When you see a label on something – a jar, a car, or an RV, do you ever wonder how it gets made? Labels have a variety of jobs in sharing information and they have to stick to a variety of surfaces. And the printing has to “stick” to the front of the label so it provides the information you need. Companies want to print labels for all kinds of purposes and someone has to provide the material on which to print the label. That’s when you call Ameri-Cal. Whether you are having a problem getting labels to stick to a surface and need something special, or you want a product with multiple layers, Ameri-Cal can create the label materials for you. Ameri-Cal also is a converter for material used in medical packaging and construction. We take big rolls of paper and other materials, and cut them down into small rolls.
What challenges are you facing?
During COVID, our biggest customers got REALLY busy. They make RV’s and people loved the idea of driving around the country when we were all quarantined. Now that normal travel has resumed, that business has slowed considerably so we are back out looking for new business. But we need to find the right kinds of clients. We don’t make all things for all people and work in smaller batches that are more customized. It is that specialized relationship that makes the difference for us. For example, clients will send us materials like weights from a gym with the need to attach a label and we have to figure out how to make it work through cleanings and handling. That’s where we really shine. But finding new business takes time to identify the company, approach, explain why we are the right company for them to work with, and then start working together. In the past, our business was very consistent so it is an interesting challenge but will help us in the long term.
Where are your customers and suppliers?
Our suppliers are all over the United States. Our customers are too except one company has a location in Italy so we send materials there as well.
Does your company focus on any sustainability efforts?
Because our papers and materials get coated with adhesive, they aren’t just recycleable as is. We are working with our suppliers to find ways to recycle the products and chemicals because it will need to come from that end. But we really want to be involved.
How does your business interact with government?
We work closely with local officials and offer tours on a regular basis. We find the more people know about our business the more likely they are to help us when we need it. When we purchased the second location, we dealt with several departments at the city to ensure we met all the requirements. And because we work with chemicals, we work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure our air quality is always up to standard.
How does someone get a job with your company?
We post our openings and look to our staff for referrals. With only 15 employees, we are a very tight-knit group and work very closely together. It is vital we find people that fit in and have the same work ethic. We are all curious and want to figure out how to make things work for our customers.
Why do people like to work here?
Our staff all gets along really well and we have fun. Everyone knows how to do their job, and they also know how to do other jobs as well so there’s always someone to bounce ideas off of or check in if something isn’t working. Everyone is always willing to help and it is a fun place to come to work. All of our folks like to learn, want to be here, and have a great attitude.