Partnering with Tecnau to Revolutionize Secure Printing Solutions

At KP Corp, we are committed to providing innovative printing and security solutions that meet the highest standards. Our partnership with Tecnau enables us to deliver cutting-edge printing solutions designed to address the evolving needs of our clients. Together, we’re transforming the landscape of secure, high-volume printing.

Over the last five years, we have shifted our focus to data-driven critical communication. In 2024, this includes correspondence with members, patients, and customers in highly regulated industries requiring rigid SLA (service level agreement) performance, confidentiality, and security. This communication may include confidential PHI (protected health information) and/or PII (personal identification information). KP Corp’s evolution has resulted in double-digit compound annual growth for the company. To support this increase in business, we have made a significant investment back into the company in continuous inkjet platforms, high-speed inserting, and finishing equipment.

Since the transition to data-driven critical communication, we have heavily focused on the healthcare, government, and financial services markets. Brett Birky, Chief Operating Officer added, “Most recently, the legal/info-sec market has been a growing market for us with critical communication outreach.”

Why We Chose Tecnau as Our Trusted Partner

When it comes to high-volume printing, reliability and precision are key. Tecnau’s advanced solutions help us ensure every project is delivered with the quality and efficiency that our clients have come to expect. Our initial investment in new equipment began in 2018 when we received a large bid from an existing customer. We needed to expand our capacity and capabilities.

“Tecnau came to the table with different solutions, and was great at guiding us along the way,” stated Guy Smith, Senior Vice President of Operations at KP Corp. “They were the only finishing supplier that scoped out the project and was with us throughout the entire RFP process. Tecnau stood out from the onset.”

Expanding Capabilities with Tecnau’s Revolutionary Stack Technology

To retain the business, we introduced continuous inkjet for color and additional capacity. Our first Tecnau purchase was the Stack 2020, a cutting and stacking solution that includes the Buffer 530, Cutter c20, and the Stacker s20, capable of speeds up to 450 fpm. It is used in conjunction with the Ricoh press in our Sacramento location.

Since this initial investment, KP Corp has purchased Tecnau equipment six additional times. This includes an enhancement of our operation with the Tecnau Revolution 50 Stack 5251. The Stack 5251 operates in-line or near-line with web-fed digital inkjet printers at speeds up to 590 ft/min (180 m/min).

This solution includes the double-cutting Cutter c52, which includes dual rotary knives to sheet the web using single-cut or variable double-strip cut for full-bleed color printing. The Stacker s51 builds up to 10” tall stacks of sheets and has an integrated buffer for non-stop deliveries. Furthermore, the Stack 5251 features next-generation controls for compatibility with the “Internet of Things” (IoT).

According to KP Corp’s Vice President of Operations – Sacramento, Chris Howton, “The Tecnau equipment has helped us to grow our customer base, reduce overtime, and allows us to drive down our price to be more competitive in data-driven communication and PII mailing markets.”

Adapting to Supply Chain Challenges

During the pandemic, another issue we faced was the ability to purchase envelopes. We often faced a long lead time; therefore, we looked to invest in a different solution to satisfy customer needs quickly.  The choice was the Roll2Mail self-mailer system, which eliminates envelopes from production.

The system includes the InfoSeal Pressure Seal PS880, Baum 20 INF Folder, and Tecnau’s Unwinder u9 and Cutter 561. The Cutter 561 is a cost-effective solution ideal for less demanding offline environments. This new self-mailer system provides two wide sheets, consisting of three pages each, folded and sealed to compact, secure self-mailers.

“With this system, KP Corp can process 40,000 sheets or 80,000 mail pieces in an hour. The number of touches is reduced. Each piece goes straight from a press to a finishing system. It definitely makes us much more efficient,” stated Guy Smith.

Strengthening Operations with Multiple Investments in Tecnau Technology

Perforated paper is another significant requirement for KP Corp’s clients. This need led to the purchase of the Tecnau TC1550 HS1 Dynamic Perforator, which can perforate and score sheets horizontally or vertically – 2D Datamatrix triggers unique dynamic processing sheet by sheet. This piece of equipment helped KP Corp to reduce the need to inventory perforated sheets of paper.

We use the TC1550 HS1 in conjunction with Tecnau’s Unwinder u9 and Rewinder r9, and Ricoh printers (models 5000 and Pro VC40000) in its Sacramento facilities. This same line of Tecnau equipment is also used with the Screen 520 HD printer at its Renton location. Similar to the Unwinder u9, the Rewinder r9, operates at a speed up to 590 fpm (180 m/min) and supports unattended printing.

Looking to the Future of Secure Printing

The partnership between KP Corp and Tecnau is more than just a collaboration; it’s a commitment to advancing the printing industry. “Tecnau brought many cost-saving ideas to us. A roll of paper versus a sheet paper drove down our paper cost. As labor continued to rise in cost and was especially hard to find during the pandemic, the Tecnau solutions reduced the number of full-time employees needed,” according to Chris Howton. “We are now able to meet very tight turn times without additional staffing or overtime.”

In addition, our post-sales process has been excellent, including Tecnau’s very responsive technicians. “We run our lines hard with very high uptimes. We are confident they can deliver. There is not a lot of concern that a line may go down because the Tecnau service is spot on,” stated Mr. Howton. For more information on our partnership, read the full Tecnau article.

Contact Us to Learn More About Our Secure Printing Solutions

If you’re looking for secure and innovative printing services, KP Corp is here to help. Contact us today or call (510) 351-5400 to learn how our partnership with Tecnau can benefit your business.