Capitalizing On Opportunity

Capitalizing on opportunity, Stiffler presses the limits in commercial printing
By Peter Fretty

While working as an executive for Quebecer World, Gary Stiffler saw and capitalized on an outstanding career opportunity. It was at this point in 2004 that he led a management buyout and acquired the Commercial Division assets from QW to form what is now known as The
MATLET Group. 
The Pawtucket, R.I.-based MATLET Group serves as a holding company for five separate companies engaged in various segments of the short-run commercial printing business. “Our overall business strategy is to be a market leader in the commercial printing industry by combining the customer service and responsiveness of well-managed, local printing and related services businesses with the competitive advantages maintained by a larger organization, such as management training and economies of scale,” Stiffler said. 

Setting the structure
The MATLET Group is made up of three manufacturing companies — Acme Printing Co., Central Florida Press and Packaging Graphics, as well as a  fulfillment/
mailing company, NOVA Marketing Services. The company is also unveiling its newest division, TMG Logistics in 2008. TMG is a third-party freight logistics business designed to round out MATLET’s offering.  “Each location has an established operating history, an experienced management team and strong customer relationships with established reputations for providing quality products and a high level of customer service,” Stiffler explained. 
As a whole, the company produces high-end commercial print products such as annual reports, product brochures and catalogs; point-of-purchase packaging such as blister packs and small folded cartons for consumer goods and specialty products such as restaurant menus. “Our ability to provide print, packaging, fulfillment and logistics defines our organization. Each of the three print facilities has a unique niche within its markets,” he said. “It is all a matter of providing the customer with the entire solution.” For instance, Acme provides annual report and high-end commercial printing; Packaging Graphics offers blister card, folding carton and thermoforming services; Central Florida Press handles theme park printing along with casual dining restaurant menus; and NOVA can handle any type of fulfillment/pick-n-pack projects.

Strategic approach
MATLET has set out to differentiate itself from the competition. “We are committed to building and retaining the most talented and experienced subject matter experts in the commercial printing industry,” said Stiffler. “The primary focus for our account teams is to respond rapidly to customer requirements, in a timely fashion and with the highest possible levels of service. Often times our customers are best served when we collaborate internally within The MATLET Group to ensure we are proposing solutions driven by our own best practices.”
Because of its dedication and well-defined structure, MATLET has achieved a number of certifications. For example, the company has ISO 14001 and 9001 certifications, it is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified for its environmental commitment as well as SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative®) certified. The same dedication has also earned the organization some prestigious recognition including the Procter & Gamble Diversity 2007 Supplier of the Year award and National Minority Supplier Diversity Council Corporate Plus recognition.
As Stiffler tells MBN USA, the P&G award was a huge honor for the organization. “Procter & Gamble holds its suppliers to very high standards with respect to quality and service. When we received this award, we were cited for 100 percent on-time delivery as well as the development of an environmentally friendly poly-coated board, which eliminated the need for solvent coatings, which created a cost savings for P&G,” he said. “Prestigious recognition from a company such as P&G is a testament to our capabilities.”
Likewise, becoming a Corporate Plus member of the NMSDC has a similar effect on MATLET’s sales efforts. “This places The MATLET Group in an elite group of MBEs that have the capacity and resources to successfully service large national corporations,” Stiffler said.

Moving forward
The MATLET Group has progressive plans in place for the next few years. For instance, plans exist to increase service offerings by expanding its direct mail capabilities. “Mail is still a vital part of the marketing mix and a necessary distribution method for a variety of industries — including finance, retail and nonprofit organizations,” Stiffler said. “We believe that this will help us better service our current client base while creating new growth opportunities.”
Stiffler also plans to expand MATLET’s geographic reach via acquisition or startups. “Bottom line, the company is focused on continued investments in people and equipment to further penetrate the markets we serve,” he said. “We will add complementary businesses like TMG Logistics from internal growth or possible acquisitions in the future. The goal is to be in tune with our customer’s current and future needs.”

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