Press release from Williamstown Chamber of Commerce
Think about this. During the course of your day- from the time you hit your local coffee shop in the morning, the restaurant you stop at for lunch, to the grocery store for dinner, and the news channel you watch before bed- ever notice every one of their employees was wearing a shirt to promote their business? It doesn’t end there. The floor mat you see when you walk in, the coffee mug you drink out of, the pen you write with- just about every business has products and apparel personalized with their company logo meant to not only advertise their business, but to make an impression on you. And there’s a pretty good chance it was printed right here in Williamstown.
Meet Graphic Image. Now in its 21st year in business providing screen printed and embroidered apparel Graphic Image has continued to grow consistently every year since 2010. Located at 1401 North Black Horse Pike- Graphic Image occupies over 17,000 square feet of space for its 24 employees and the company is always looking for experienced screen printers and packers to take part in their growth.
Recipients of an L.A. Choice Award, multiple Utility Printer of the Year Awards and two- time Screen Printer of the Year Award winner Graphic Image is on pace to print over 500,000 garments this year satisfying over 50 print jobs a day. Owners Jim McGhee and Tim Geist credit their contract customers for trusting them with their work since starting the business. Contract printing has been the foundation in which the company is built on and as it stands today. Sales Manager, Joe DiMento, told us experience and an excellent staff is what makes Graphic Image the success they are. “In every department we have experienced, knowledgeable, hard working employees that put their stamp on every job. It’s common to see our art department and our printers pull out a magnifying glass to make sure the print quality and registration is exactly on point. Little things like that the customer doesn’t see, but that’s how we keep customers coming back. When you strive for perfection like that it shows in our work.”
Numbers don’t lie, as Graphic Image continues to grow the company looks to not only increase its sales with printed apparel, but also building the promotional products side of the business. With the experience Joe brought after being self-employed for 18 years in the promotional product field and the continued growth Graphic Image was seeing year after year the three decided the time was right and Joe joined the company is 2016. “It’s been a perfect fit. As a distributor I would bring my work here. The guys would print my jobs so the relationship and the trust was already in place.” Now being a one-stop-shop businesses can not only get shirts for their staff, long sleeve tees and hooded sweatshirts being the biggest sellers this time of year, but products such as pens, magnets, notepads, tote bags, any product with your company logo on it can come right from Graphic Image.
“Products and apparel go a long way in building your business. Successful companies realize this. Products leave a lasting impression. You’re giving your customers something, and this works for prospective customers too, so that the next time they need something they call you. Apparel works because you want your employees to represent your company well. Have a professional appearance. Be identifiable. It’s your company image. Same holds true for schools, sports teams, fundraisers, printed apparel is a great, affordable way to promote yourself.”
Certainly not a small business anymore. The process of making sure each job is printed perfectly is not a simple as putting ink on a shirt. Once an order is in house the art department starts working on your design. When your goods arrive, the order is checked in for accuracy, making sure the garments are ready for print. Next, screens are burned and it’s off the press. The company has 5 automatic presses and 4 manual stations to handle its 2,000 shirts a day. Once printed — it’s folded, packed, and shipped to the customer. Job complete and on to the next order one shirt at a time.
So the next time you have an event or need shirts and promotional products for your business- shop local- go see Graphic Image and you’ll be amazed to see how they operate. For more information or wish to contact Sales Manager, Joe DiMento, you can reach him at (856) 262–8900 or [email protected].
