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Modagrafics Partners with Wreaths Across America for pilot program

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 22:20:11 +0000

Modagrafics Partners with Wreaths Across America for pilot program admin Fri, 12/14/2018 - 16:20

The Wreaths Across America program continues to grow, reaching 1.5 million military veterans who had wreaths placed on their gravesites at national cemeteries throughout the U.S. last December. Modagrafics is helping to increase awareness by offering a trailer graphics program that is gaining tractability and giving back. This year’s event is scheduled for December 15.

“We saw some amazing graphics and would get calls asking if there was a wrap they could use,” explained Deborah Sparks, who coordinates corporate development and community relations for WAA. “We don’t but I saw Craig Neustadt of Modagrafics at the Private Fleet Truck Show. Most people who want to wrap their trailers prefer it on a permanent basis. Craig said he could help.”

Modagrafics is offering six trailer graphic designs. Using their patented Spedian Vehicle Graphics system to install, the designs include a custom tagline. Modagrafics is donating a portion of each of the proceeds to WAA.

“The generosity of Modagrafics is incredible,” said Sparks. “They cut costs to make it very affordable for any company to become involved so it’s a win-win for everyone. They heard we had a need and want. Now we have a solution.”

Sparks said Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg, Florida became WAA’s prototype for the program. Many others have since signed on in the last three months. Laura Kingsland and Mary Okeefe worked with Sparks to design three of the graphics designs being offered by Modagrafics.

“Wreaths Across America is one of the greatest honors you can present for our fallen veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” noted Kingsland, a commercial vehicle instructor. “My father and grandfather were in the military. Mary’s father and son were in the military so we both have respect for their service and sacrifices. The graphics on our trailer will never be removed. We are very honored and humbled that we were allowed to create such an important symbol to our fallen veterans, and Modagrafics kept that integrity in the designs.”

Wreaths can be sponsored year-round. All donations received after Nov. 30 will go towards next year’s program. Contact Deborah Sparks via email: dsparks@wreathsacrossamerica.org, or call her at 571-217-7068 for more information or to become involved.

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Customer Spotlight: Superior Carriers

admin — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 02:38:11 +0000

Customer Spotlight: Superior Carriers admin Thu, 11/29/2018 - 20:38

During his quarter century of military service – including five as a contractor – it’s safe to say Air Force veteran Mike Godfrey has witnessed more things than the average person does in a lifetime. But one thing he did not see coming was the surprise he experienced on September 21 when Superior Carriers management presented him with a new MACK Anthem sleeper cab.

One of the largest bulk truck carriers in North America, the family owned and operated company partnered with Modagrafics to design, develop and deliver a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The trophy truck with its patriotic theme, complete with a chrome bulldog on the hood, caught Godfrey off guard when he received the keys In front of a sizeable crowd at its Oak Brook, Illinois headquarters. Godfrey and the truck are scheduled to travel around the country. Follow Mike on his journey at #superioranthem.

“It was important that we did this,” said Superior Carriers president, Brian Nowak, “because it reinforces our corporate culture to support U.S. military veterans and their families.”

Purchased from M&K Truck Centers, months of planning and designing ensued. After the final design was selected, it was decided to use Arlon Graphics’ traditional vinyl for the wrap, which took Jeb Breitzke of B5 Installations three days to do in nearby Huntley. The art of disguise also came into play since Godfrey is based in South Carolina. Management invited him to the corporate office under the pretense that he would be helping with a new hiring campaign focused on veterans.

“Never in our company’s 75+ years of business have we ever designed a truck to stand out amongst the others,” remarked Steve Lowman, Superior Carriers’ VP of Operations. “Also, we’ve never presented a tractor to a specific driver. The time and attention paid to the detail and how Modagrafics aligned everything is a perfect balance. This project truly is one of a kind.”

To see how you could monetize your fleet as an advertising medium, contact Michael Loizzo at (847) 481-5383.

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Vinyl decals or films

Fleet

Wreaths Across America Trailer Graphics Program Has Been Extended

admin — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:55:29 +0000

Wreaths Across America Trailer Graphics Program Has Been Extended admin Mon, 11/05/2018 - 09:55

Modagrafics has extended the new trailer graphics program for Wreaths Across America. Six trailer graphic designs are available and Deborah Sparks, who coordinates corporate development and community relations for WAA, says most people who wrap their trailers prefer to do it on a permanent basis. This year's event to honor military veterans takes place December 15 at national cemeteries through the U.S. Read more in the next issue of Brand News.

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Modagrafics Extends Deadline for Wreaths Across America Trailer Graphics Program

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:42:25 +0000

Modagrafics Extends Deadline for Wreaths Across America Trailer Graphics Program admin Fri, 09/28/2018 - 11:42

The deadline has been extended into October for the new trailer graphics program that benefits Wreaths Across America. Modagrafics pioneered this service that allows companies to honor our country's fallen veterans. Read more about this pilot program in the October issue of Brand News and watch this space for future updates. Please contact your Modagrafics Rep to learn more.

