends were pursuing jobs on Wall Street, Tom had printing in his blood.

    “For me, there was always a place for DWS,” says Tom. “Even as I was going through school at Villanova, I was thinking about how I could take some of that information and knowledge and apply it to the company.”

    Tom always set his sights on the next great technology, and his foresight came into play immediately. After joining his father and uncle at DWS, Tom convinced the third generation of Staibs to invest in a fax machine. “In 1987, I’ll never forget my uncle saying, ‘What’s a fax machine?’ I said, ‘We have to get one, because that’s how people are sending us orders now.’” That $400 Brother fax machine set the stage for DWS’ future. The company acquired some prominent customers along the way, but industry consolidation shifted the landscape in the late 1990s. The Staibs knew how to make their customers happy, but they would have to adapt to see the company successfully into the fourth generation.

    “We’re a small shop but smaller back then,” says Tom. “We didn’t have 10 presses, but we knew how to turn labels around on time. We’d put labels in the trunk of our car and deliver them if we had to.”

    Andy joined Tom at DWS in 1991, before Allen decided to retire in 1996. An industry fixture, Allen passed away recently in 2016.

    “My dad left a great legacy for my brother and me,” says Tom. “He instilled a lot of good, solid moral values in us and taught us how to always do the next right thing.”

    Tom and Andy have continued the legacy, as the company now employs 50 people in a 37,000 square-foot space on Long Island. The company previously held locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn before settling in Long Island in the 1960s. The move to Long Island also coincided with the company’s name change from David Weil’s Sons Lithographic Co. to DWS Printing Associates.

    Family has continued to play a big part at the company, as Tom and Andy’s sister, Kathy, joined DWS over six years ago in a sales role. Meanwhile, Tom’s son, TJ, joined the company after graduating from Villanova with a BS in Finance and working for Heidelberg at its German headquarters. TJ, the fifth generation of Staibs to work at DWS, heads up the Packaging Division, where the company applies shrink sleeves directly to cans.

    Prior to 2009, DWS’ business consisted of cut-and-stack label printing, where the company was 100% sheetfed offset. Tom knew, however, that to withstand the economic downturn, DWS would have to get bold in its investment strategy.

    Several substantial gambles paid off, as DWS expanded its business.

    Going flexo
    In 2009, Tom knew that he needed to diversify in order to continue competing in the label printing world. “Business was starting to drop and we wondered how to take the business to the next level,” notes Tom. “Do we hunker down and keep our fingers crossed that we’ll make it through this recession okay, or do we diversify and invest? That’s when we made the leap into flexo.”

    DWS invested in a narrow web Nilpeter FB press, which got the company acclimated to flexo printing. DWS transitioned some existing pressure sensitive label jobs to the press, even though – at the time – it was not a significant amount of work. Tom recognized the trends and knew that the label printing industry was moving in that direction.

    “We didn’t have enough business to justify the purchase of a new press, but we said, ‘Let’s make this move because the world of flexo is growing at a faster pace than the offset world,’” says Tom. “It was totally out-of-the-box thinking, but it’s been one of the best moves we’ve made.”

    The growth did not stop there, either. While attending drupa in 2012, Tom signed for an 8-color Heidelberg XL 106 press to help with DWS’ core competency, the sheetfed cut-and-stack printing business.

    “Without the Heidelberg press, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and I’m convinced of that,” states Tom. “It was a huge investment; the biggest one the company has ever made. I said, ‘Dad, if we don’t spend the money we’re not going to be able to compete out there. We’re going to be dead in five years. And I honestly believe that we would have been.”

    In addition to pinpointing flexo label printing as an industry trend, Tom became intrigued by the prospect of shrink sleeve printing. With shrink sleeves growing by nearly 10%, and the Staibs firmly entrenched in the beverages market, Tom looked to invest in another growth opportunity.

    “Everywhere you look there’s a shrink sleeve on a product, and it was bothering me that we weren’t a part of that market,” he says. “In 2015, we bought a wider web, 10-color Omet press that’s full UV, with all the bells and whistles, and that enabled us to tap into the shrink sleeve label market, as well as the roll-fed beverage label market. That, too, has been a great boon for the company because that has opened up so many doors for us. In the world of labels, shrink sleeves are huge.”

    The next frontier
    DWS Printing did not rest on its laurels with flexo. Following investments in Nilpeter, Heidelberg and Omet, the Staibs identified digital as the next great trend in label printing.

    “Digital has become such a major force,” says Tom. “We were watching what was going on in the industry, and it became more frustrating to lose some orders from good accounts because we couldn’t compete on the small runs.

