A little dash of this, a sprinkle of that, a smidge from over there; the wraps community is a mix of just about any background. It’s no secret that, these days, wraps businesses are springing up from anywhere and everywhere. 

 

We’ve seen signmakers, artists, gearheads, printers, business people, retirees and more try their hands in the wraps market. Some find success; others do not. Is there a hard and fast formula of making it in this business? Absolutely not. Are there basic elements that provide a competitive advantage to a wraps company? You bet.

 

Fortunately for Pacific Service Center Graphics, the Portland, Ore.-based company churns together a blend of core competencies that run the vehicle and wraps gamut. It was PSC’s vast diversity that paved its ultimate path toward achieving its goals. Today, the lessons learned, risks overcome, and experiences gathered have allowed the company to carry forward its original two-decade-old offerings while also providing new services.   

 

LIFTING FOR STRENGTH

Back in 1988, customers would have labeled PSC a collision and mechanical repair center—and correctly so. The company excelled in fixing up automobiles, banking on the most valuable part of its name: “Service.” It wasn’t until three years ago that the business received a facelift of its own.

Wedging a foot in the door of the wraps community had become a business priority for PSC, eventually creating a “PSC Graphics” arm of the company. Yet, even with the addition, the shop’s service aspect remained unchanged. The company continued to provide collision repair, but incorporated the use of vinyl into its offerings as the market expanded.

 

“Here at Pacific Service Center we are a fleet repair company, and we’ve used cut vinyl graphics to replace simple old graphics on big rigs and fleet vehicles,” explains Sean Hemak PSC Graphics’ Creative Director. “I felt we needed to expand what we did with graphics within our company, so I pushed the idea of creating our own full wraps with printed vinyl.”

 

Hemak’s concept created some real strength for the company as it broadened the company’s base of offerings. But it took some patience and perseverance to grow into maturity. 

 

During the beginning phase of wrapping, PSC Graphics had just two cut vinyl plotters and a 15-inch thermal printing machine.

 

“At that time we were only set up for cut vinyl,” says Hemak.

 

The first time the company ventured away from cut vinyl was when a Roland VP540 four-color process printer was introduced to the shop. 

 

“It served us well, but we quickly outgrew it,” recalls Hemak. “We now run a Roland XC-540 six-color process printer, which is much faster. Now we have the ability to produce any graphic you can think of.” 

 

Hemak says the company has wrapped everything from smart cars to full 53-foot trailers to custom projects like model concepts, hotdog carts and refrigerators. It’s a great spectrum of jobs for a cross-skilled, multi-functional company. 

 

“We’ll wrap anything,” Hemak continues. “We’ve also added multiple design stations and loads of new services within the graphics part of our business. We handle graphic design, marketing graphics, graphic production, removal and installation. We’ll even go to the customers if they need help with anything, including fixing a broken down big rig and having graphics installed at the same time.”

 

EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Of course, a number of steps were taken before PSC Graphics started simultaneously repairing and wrapping like a pro. Building a business and adding wraps capabilities requires time, intelligence and training. First, they made sure they were acquainted and comfortable with the materials and equipment they planned on using. For PSC, they had already established a relationship with Roland, but when selecting vinyl for the wrap, much of the decision came from a hands-on approach.

 

“Vinyl usage is essential,” explains Hemak. “You really don’t want to wrap a vehicle with vinyl that won’t conform to complex curves or will tear or break. Our favorite vinyl we use here is Avery EZ RS. It has to be the most forgivable vinyl I have ever used.”

 

No doubt, a little schooling helped the company move forward as well. Hemak sees proper training as a very important component.

 

“Everybody handles the graphics business differently,” he says. “So, whenever you can get a chance to learn from other people it’s a good idea. Our entire graphics team has gone through training. Our graphics team is Avery Certified for installation and Roland Certified for production.”

 

Because PSC Graphics had a relationship in place with Avery and Roland products, the company chose to run its training with them. However, it is important to point out that there are many classes and training sessions available in different parts of the country. A simple Google search or a phone call to your favorite magazine editor will likely turn up several options.  

 

ORIGINAL AND CUSTOM

When asked what the customer sees first in PSC Graphics’ projects, Hemak responds, “Originality and customization. Second to that is our ability to reproduce and install graphics with uniform precision.”

 

These elements are made possible because PSC’s dedication to wraps. And it helps to include some creative and truly unique touches to pump up the wrap design whenever possible. 

 

“Occasionally we’ll use software like Alien Skin for digital effects,” says Hemak. “But in general, we try to refrain from overly used textures and digital effects. Most of our customers expect a high level of customization with their projects. So where most would be tempted to dig up Clip Art and texture maps, we pick up a pen and paper and use our design knowledge and illustration skills.”

 

With that sort of pioneer spirit, Hemak also has a few other ideas in mind that might help move the wraps industry in the right direction. One of those revolves around the ever-increasing demand for green solutions. Hemak says he has telephoned many of the major wraps manufacturers to inquire about recyclable vinyl and ink but has come up with no concrete answers.

 

“The graphics business really needs to become more environmentally friendly and interested in recyclable vinyl and inks,” he says. “It’s very popular these days to say ‘Go Green,’ but the graphics market is virtually untouched.”

 

So, there may be a few more ingredients in the cupboard to be poured into the wraps pot. As PSC Graphics and other shops continue to make strides, the concoction of the industry will surely bubble over with new flavors and a more powerful punch.