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Latest Kirk-Rudy news: innovations and industry insights.

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The Rise of On-Demand Packaging: How Digital Printing is Changing the Game

In today's fast-paced world, businesses are shifting toward on-demand packaging—a solution that offers flexibility, customization, and efficiency. Traditional packaging production often involves long lead times, high setup costs, and excess inventory. Digital printing technology is changing that, allowing companies to print only what they need, when they need it. --- ## **Why On-Demand Packaging is Growing** Several key factors are driving the demand for on-demand packaging: - **E-Commerce Boom:** With more businesses selling online, brands need short-run packaging solutions for seasonal promotions, limited editions, and personalized customer experiences. - **Customization & Personalization:** Consumers expect unique, tailored products. Variable data printing (VDP) allows companies to add names, QR codes, barcodes, and personalized messages directly to packaging. - **Sustainability Initiatives:** Printing only what’s needed reduces waste, overproduction, and storage costs, making on-demand packaging an eco-friendly option. - **Cost-Effectiveness for Short Runs:** Traditional offset printing is cost-efficient for large runs, but digital printing eliminates the need for plates, making small-batch production more affordable. --- ## **How Digital Printing is Driving the Change** Traditional packaging methods require long setup times and high minimum order quantities. Digital printing allows businesses to create short-run, high-quality packaging with fast turnaround times. ### **Benefits of Digital Printing for On-Demand Packaging** - **Lower Setup Costs:** No need for expensive printing plates—just load the design and print. - **Fast Production:** Turnaround times are significantly shorter, making just-in-time production a reality. - **Consistent Quality:** High-resolution digital printing ensures sharp images, vibrant colors, and professional-grade output. - **Flexible Material Options:** Digital printers can handle corrugated boxes, folding cartons, labels, and flexible packaging with ease. --- ## **How Kirk-Rudy is Enabling On-Demand Packaging** At **Kirk-Rudy**, we provide cutting-edge digital printing and transport solutions designed for today’s fast-changing packaging landscape. Our industry-leading systems—the [**FireJet 4C**](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c), [**FireJet 4C ProWide**](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c-prowide), and [**G-LINE**](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/g4)—empower businesses to print high-quality, customized packaging on demand. ### **[FireJet 4C](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c): High-Speed, Full-Color Inkjet Printing** The **FireJet 4C** is a powerful four-color, water-based inkjet printing system that delivers: - **High-speed digital printing** for packaging, mail, and labels - **Sharp, vibrant graphics** with resolutions up to 1600 x 1600 dpi - **Cost-effective short runs** without the need for plates or screens - **Seamless variable data integration** for barcodes, numbering, and personalization --- ### **[FireJet 4C ProWide](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c-prowide): High-Speed, Wide-Format Inkjet Printing** Building on the **FireJet 4C**, the **FireJet 4C ProWide** offers expanded print width capabilities, making it an excellent solution for large-format packaging applications. - **Wider print area** for larger packaging designs - **Same high-resolution quality** as FireJet 4C (up to 1600 x 1600 dpi) - **Efficient short-run production** for customized packaging - **Designed for fast, reliable operation** with Kirk-Rudy’s transport systems --- ### **[G-LINE](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/g4): A Complete Packaging and Printing Workflow Solution** The **G-LINE** is a fully integrated UV inkjet printing solution, designed to meet the growing demands of on-demand packaging, direct product marking, and traceability applications. Whether it’s barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, or branding, the **G-LINE** delivers unmatched precision, speed, and durability. - **High-Resolution Printing:** Capable of printing fine text, small 2D barcodes, high-contrast QR codes, and serialized data with superior clarity. - **UV Inkjet Technology:** Provides durable, fade-resistant prints that can be applied to porous and non-porous materials, including corrugated boxes, cartons, labels, and plastic films. - **Real-Time Variable Data Printing:** Integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems to print unique codes, serial numbers, and batch tracking information instantly. - **Packaging Compliance & Traceability:** Ideal for industries that require high-speed, accurate product identification, such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and logistics. - **Seamless Integration:** Works alongside Kirk-Rudy’s **FireJet 4C series** to create a complete, end-to-end packaging workflow. --- With **[FireJet 4C](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c), [FireJet 4C ProWide](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/firejet-4c-prowide), and [G-LINE](https://www.kirkrudy.com/products/g4)**, Kirk-Rudy delivers next-generation on-demand packaging solutions that help businesses stay competitive in today’s digital economy. --- ## **Is On-Demand Packaging Right for Your Business?** If you’re looking for a flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable way to print packaging, digital inkjet printing is the answer. Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, a fulfillment center, or a brand looking to personalize packaging, Kirk-Rudy has the technology to help you stay ahead of the competition.              [![Contact Us](https://dummyimage.com/200x50/F2A900/ffffff&text=Contact+Us)](https://www.kirkrudy.com/contact-form)

