As COVID-19 cancelled in-person events, sign and graphics companies were forced to develop new revenue streams in order to stay afloat, Gerber Technology reports. Colorwave Graphics was able to expand its business through a quick and seamless transition to producing personal protective equipment (PPE) by leveraging its Gerber MCT Cutter.

Colorwave was able to develop signage for social distancing, sneeze guards and even a temporary hospital bed made from 100% recyclable material. Additionally, the versatile solution empowers the Illinois-based signage producer to greatly improve its speed and throughput, enabling it to cut 2-up gang banners in just 20 seconds, which normally would have taken 40 hours manually, according to Gerber.

“The pandemic has further highlighted the need for versatility in the sign & graphics space,” said Pete Doscas, Vice President & General Manager, Americas Sales & Service Delivery of Gerber Technology. “Since Colorwave was already leveraging a versatile solution that enables them to create and produce a variety of projects, they were able to quickly expand their business for PPE without falling behind.”

“Colorwave saw an immediate improvement in their production process when they integrated the Gerber MCT Cutter into their supply chain last year. They were able to handle multiple projects at once and take on new projects that they previously weren’t able to, all while improving throughput, reducing operator error and shortening time to market. With the Gerber MCT Cutter, the industry’s most versatile solution, Colorwave was able to create 800 banners as 2-up gangs in just four hours. It cut each gang banner in 20 seconds, which normally would have taken their team 40+ hours to cut by hand,” Gerber adds.

“Having the ability to run multiple projects, all with unique cutting and routing processes, was a major game changer for us,“said Mike Lombardo of Colorwave Graphics. “Not only were we able to take on new projects but we were also able to dramatically increase our throughput.”

“To optimize their supply chain even further, Colorwave also utilized Gerber’s advanced, remote service and support solutions. Gerber professionals were able to remotely access Colorwave’s TigerVision software and resolve complex issues quickly to get them back up and running within minutes,” Gerber said.

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