Platinum Elite
As success travels quickly, many new IPW members are taking the Platinum Elite pledge. The program dynamics are unique in that as membership and corresponding procurement volumes grow, the bonus pool grows exponentially. Strict confidentiality throughout the process gives suppliers the latitude they need to reward our new level of supplier and brand loyalty. For this Executive Summary, I wanted to share a few personal comments and testimonies direct from IPW Platinum Elite members. Peer endorsements fuel momentum and excitement as the word quickly spreads.
Certainly Agfa/Pitman is critical to the momentum and success of our IPW Platinum Elite program and process. As an IPW Platinum Elite (PE) partner, Agfa has been extremely successful in converting IPW Platinum elite members from Fuji to Agfa products. To date, there have been 6 conversions with 9 more in process. IPW PE Members are enjoying not only the additional financial benefits of PE participation, but also the world-class Agfa solutions, products and performance.
One of the most recent conversions to Agfa prepress plates was IPW Member Graphic Visual Solutions of Greensboro, NC. Under the helm of Bryan Hall, President, Graphic Visual Solutions is a very diversified commercial and packaging printer with sales over $25 million. Prior to Platinum Elite, Bryan had successfully run Fuji plates for over 15 years with no motivation to switch. Graphic Visual Solutions has supported IPW efforts since joining in November of 2001. Bryan joined IPW leadership in traveling to China in 2007, when IPW was buying its house sheet from China. Continuing his strong support for IPW, Bryan now fully backs the Platinum Elite Model with its unparalleled economies of scale. Bryan is now encouraging other IPW members to join Platinum Elite to realize the increased incentives resulting from our win/win supplier loyalty platform.
Testimonials:
Graphic Visual Solutions, Greensboro, NC
“After multiple rounds of testing the AGFA plates, the results shocked us in that they exceeded the exceptional performance we had always enjoyed with Fuji. We experienced quicker rollup, less scratching, improved ink and water balance, significant reductions of picture framing and back cylinder buildup, sharper printing (less dot gain) and much longer plate life on our HUV press. Achieving superior performance while reducing costs made this a no-brainer decision. The actual changeover went very, very well actually accomplishing it in one day. Agfa’s team was very impressive and worked hard to make it smooth and successful. So far, only positive comments from both prepress and the pressroom. We are very happy. Agfa has stepped up to the table and I challenge all members to do the same. It’s time to move from Fuji to Agfa. All IPW members who are considering changing are welcome to call me at 336-292-4000 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”
-Bryan Hall, President, Graphic Visual Solutions
Consolidated Press, Seattle, WA
“Our first IPW Platinum Elite bonus incentive topped $10,000 and got our immediate attention. The key Platinum Elite programs including NewPage, Domtar, Agfa/Pitman, UPS and Prisco are doubling our standard quarterly incentives. Now, with the addition of Spicers Paper, our Platinum opportunity is looking great!”
-Gary Stone, CEO
Baker Printing, Baton Rouge, LA
“Spearheaded by MAC Papers and NewPage coated papers, the IPW Platinum Elite programs have brought a new sense of procurement leverage and competitive ability to my Baton Rouge and New Orleans market. IPW continues to bring new solutions that out-pace industry supplier consolidation and turmoil!”
-Andy Bishop, President
O’Neil Printing, Phoenix, AZ
“We were very excited that with the inclusion of Spicers Paper into the IPW Platinum Elite program for the western region, our bonus incentive topped $14,000 last quarter! We are indeed proud of our long- standing partnership with IPW dating back to 2002!”
-Anthony Narducci, President
Delzer, Waukesha, WI
“Our Platinum Elite paper duo of Lindenmeyr and NewPage are giving Delzer the quality and responsiveness we need to compete in our highly-charged greater Milwaukee market. We are excited that NetPrint will now be a major player in the IPW Platinum Elite bonus incentive program!”
-Tim Weske, VP Operations
Taylor Printing Group, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
“We are very pleased that IPW Platinum Elite is reaching all the way up north to Taylor Printing Group here in New Brunswick, Canada. The Agfa prepress solutions are fantastic and are giving us a great springboard to increase Platinum Elite bonuses next quarter and well into the future!”
-Scott Williams, Owner
The Sauers Group, Inc., Atlanta, GA
“Our conversions to Agfa and Verso under the Platinum Elite program are the perfect fit here at Sauers. Along with Huber (Hostmann) and the Platinum Elite UPS programs, a company our size can now save even more and be buying with the Top 10!”
-Rick Sauers, President/CEO
IPW Board Member
“As someone that has been engaged with IPW for over a decade & a Board Member, I am very pleased with the successful launch of our Platinum Elite strategy. The direct feedback from several Platinum Elite suppliers confirms that our strict use of confidentiality throughout the process was critical. Now, as the Platinum Elite bonus pool is broadened with new members and with strategic new vendor programs, IPW is meeting the challenge of competing with the Leaders in the industry.”
-Ken Winterhalter, President, Twin Rivers Paper Company, past President, Unisource