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Master Walmart’s RFID Mandate with Kirk-Rudy’s Expert Solutions

#### The Essential Role of RFID Technology in Retail Supply Chains In recent years, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has revolutionized inventory management and supply chain efficiency. This innovative technology offers unprecedented visibility into product location and status, reducing waste and improving accuracy. With major retailers like Walmart leading the charge in adopting RFID at a grand scale, suppliers are increasingly required to align with these technological standards. #### Understanding the Walmart RFID Initiative Walmart's RFID initiative marks a significant shift in retail operations. This mandate requires suppliers of certain product categories to integrate RFID tags into their operations to enhance tracking and inventory management. This move is not just about compliance; it's a strategic enhancement to how retail ecosystems operate, promising benefits like improved stock visibility, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced consumer satisfaction through better product availability. #### The Importance of Choosing the Right RFID Solutions Provider When it comes to implementing RFID in line with Walmart's requirements, the choice of a technology partner is crucial. Suppliers need a trusted, all-in-one solutions provider who can not only furnish them with the necessary technology but also offer expert guidance through the implementation process. #### Why Kirk-Rudy Stands Out as a Thought Leader in RFID Solutions Kirk-Rudy has established itself as a thought leader in the RFID space. Here's why choosing Kirk-Rudy as your [RFID solutions](https://www.kirkrudy.com/kr519-rfid-labeling-and-encoding-system/) provider ensures you meet Walmart's standards effectively and efficiently: #### Comprehensive Expertise Kirk-Rudy offers end-to-end solutions, from initial consultation and system integration to after-sales support. Our deep understanding of RFID technology's nuances and applications ensures that we can tailor solutions to fit specific operational needs and compliance requirements. #### Seamless Integration Kirk-Rudy excels in integrating [RFID systems](https://www.kirkrudy.com/kr219rfid-tag-encoding-system/) seamlessly with existing workflows. This minimizes disruption and accelerates the realization of RFID benefits, such as improved inventory accuracy and reduced operational costs. #### Ongoing Support and Training Adopting new technology is a considerable challenge. Kirk-Rudy stands by its clients throughout the implementation process and beyond, offering training and support to ensure that the RFID systems are used to their fullest potential. #### Positioning Your Business for Success with Kirk-Rudy The Walmart RFID initiative is a game-changer, and compliance is not just about meeting a requirement but turning it into a competitive advantage. By partnering with Kirk-Rudy, suppliers can ensure that their adoption of RFID technology is smooth, cost-effective, and adds real value to their operations. In conclusion, as the retail industry continues to evolve, Kirk-Rudy remains committed to providing leading-edge solutions that help our clients stay ahead. Whether you are just starting to explore RFID technology or looking to enhance your existing systems to meet new requirements, Kirk-Rudy is your go-to partner for all your RFID needs.

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Kirk-Rudy’s Unforgettable Experience at Printing United Expo 2023: A Glimpse into the Future

Last month, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, became the focal point of innovation and excitement in the world of printing and packaging. The reason? The Printing United Expo 2023, is an event that brought together industry leaders, cutting-edge technology, and eager enthusiasts. Kirk-Rudy was not one to miss out on the action, and our presence at the expo was nothing short of amazing. We had the pleasure of showcasing a wide range of our pioneering systems, each designed to revolutionize the way businesses approach printing and packaging solutions. From RFID technology to our FireJet 4C system and the introduction of our new G-Line product family, Kirk-Rudy had it all under one roof. Our mission: to provide an all-in-one, modular experience for our customers and partners. The Buzz Around RFID: One of the showstoppers at our booth was our [RFID technology](https://www.kirkrudy.com/kr219rfid-tag-encoding-system/). RFID, or Radio-Frequency Identification, has the power to transform how businesses track and manage inventory. It's faster, more accurate, and incredibly efficient. Visitors were captivated by the potential this technology holds, and we were thrilled to be at the forefront of its development. Dive into the World of RFID Technology with Our VP of Product, Scott Siegel! Igniting Creativity with the FireJet 4C: Our [FireJet 4C](https://www.kirkrudy.com/firejet-4c/)  also generated significant buzz. Attendees got a firsthand look at how this innovative system can revolutionize their printing processes. It's not just about printing; it's about unlocking new possibilities and igniting creativity. Introducing the G-Line: Kirk-Rudy was proud to unveil our new G-Line, a collaboration with Norwix that stands out due to its remarkable combination of speed, a smaller footprint, affordability, and user-friendliness. We had the G2 and G4 of the G-Line on full display, with its gold anodized aluminum parts proudly bearing the Kirk-Rudy brand. It's more than innovation; it's a touch of elegance, and it reflects our commitment to excellence in every detail. Printing United was not just a platform for us to display our products; it was also an opportunity for us to connect with our valued customers, partners, and peers in the industry. The smiles, questions, and conversations at our booth made it clear that our solutions are making a difference in the world of printing and packaging. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm at the expo was truly remarkable. Looking ahead, we are already planning some exciting things for next year's event. While we don't want to give away all our secrets just yet, rest assured that Kirk-Rudy is committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in this industry. Our team is hard at work, brainstorming, innovating, and refining our products to provide even more value to our customers. Our experience at the Printing United Expo 2023 in Atlanta was truly amazing. We had a blast connecting with all of you and sharing our passion for innovation. The future looks bright, and we're excited to embark on this journey with you, our valued customers and partners. Stay tuned for what's to come at Kirk-Rudy, and we can't wait to see you next year at the expo, where the excitement continues! The Team at Kirk-Rudy

