Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/536121
14 PalletCentral • July-August 2015 palletcentral.com assurances that our products are consistently made with high quality materials that have been tested, and approved, by the experts. Dave Sutter, President E xcelsior Marking Excelsior started working with the pallet Industry after learning about ISPM Standards. The company either marks on products or manufactures marking products, and the business climate is strong. "While there are challenges to pallet marking, we admit it's been a learning process," said Excelsior Marking President Dave Sutter. Some solutions work better in different environments. "For example, we developed a thinner steel branding die which is more suitable for customers in colder climates because it heats up fast. Since most traditional machines are not designed for lumber marking, we created a more durable self-inking stamp machine to accommodate this important market sector." The company also continues to educate customers regarding ink choices as some inks can erode the rubber and dissolve adhesives. Sutter said the company's traditional offerings such as knob- handle rubber stamps and laser-cut stencils for pallet marking remain strong, as well as self-inking stamps, roll coders, branding irons, and branding dies. Excelsior also works with pallet inspection agencies to assure regulatory compliance and are currently testing a hand-held ink jet printer. Hand-held printers are now used in several industries, such as construction, packaging and warehousing to name a few, and bringing this device to the pallet industry market has great potential. The wireless HH printer is programmed via a PC or laptop, and has a 50 meter print range. It produces a fast, clear and clean image. Excelsior is currently introducing the technology to an industry certifying agency. "Overall, the market is good," added Sutter. "In 2012, Excelsior recorded 16 pallet customers, today that number is 132 and MANUFACTURING Photo provided by SMETCO, Inc.