    “At first, I didn’t want the small runs, I wanted the larger runs,” he adds. “But the reality is those small runs are becoming a lot more prevalent in the industry. They can complement each other. You can take the big runs, but they also might have a specialty brew or seasonal product for which they don’t require a lot of labels, and it just makes more sense to do the jobs digitally.”

    After recognizing the need to invest in digital printing, Tom and John Gulino, technical manager at DWS, embarked on a year-and-a-half journey to find the perfect fit for their company. In 2016, Tom began to learn the nuances of the technology while at the Digital Packaging Summit in Florida. While there, he introduced himself to all the major digital suppliers. Soon after, the Staibs started running trial jobs on the various presses, including electrophotography (EP) and UV inkjet systems.

    Since shrink sleeve printing had become such a significant source of business for DWS, the ability to run those jobs was a sticking point. “Digitally printed shrink sleeves were going to be a significant part of this investment, so if we bought a press that couldn’t print shrink, it was defeating the purpose. And at the time, EP was the only game in town,” explains Tom. “A lot of our work is not necessarily suited for flexo because it’s short run in nature.”

    Due to its thickness and inability to shrink, printing UV inkjet on shrink film proved to be problematic. DWS then experimented with a host of options, including running the jobs digitally – minus the white – and then transferring the run to the Omet press for application of the flexo shrink white ink.

    DWS first experienced success with Domino’s UV 90 inkset. However, there was another option that came into play: hybrid printing.

    “If we could print digitally and then put down the white ink – inline and all in one pass – then that was a game-changer,” states Tom. “And that was the way we opted to go.”

    The Staibs selected the MPS EF SymJet Powered by Domino. Although they were not initially well-versed in MPS’ product range, they soon realized the benefits of going with the Dutch press manufacturer.

    “I knew who MPS was, but I didn’t know a lot about them,” notes Tom. “The more homework I did, the more I learned they were a high-end flexo press manufacturer. Their automation and sophistication was most impressive. We went over to the Netherlands to conduct demos, and that’s ultimately where we landed, partnering with MPS and Domino.

    “It’s been a good ride,” adds Tom. “We wanted to differentiate ourselves, and this hybrid press technology is certainly a differentiator for us. But I’ve also got to be careful because I don’t want to differentiate just to differentiate. I’ve got to make sure that the technology is doing what we need it to do and will enable us to compete in an ever-evolving market. And it does.”

    DWS philosophy
    A company cannot survive for 150-plus years without embracing several tenets of business. The Staibs have not been afraid to take chances, whether it be joining the company in 1888 or investing in digital hybrid printing in 2016.

    “Some people may not agree with my philosophy, but I have the ‘Build it and they will come’ mindset,” explains Tom. “I know there’s potential and I know there’s opportunity, even though I don’t have a ton of work for this equipment – yet. We had faith and we had a good sales team and good marketing. Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith. My brother and I have a saying, ‘Failure is not an option,’ and we strongly believe that. We’re going to do whatever it takes to succeed, and there might be some bumps on the road or setbacks along the way, but that’s par for the course in business. But it’s been a great ride.”

    The Staibs have not become satisfied, either. Whether it be through conferences and trade shows or diligent research, Tom is always looking for the upcoming technology that can bring his business to the next level.

    “One of the things that I’ve learned over the years is to stay on the forefront of technology, understanding where the industry is going and learning how we can be a part of that,” he says. “My job is to figure out where we are today and where we are going tomorrow. You can’t sit still in this industry because the technology is changing so much that you need to keep abreast of what’s going on in the world of label printing.”

    Tom’s philosophy has also changed regarding industry events. As a youngster, he didn’t quite see the point of mingling with his competitors. Today, though, Tom is a fixture at TLMI, PIA and FLAG/IPW events.

    “There was always something strange about having breakfast with one of your competitors, and it was kind of weird,” he says. “That was my mindset back then, and obviously, I’ve matured and grown. I’ve come to realize that we can accomplish a whole lot more together as a group than you can if you try to do it on your own. We share best practices – not pricing or account info. It’s business owners and senior managers who are there to talk about the challenges of the industry. This is my mindset today and it’s really been a wonderful experience.” 

    He’s taken quite a bit from these events, too. DWS has become proactive in instituting Lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement (CI). The company has a CI team that meets regularly, discussing numerous topics, such as minimizing waste, implementing corrective actions, improving speed and efficiency, and dealing with all customer inquiries.

