Itasca, IL - Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, today announced that Information Planning & Manufacturing Systems, Inc. (IPMS), a retail consulting firm specializing in developing and implementing business solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase sales and profits, is leveraging Xeikon technology to produce its patented shelf-strip solution.

IPMS is the name that retailers across the U.S. count on for value-driven, integrated shelf strip solutions that help them execute successful merchandising strategies and consistently deliver higher return on investment. Incorporated in 1995 and based in Sterling, VA, IPMS provides consulting, planning, process development, software, and management services that help retailers decrease labor costs for stocking shelves, increase pricing accuracy, facilitate planogram implementation, and grow revenues.

IPMS has a large production network throughout North America that includes seven Xeikon digital color presses in operation. The company first invested in Xeikon technology several years ago; In November of 2010, the company integrated two Xeikon 5000's into its operations.

"We needed a high speed press that would print digital variable data for sheet lengths up to four feet long and greater, so that it could be cut down into finished shelf strips that are store specific," said IPMS CEO EJ Dale. "Due to its incredible format flexibility, Xeikon offers the only technology capable of printing our shelf strips."

The Xeikon technology is unique in its handling of scalable paper widths from 12.6 inches up to 20 inches with virtually no restriction on the length of the printed pieces. Xeikon technology also allows its users to print on both sides of the substrate simultaneously for perfect front-to-back registration and data integrity. In addition, it can handle a wide range of substrate weights ranging from 40 gsm (27 lb text) all the way up to 350 gsm (16-pt board stock), enabling the production of a wide assortment of value-generating applications.

According to Michael V. Ring, president of Xeikon America, Inc., "As a leader in the retail industry, IPMS customers rely on them for impeccable, yet speedy, turnaround for shelf strips. IPMS recognizes that in order to stay competitive and achieve long term success, you have to adapt to your customers' changing needs. We are pleased that they have found a true partner in Xeikon to achieve these objectives"