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Modagrafics to showcase Spedian Graphics System at National Trailer Dealers Association Convention

admin — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:10:36 +0000

Modagrafics to showcase Spedian Graphics System at National Trailer Dealers Association Convention admin Wed, 09/05/2018 - 10:10

Fleet services graphics provider Modagrafics will feature the remarkable Spedian™ Changeable Graphics System in booth 54 at the 28th annual NTDA Convention, October 3-5 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. A true innovative leader, Modagrafics will also display its award-winning decals capabilities and Rapidus, a highly popular graphics management app.

Modagrafics has taken the North American fleet transportation industry by storm since introducing Spedian, a simple and highly effective graphics branding method. It has steadily gained traction in the marketplace with major corporations and retailers to deliver cost efficient marketing messages. Spedian is the world’s most advanced and only reusable vehicle graphics system. It has no visible frame, does not require any drilling holes in a trailer, and it takes only one hour to install or remove.

“We have a reputation for offering turnkey solutions that resonate with our customers. Spedian is the latest product that makes trailer graphics a very attractive way for marketers to reach their target audiences,” said Michael Loizzo, Vice President of Sales for Modagrafics. “Interest is really high because it is a proven success. Trailer graphics have just as much or more impact than regular billboard advertising and at a significantly lower cost per impression. Many installers also have taken that next step and completed our popular Spedian certification training classes.”

Modagrafics has a long tradition of supplying custom decals that stand out from the competition. State-of-the-art printing technology, combined with excellent material engineering know-how, outstanding customer service and feasible financing programs, are traits that allow Modagrafics to deliver time after time.

“Modagrafics has earned a lofty reputation in the custom detail industry because we understand the process of providing a high quality product,” says Craig Neustadt, Business Development Manager. “We have invested in new modern equipment that is second to none. Combine it with our strong manufacturing capabilities and the skills of our experienced employees, the great looking decals we produce make a statement. They also offer outstanding durability to withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures and abrasive conditions.”

Modagrafics’ investment in new technology includes Rapidus, a mobile app that is being embraced by customers and will be featured at the NTDA Convention.

“Manufacturers who do their own installations should consider using Rapidus,” remarked Loizzo. “It’s a great device and user friendly. Anyone with a regional or national network will be able to take advantage of its real-world ability to provide instant updates that are critical to your organization, all from one location.”

Make time on your schedule to stop by booth 54 at NTDA and learn more about what Modagrafics has to offer. If you are not attending but would like more information, call 800-860-3169.

Double D Express Doubles Down on Mobile Advertising

admin — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 16:38:38 +0000

Double D Express Doubles Down on Mobile Advertising admin Fri, 08/31/2018 - 11:38

Billboard advertising alongside busy highways is a highly-valued space for marketers. In the Chicago area, billboard costs average nearly $5,500 per month. With the right graphics, a tractor-trailer driving on these same highways could attract just as much attention, making it a profitable opportunity.

An opportunity Double D Express is offering its customers for a small fee. They turned to Modagrafics for a graphics and installation program on three semi trailers for their customer, Bonnell Industries. We helped turn the trailers into mobile billboards, surpassing everyone’s highest expectations in the process.

“We were fortunate to enjoy many benefits working with the Modagrafics team,” says Bonnell marketing manager Jessica Bonnell. Based in Dixon, Illinois, Bonnell Industries is one of the leading truck equipment distributors in the northern part of the state and is also a major supplier of snow plows and spreaders to municipalities throughout the U.S.

“First and foremost,” continued Bonnell, “their customer service and communication was pleasant and professional. Their rates are very reasonable and they help you pick out the right application. They are all about customer convenience and that showed during our experience with them.”

She said the three trailers were wrapped from June 18-20 and were quickly noticed on the road, earning positive feedback.

“The actual install was very quick and their team was great at organizing and communicating the completion dates. We have received a massive amount of attention from our three new semi trailer graphics. Many people have commented on how good the graphics look and that they are seeing the trailers all around northern Illinois.”

Double D Express is regarded as one of the most reliable Midwest Regional carriers. Josh Franque, Vice President of Sales for the 33-year-old company, says they brand themselves as the no. 1 LTL carrier in Illinois and they work with a handful of companies who use semi-trailer graphics.

Double D Express LTL trailers travel throughout Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa. Their truckload division covers a larger area in the Midwest. Francque says that some businesses are better suited for trailer graphics than others and that’s where his company and Modagrafics can help.

“Working with Modagrafics is easy and straightforward. They deliver a quality product that provides strong marketing for our mutual customer. Their work reflects well on Double D Express. Customers benefit from increased visibility and greater sales, and Double D Express strengthens the relationship with our shippers.”

To see how you could monetize your fleet as an advertising medium, contact Michael Loizzo at (847) 481-5383.

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Learn more about the Spedian system.

