Dallas, Tex. – Duplo USA Corporation is pleased to announce the winners of its first annual print embellishment competition, the Shima Awards. Created for users of the DDC-810 Raised Spot UV Coater, the Shima Awards recognizes innovative companies that are leveraging the power of spot coating, texture and tactile effects to deliver print products that are eye-catching and highly profitable. The awards – named after Juko Shima, the founder of Duplo - were presented to three successful customers during the company’s 40th anniversary dinner last week and all entries were showcased inside the Duplo booth during PRINTING United.

“Since the introduction of the DDC-810, we have been amazed by the incredible work our users have created,” says Rick Salinas, Vice President of Marketing at Duplo USA. “Our users have quickly learned to capitalize on unique, memorable experiences and add a new level of value never before thought possible.”

SHIMA AWARD WINNERS

Gold Award – Slate Group

Slate Group in Lubbock, Texas has experienced overall growth since investing in the DDC-810 through increased revenue and attracting new business. By offering to turn marketing pieces into an experience through texturized effects, their customers are seeing higher response rates and a better return on their investment. “We strive to help our customers push the creative limits with their marketing and we are able to offer a cost effective way to make their pieces stand out,” says Trey Laverty, Director of Sales Development at Slate Group. “As we no longer have to outsource spot coating, we are able to increase our profit margin while saving our customers money.”

Silver Award – JP Graphics

JP Graphics in Santa Clara, Calif. has been able to differentiate themselves from the average printer by applying spot coating to various applications including packaging and magnets. By offering a tactile experience with their print products, they have increased their B2C client base substantially over the past year. “The DDC-810 helps our small business customers stand out from the crowd and compete with larger corporations by creating pieces their clients value,” says Joan Escover, President of JP Graphics. “Duplo is really the icing on the cake and I can actually make it look and feel like icing on a cake. Everyone needs the DDC-810, they just don’t know it!”

Bronze Award – Print Connection

Print Connection in Santa Ana, Calif. is one of the first print service providers in Southern California to invest in the DDC-810 Raised Spot UV Coater. “We are able to offer something new and exciting to add to that special project and make it more profitable for us and our customers,” says Mark Sayani, President of Print Connection. “It’s the best decision we’ve ever made.”