Kirk-Rudy

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FireJet shines at Printing United

At the Printing United show, recently held in Las Vegas, [Kirk-Rudy](https://www.kirkrudy.com/) not only showcased a large variety of their most popular machines used in the mailing and printing industries today, but also their highly sought after [FireJet 4C](https://www.kirkrudy.com/firejet-4c/). This was the first show that their new envelope flap opener and closer were demonstrated inline with the FireJet, allowing it to print on the front of the envelope and also the back flap at the same time, in one pass. The unit gently plows open the flap before entering the FireJet print head, then as it exits, and the printed image is revealed, a plow fold mechanism closes the flap once again and is delivered to a shingle conveyor for packing. The FireJet fills a unique niche market for printers who have developed a short run, color envelope business. Currently, most printers use small desktop inkjet and dry toner printers that produce good quality, but are painfully slow and have a hard time feeding certain envelopes and small products. Kirk-Rudy engineering, along with the new Duraflex print head technology from [Memjet](https://www.memjet.com/technology/duraflex/), have combined to create the FireJet 4C, a production-grade four color inkjet envelope press capable of printing 18,000 full color envelopes per hour. At the show many customers stopped by the booth to share their success stories with their Kirk-Rudy unit and explain how they were able to increase their colored envelope business and ROI. A few printing company owners were explaining that due to the quick and easy set up of all sizes of envelopes and specialty products, and the fact that there is virtually no make ready and material waste, many of them were replacing not only their desktop printers, but also their offset envelope presses. Mike Yannone, the Production Manager from [MBI Direct Mail](https://www.mbidirectmail.com/) in Deland, FL said, "We liked our first one so much, within a year we purchased a second FireJet and replaced all our offset Halm Jet Presses." For more information visit our FireJet page: <https://www.kirkrudy.com/firejet-4c/>

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Caroline Kirk joins Kirk-Rudy

Kirk-Rudy, the industry leader in equipment solutions for direct mail, printing, packaging and RFID applications, welcomes Caroline Kirk as Vice President of Operations. Caroline, granddaughter of Kirk-Rudy founder Harry Kirk, will focus on supporting operations, marketing initiatives and employee engagement efforts. Caroline has a background in marketing and operations, and is thrilled to join the family business to continue the legacy of Harry Kirk. Most recently, she worked in Product Marketing for a London-based technology company. Prior to that, she served as Chief of Staff to the CMO at DailyPay, an NYC-based fintech company. “Over the past 55 years, Kirk-Rudy has developed a reputation for offering best-in-class mailing, printing, packaging and RFID solutions,” Caroline said. “The team has built a global business that stands for innovation, hard work and delivering solutions that our customers can rely on. I look forward to continuing the Kirk-Rudy legacy and supporting the next generation of company growth.”

Kirk-Rudy

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Our Founder, Harry Kirk, Dies at 93

Woodstock, GA -- The mailing and printing industry lost an icon of innovation and technology on October 29, 2021. Harry V. Kirk, founder and CEO of Kirk-Rudy, Inc., died at age 93. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1928, Harry endured the brutal occupation by Germany during World War II and later occupation by the communist Soviet government. After escaping at the age of 20, he eventually made his way to America. After settling in Chicago and connecting with a community of Czech immigrants, he landed a job with the Cheshire Corporation as night maintenance technician. Management quickly noticed his ability to improve their equipment and he was promoted to Head Engineer. In 1967, when Cheshire was being purchased by Zerox, Harry and a co-worker, Fred Rudy, started Kirk-Rudy, Inc. in a small garage in Libertyville, IL. With Harry's knowledge of mailing equipment and a many industry contacts, their business grew quickly. In 1971 they moved operations to the warmer climate of Kennesaw, GA. Harry then bought Fred Rudy out and became sole owner in 1972. In 2002 Kirk-Rudy was moved to a custom designed, state-of-the-art production facility in Woodstock, GA. Harry's commitment to designing and building better equipment, all under one roof, has proven to  be the driving success of Kirk-Rudy. "Harry made Kirk-Rudy into a strong company that will carry his vision and legacy well into the future. He will be sorely missed, he touched so many lives", says Rick Marshall, President.

