ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — Independent grocery stores play a unique role in America’s economy. Independent grocers vary in store size and format. Many independents have been cornerstones of their communities for generations, developing very close relationships with customers.

These entrepreneurs of the retail industry have Affiliated Foods Midwest in their corner so they can compete, grow and remain profitable year after year. The Norfolk, Neb.-based cooperative keeps its member-owners well supplied with quality goods and services. As part of its CONNECT Advertising & Marketing Services program, Affiliated Foods Midwest installed the Screen Truepress Jet2500UV board and roll inkjet printing system.

“We always look to implement solutions to improve our members’ long-term business prospects,” said Bill McGuire, director of logistics. “The Truepress Jet2500UV gives our members a definite edge in competing against larger retail groups that print their own in-store advertising. Because of the Truepress, Affiliated Foods Midwest can increase our production and offer cost-effective prices on wide-format printing.”

Affiliated Foods Midwest was formed in 1931 to make wholesale purchases for a group of Nebraska retailers. Today, more than 800 independent grocers in 15 states collectively own the co-op. Distribution centers in Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin supply fresh produce, meats, deli items, baked goods, dairy products and frozen foods, as well as general merchandise and equipment. The co-op distributes goods under the Shurfine brand and IGA labels. Additionally, Affiliated Foods Midwest provides marketing, merchandising and warehousing support services.

Co-op members stay connected with their customers through ad circulars, magazines, flyers and signs printed at the headquarters facility in Norfolk. Web marketing, social and electronic media complement the traditional printed materials to draw shoppers to the grocery aisles.

“Members decide for themselves the types of materials they want,” McGuire said. “No two stores have identical marketing needs, even those located five miles away from each other. We have to be all things to our members.”

Print service providers continue to be amazed by every new application that the 98.4-inch Truepress Jet2500UV is capable of satisfying.

“The Screen device is versatile in its capabilities,” McGuire said. “Other machines we compared could not provide the same array of print applications. It is also a heavy-duty press that is built to last.”

Designed to handle roll-fed and rigid media with speed and ease, the Truepress Jet2500UV delivers 1,500 dpi resolution using a true eight-level grayscale variable pattern with droplet sizes from 6 to 42 picoliters. It is renowned for photo-quality imaging of posters, banners, point-of-sale displays and other types of indoor and outdoor graphics.

“The Truepress Jet2500UV allows us to print directly on corrugated, PVC and aluminum board for signs and displays,” McGuire said. “Prior to installing the Truepress, we were printing on vinyl adhesive and then applying the vinyl to board material. Now we are exploring ways to increase our arsenal of board work to make the best use of the press. We can choose the resolution required to enable the highest quality possible on a particular job.”

Independent grocers want their in-store promotions to really stand out. The Truepress Jet2500UV’s application versatility includes stunning three-dimensional materials.

“The Truepress Jet2500UV prints textured images up to 21 layers,” McGuire noted. “We can create impressive value-added custom effects. The multiple image layers open up possibilities to produce Braille formats for ADA graphics and double-sided window graphics.”

For more information about Screen USA and the Truepress Jet2500UV, please visit www.screenusa.com.