SUSSEX, Wis., June 5 Quad/Graphics is investing $25 million to strengthen and expand its direct mail services through its QuadDirect division. QuadDirect brings together, under one roof, response-driven front-end services such as just-in-time marketing strategies and data solutions with the industry's most sophisticated print manufacturing platform and interactive deployment capabilities.

The $25 million investment includes new equipment such as digital and variable cutoff offset presses, high-speed envelope inserters and commingling machinery as well as vast upgrades to Quad/Graphics' existing 300,000-square-foot facility in Pewaukee, Wis., which will transform it into a state-of-the-art direct mail production facility complete with a digital pressroom. The newly transformed facility, which will begin operations later this year, will complement QuadDirect's existing high-tech facility in Fredericksburg, Va.

"We are once again expanding our direct mail capabilities to offer direct response marketers everything they need in one place, all expertly handled and seamlessly integrated for greater accuracy, shorter cycle time, better quality and the best return on investment," said Joel Quadracci, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics.

QuadDirect, originally formed in 1993, consists of the combined expertise and equipment of several Quad/Graphics divisions including QuadDirect Marketing, QuadData Solutions, Openfirst, QuadSystems, QuadCreative and QuadPhoto.

QuadDirect's front-end services include just-in-time marketing strategies, creative development and data and workflow solutions. Back-end services include online communications deployment, such as Web sites, Web portals and e-mail campaigns, as well as comprehensive print production and distribution. QuadDirect's newer, technologically advanced presses include four-color, fully variable digital presses as well as advanced finishing equipment, all driven by data managed in-house by a 100-plus-person team of data professionals.

QuadDirect is particularly adept at showing direct response marketers how to use data to increase the relevance and response-generating potential of their print and online communications. "QuadDirect is all about transforming raw data into real people and responses," said Steve Jaeger, President of QuadDirect, who also serves as Quad/Graphics' Vice President of Information Systems and Infrastructure. "As the quality of marketers' data improves, the effectiveness of their communication also improves and lowers their cost per response."

QuadDirect uses customer data to drive results in three key ways:

-- Delivery optimization services, such as address correction, standardization and sortation, to maximize mailing efficiencies and postal savings. Mailing lists can be finalized just days before addressing (versus weeks or even months) because QuadDirect seamlessly integrates data and print.

-- Precision targeting to uncover relevant, usable and current customer insights for use in creating marketing messages that are delivered to the right person, at the right place, at the right time.

-- Program deployment seamlessly integrated across all print and online channels, including direct mail, catalogs, magazines, inserts, Web sites, Web portals, e-mail campaigns and more.

QuadDirect's data-driven capabilities are segmented by key vertical markets including agencies, automotive, direct-to-consumer, financial, insurance, healthcare, magazine publishing, not-for-profits, retail (including specialty stores), technology, telecommunications, travel and hospitality.

"We know how to help direct response marketers in all industries acquire new customers, keep them active and maximize their value, all while minimizing production, postage and other costs," Mr. Jaeger said. "It's simple, easy and massively effective."

QuadDirect will be at DM Days New York Conference and Expo, June 10 - 12, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Booth 312.