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New full color inkjet printer

Kirk-Rudy, Inc. has announced it's newest addition to their line-up of high quality, industrial inkjet printers. The FireJet 4C is a pigment-based aqueous printing system engineered to deliver increased speed and outstanding image quality at a low cost. Using Memjet's new DuraFlex technology, the FireJet 4C is an all-in-one printing system that combines the heavy-duty transport that Kirk-Rudy is famous for, along with the printing quality, reliability, and simplicity that Memjet is known for. The FireJet 4C offers a profitable alternative to the smaller desktop, toner based digital color printers on the market today, and delivers high-speed color printing at near offset quality for documents, labels, direct mail and packaging. The FireJet 4C can print A3+ and A4 cut sheets in full color (CMYK) at 1600 x 1600 dpi and can print at speeds up to 150 ft/min. The newly designed user-replaceable printhead has been engineered to provide a longer life (approximately 120 liters), along with outstanding image quality across a broad range of porous, uncoated offset, inkjet-treated and inkjet-coated media. Kirk-Rudy has incorporated robust color correction software and their XKolor RIP that provides operators with an easy to use, operator friendly digital press with very little maintenance. The versatility and outstanding performance of the FireJet 4C can open new markets in full color printing and provide increased revenue. Since 1967 Kirk-Rudy has manufactured innovative solutions for addressing, paper handling, packaging, and RFID.  From their state of the art 100,000 sq. ft. factory just north of Atlanta, GA, a complete product line of feeders, transport bases, conveyors, inkjet printers, inserters, labeling, tabbing, sorting, stacking, tip-on, pick-n-place, folders, bump turns, drying and matching/vision systems are engineered and produced with the highest standards of quality and value.

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Time to upgrade your inkjet?

*It may be easier than you think, and at a price within reach.* If you have inkjet addressing equipment that is five years or older, now may be a great time to consider upgrading. We all know technology is continuing at a rapid pace across all aspects of our everyday life, and production inkjet equipment is no exception. Today's piezo drop on demand inkjet systems, such as our [UltraJet](https://www.kirkrudy.com/ultrajet-v21/) and [Phoenix](https://www.kirkrudy.com/phoenix/) have numerous benefits over older piezo and thermal inkjet systems (TIJ). The most noticeable is an improved quality image and faster speeds. Today's printheads allow for more control of drop sizes which not only allows for better image control, but also allows control of the amount of ink used in a job which can lead to lower operating costs. In fact, ink costs are noticeably lower with a piezo system than a TIJ cartridge-based system, as low as one tenth the total cost of ink. The faster speeds obtained in today's inkjet systems can lead to increased production and more throughput for greater profitability. Our Phoenix, with its landscape printing capability can replace two TIJ systems thereby generating huge savings thru reduced ink and labor costs. The simplicity and ease of use with these newer systems allow for less experienced labor and the need for specialized training, especially compared to continuous inkjet systems (CIJ). Service and maintenance is extremely easy with modern piezo inkjet systems. For example, our UltraJet and Phoenix can be up and running within 5 minutes at the start of every day. Shut down at end of day requires a quick flush of the print head, which is simple as pressing a button. This removes ink from the printhead so that it doesn't clog and damage the head. Then a quick snap on of a protective cap and you are done, about 5 minutes total. Previous aqueous inkjet systems could only be used on porous substrates such as envelopes and uncoated paper. Running coated stocks required a solvent based inkjet system with higher ink costs and maintenance issues. Now, with the new developments in Ultraviolet (UV) inks, there is no need to decide between an aqueous or solvent based system. The UV ink is "cured" immediately after passing under a LED UV light source, instead of being dried by a heat source. This allows one system to print on a wide variety of substrates and coatings as well as some laminates and plastics. Maintenance and overall life expectancy of a UV print head is longer than that of an aqueous or solvent system. Upgrading your inkjet unit on a Kirk-Rudy base, in most cases, is fairly easy. Today's inkjet systems are smaller and more compact than older units. Our UltraJet v21 has proved to be a good replacement for our older WaveJet inkjet systems. The KR215 and KR219 vacuum bases that have been on the market for a while are exceptionally well built so that a few simple upgrades and maintenance will provide a long lasting, quality transport base for all your inkjet needs. If investing in a whole new inkjet system has you nervous, consider an upgrade to one of our newest inkjets using your existing base. With [KR Capital](https://www.navitascredit.com/Resource_Center/kirk_rudy/kirk_rudy_ResCtr.html) financing, requiring little upfront costs, you could upgrade your inkjet system and achieve immediate ROI. [Contact us](https://www.kirkrudy.com/contact-us/) today or the [Kirk-Rudy dealer](https://www.kirkrudy.com/dealers/) in your area for a free consultation.

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