    “These measures keep us focused on moving in the right direction,” says Tom. “The net effect has been increased profit margins. Our philosophy is to always do the right thing, as it’s something my parents instilled in me and I try to pass on around the company. We’ll jump through hoops for our customers to make sure we deliver on time every time, doing whatever it takes.”
    Related Searches
    • automation
    • press
    • change
    • manufacturing

    Related Features

    • Plate Mounting

      Plate Mounting

      Proper plate technology is required to ensure the best results on-press.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Low Migration Inks

      Low Migration Inks

      These ink systems protect the consumer by minimizing the risk of contamination.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Inspection Equipment

      Inspection Equipment

      Quality-assurance technologies can pay big dividends for label printers.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20


    • Narrow Web Profile:  Great Lakes Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Great Lakes Label

      Big gambles have led to big success for this Michigan-based label converter.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Flexo Presses | Flexography
      Flexo Press Economics

      Flexo Press Economics

      With flexography playing such a dominant role in the North American label market, choosing the right press can literally make or break a business.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • Tabletop Digital Printers

      Tabletop Digital Printers

      These affordable units can print labels for a variety of end uses.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20


    • Security Labels

      Security Labels

      Labels and packaging can help protect consumer goods in the high-stakes game of counterfeiting.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      Static is a problem all converters can relate to, but there are a range of factors that can influence the challenge.
      Matt Fyffe 01.31.20

    • Sustainable Substrates

      Sustainable Substrates

      Suppliers are developing new products to positively impact the environment.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20


    • Beer Labels

      Beer Labels

      Bold designs and digital printing have this market segment buzzing.
      Steve Katz, Editor 01.31.20

    • Narrow Web Profile:  Rose City Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Rose City Label

      The family-owned label manufacturer continues to evolve with digital printing and sustainable practices.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20

    • The 2019 TLMI Awards

      The 2019 TLMI Awards

      Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine and Spirits earned the top honor for its Prayers of Sinners entry.
      11.15.19


    • Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

      Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

      A total of 693 exhibitors participated at the event, which took place September 24-27, 2019 at the Brussels Expo in Belgium.
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.15.19

    • Cannabis Labels

      Cannabis Labels

      The advantages of digital printing align perfectly with the needs of this new and evolving market.
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.15.19

    • Digital Printers and Presses

      Digital Printers and Presses

      OEMs continue to achieve technological advancements that result in more and more label printing equipment options.
      Steve Katz & Greg Hrinya, Editor & Associate Editor 11.15.19


    Trending
    • Labelexpo Americas, Europe Postponed To 2022
    • Fort Dearborn Company Acquires Hammer Packaging
    • Lemu Group Engineers Mask-making Machine
    • Henkel Publishes 30th Sustainability Report
    • Springfield Solutions Highlights Digital Label Embellishments
    Breaking News
    • Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team
    • Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report
    • Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays
    • Springfield Solutions highlights digital label embellishments
    • Labelexpo Americas, Europe postponed to 2022
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2021

    • Paper Substrates
    • Wine Labels
    • Static Control
    • Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Thymoquinone Inhibits Viral Infection in In Vitro Settings, New Study Finds
    IFT Transitions 2021 Annual Event to Digital Experience
    NY Federal Judge Enters Permanent Injunction Against Dietary Supplement Manufacturer
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Sherwin-Williams Announces Resignation of President, COO
    Ashland Completes Expansion, Relocation of Viatel Bioresorbable Polymers Manufacturing Facility
    Evonik Receives Sustainability Award from EcoVadis
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex CFO Announces Retirement
    New AI-Based Tool Developed for Coronary Artery Analysis, Intervention Planning
    First Reported Use of Pulse Biosciences' CellFX System
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    AGC Biologics Expands Cell and Gene Facility in Italy
    Celonic to Boost Cell & Gene Therapy Production
    Pharmaron Acquires Biomanufacturing Site in the UK from AbbVie
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Ulta Beauty Opens in Herald Square
    Elizabeth Arden Taps Sui He as Global Brand Ambassador
    Natura &Co Outperforms the Global Market in Q4 2020
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    What You're Reading on Happi.com
    Indie Beauty Innovators Wanted
    Cosmetic Chemists Seek Mentors
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Massilly North America Adds Koenig & Bauer MetalStar 3 Metal Decorating Press
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Access Direct Mail Doubles Revenue with SCREEN's Truepress Jet520HD
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team
    Henkel publishes 30th Sustainability Report
    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    FPInnovations Develops Biodegradable Mask
    Sani Professional Sanitizing and Disinfecting Products Approved by EPA
    Autefa Solutions Offers Fully Automated Line for Protective Mask Production
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Colfax Decides to Divide Its Businesses
    Stryker Corp.'s 2020 Sales Slip 3.6 Percent
    Bioventus Appoints Managing Director, China and Asia Pacific
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login