Recently there has been quite a buzz around the industry from companies offering co-mailing services, as to the viability of utilizing an independent service such as ALG to perform co-production services. In answer to that type of approach to the marketplace, we have put together a brief summary of the advantages of using ALG’s Print & Mailing Solutions Co-Production platform to manage your co-mailing and co-palletization needs.

INDEPENDENT CO-PRODUCER
ALG created the Print & Mailing Solutions Co-Production unit to meet the needs of the independent printing industry. ALG can track its success to the commitment of its clientele and their ability to expand ALG’s service boundaries through their own growth. That growth comes from an independent printer or lettershop’s ability to offer high quality product, a competitive platform, superior customer support and incredible flexibility. These attributes are what ALG has modeled its business structure after and has continued in that direction by offering a co-production solution that surpasses its competition in several areas.

As a non-printing entity, ALG has positioned itself as a service provider that offers co-production services without the competitive factors associated with being a printer or lettershop. ALG does not sell printing or lettershop services; rather, ALG is a transparent service provider to the independent printer and lettershop, thusly creating a host of ancillary services that enables the independent printer or lettershop to remain on a level playing field with its largest competitors. Unlike others in the industry that outsource certain services, ALG operates all co-production services such as co-mail, co-palletization, data processing and destination entry services.

ALG maintains itself as a true independent because it does not produce catalogs, periodicals or letter size mail. As such, ALG is not hamstrung with the responsibility of determining whether to co-produce its own product or of that which was provided by an actual printing competitor. This in itself sets ALG apart from a printer providing co-production services to another printer. Print & Mailing Solutions is a true printer’s partner.

FLEXIBILITY
ALG currently is operating a single 30-pocket SIM co-mail line. In May of 2007, ALG signed an agreement to purchase a second 30-pocket SIM co-mail line. Production has begun on the second line and will be installed in late summer and operating in early fall of 2007. This purchase doubles co-production capacity, allowing the printer flexibility with a definitive schedule of production. ALG also operates a multi-functional co-palletization line that allows for the co-palletization of periodicals and letter size mailings in independent pools.

From a flexibility standpoint, ALG has designed its co-mail line in a very different way than others operating in the marketplace. The first operational line was designed with a dual backend allowing for consistency in high-speed production. Basically, ALG’s line has two operating stackers and two operating Arpac poly-wrappers. This design allows for consistency in speed and a production safeguard. If there is a mechanical problem with backend machinery, ALG can immediately convert to a single backend output and avoid downtime. With a single backend design, there is no production safeguard. ALG has also designed its lines to allow for mixed-class production. The current line has two Domino Bi-Jet heads to allow for independent address placement, as well as four Labelaire 3111 tabbers. This mixed-class design builds flexibility in production by allowing Periodicals and Standard “A” Flats to be produced simultaneously. Unlike our competition that runs independent pools, ALG has created flexibility by being approved to co-produce in a mixed-class environment. ALG has designed its operation to ensure accuracy through the use of multiple camera systems, speed and zero downtime through the use of a dual backend and flexibility through an inventive design allowing for mixed-class production.

VOLUME
Although ALG does not produce Periodicals, Standard “A” Flats or Letters, we have entered into co-production agreements with multiple independent printers and lettershops to provide co-production services. Current committed volumes will maximize pool size for greater presort savings, and ensure that every pool is full. With the growing interest in an independent co-production environment, ALG has secured its second co-mail line. ALG is committed to managed growth so that pools are maximized and our partner’s product enters into pools to meet scheduled deadlines.

There is no such thing as unlimited co-production space. ALG’s management approach to the marketplace provides commitment through automated, online scheduling, proactive communication and capacity expansion. ALG views its co-production service as being a direct extension of a printer’s facility, with the printer having input in scheduling, modification in production processes and pricing formats. This same standard applies to co-palletization services for our lettershop partners.

EXPERIENCE
ALG’s experience lies with its personnel. From sales and scheduling management with combined print production experience of over 40 years, to production management with 33 years of experience to inkjet expertise on all shifts with a minimum of 12 years of experience. ALG has also staffed its client support team with printing industry professionals that each has a minimum of 10 years of quality assurance training and print scheduling/customer service experience.

Data processing experience also lies with ALG’s personnel. The data processing management staff has a minimum of 15 years of experience and operates over three shifts six days per week. ALG uses Business Objects to facilitate all data processing functions including mixed-class processing.

DESTINATION ENTRY SERVICES
ALG is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary servicing the needs of the shipping public. From destination entry services to international ocean and airfreight, ALG has been a leader in the print/media logistics arena since 1982. This level of expertise means that your co-produced product is handled by industry professionals through an internal consolidation network that is one of the largest operating today. With over 15 billion pieces of destination entry mail processed annually, ALG is the right solution for your transportation needs.

Again, ALG does not produce mail, it enables a printer or lettershop to co-mail and/or co-palletize and destination enter product under one roof. Servicing the greatest number of SCF’s in the industry, ALG offers cost effective solutions with greater flexibility in service than competition offering transportation services as a non-core related function. ALG supports the mailing industry by providing business solutions without causing interference through competition.

THE RIGHT SOLUTION
In conclusion, ALG is your partner, not your competitor. Experience, flexibility, cost effective solutions, volume and professionalism are what ALG offers the marketplace. Creating, implementing and operating provided business solutions for the printing and lettershop industries is ALG’s core-competency. Through a need came communication and through that communication came a solution that you have helped us to create. ALG’s Print & Mailing Solutions was created by you and answers your needs.