New Trailer Specs Database Speeds Installations

admin — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 16:09:46 +0000

New Trailer Specs Database Speeds Installations admin Fri, 08/17/2018 - 11:09

Recently, Modagrafics entered into a partnership with Spedian, a company that makes an innovative vehicle graphics system. Spedian is changeable and reusable, allowing existing graphics to be replaced by new ones in less than an hour per trailer. As Modagrafics uses Spedian, continual improvements in our process ensure a cost-effective installation. Those improvements rely on accurate research and testing.

Director of Installation Services Jeff Rychlewski and his team continue to make progress thanks to insights gained from a research project. To help streamline the Spedian process, the team looked into the specs of the 10 most common trailer manufacturers on the road today. They found that each manufacturer has a different trailer spec. For example, a 53-foot Wabash trailer is not the same as a 53-foot Utility trailer. According to Rychlewski, differences in heights and rivets requires different size banners to be produced. The specs will be put in a database so the installation team will be able to build an effective plan of action for every project.

“As we work with each manufacturer to confirm their specifications,” he said, “we can confirm these sizes with the measurements provided to us by the manufacturers. Standard sizes will allow production to repeatedly make the same size banners, increasing our productivity. It will also allow the installer to install the Spedigrip frame cleanly without having to cut around every rivet. The customer will be able to change their branding from unit to unit.”

The team is also improving installation processes for trailers that do not use the Spedian system. We are testing induction removal tool prototypes to find one that will expedite the time it takes to remove adhesive.

The culture of continual improvement at Modagrafics inspires us to make the most of new technologies and innovations in the installation process. The greater efficiency helps us meet your budget requirements and achieve outstanding results.

Download our Spedian brochure

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Spedian

Scheduling For Success

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 13:52:16 +0000

Scheduling For Success admin Wed, 08/15/2018 - 08:52

New ERP Software Optimizes Process To Ensure Customer Satisfaction

Modagrafics is always looking for ways to improve our processes, because it helps us serve our customers better. Since the introduction of a new software system on June 1, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), we’ve increased efficiency and productivity while continuing to deliver excellent results. The ERP system provides visibility into our entire process and collects valuable real-time data. The insights collected are having a positive impact on
scheduling and other programs that will benefit customers.

“Today, we can schedule jobs and properly manage our customer’s expectations for delivery,” noted Operations Director Dan Donegan. “Once it is established, we can quickly access the step in the process the job is currently at, and respond to customer inquiries or ensure that we are on schedule to complete the job by its due date. We are also in a position now to monitor our on-time delivery success.”

Donegan said the scheduling component provides visibility to job loads in all cost centers during the manufacturing process.

“By monitoring the cost center job load, we can quickly reallocate personnel to where they are needed or add hours to the process. We can use this analysis to determine when we need to add shifts and personnel to meet our customers’ needs.”

Donegan indicated the system produces material and job data collection and will make the job process more efficient. “This allows us the capability to attain real continuous improvement in all areas, from estimating all the way through shipping. This data can also be used to track material usage and find ways to decrease manufacturing costs, so it is a win-win.”

Donergan said partnering with Enterprise Print Management Solutions will produce new programs in the future, because of the continuous improvement enabled by the ERP software.

“I am very encouraged with how EMPS has been implemented in manufacturing. My team is constantly meeting to improve our use of the system to ensure we are able to utilize it to the fullest. For example, we have purchased a new shipping component that will allow us to upload a customer’s Excel file to shipping, thereby eliminating hours of keystrokes and improving our efficiency.”

Empowered by greater efficiency and productivity, Modagrafics is better able to serve our customers. To learn more about how We Move Brands, contact Michael Loizzo at (847) 481-5383.

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Neil Macleod Takes The Helm At Modagrafics To Guide Continued Growth

admin — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 19:37:49 +0000

Neil Macleod Takes The Helm At Modagrafics To Guide Continued Growth admin Thu, 08/09/2018 - 14:37

Neil Macleod was appointed president and chief executive officer of Modagrafics, effective July 1, 2018. He succeeds Paul Pirkle, who is moving on to pursue another opportunity.

Mr. Macleod is no stranger to Modagrafics, having served in an advisory capacity for the last 15 months to the company’s ownership, Navis Capital Partners. Coming from a managerial accounting background, he has extensive CEO and CFO experience after working for several blue chip companies in the United States and for Navis Capital’s portfolio companies around the world. His breadth and depth of experience will help ensure continued growth for the company and customer satisfaction.

Neil joins Modagrafics at an auspicious time, as the company has made significant progress introducing newly-patented production management practices. The company has also invested in new resource technology and capital equipment upgrades. Both the Spedian™ Changeable Graphics System and the popular fleet graphics management app Rapidus have produced impressive results and new customers.

“The improvements to Modagrafics operational execution these past several years have not only strengthened the company’s financial position, but they have also enabled us to better serve customers on a scale never seen before,” explained Macleod.

The Modagrafics team is pleased to welcome Neil Macleod as We Move Brands and serve our valued customers.

If you’d like to speak with Neil directly about strategic initiatives or technological innovations that impact your vehicle fleet, please contact Jennifer Goluszka, Executive Assistant, at 630-725-8327.

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