Green Project Brings Synergy To Local businesses

Nov. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- While the economy in general has been slow, it is fair to say that no county has been hit harder than Elkhart County. Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope as some manufacturers have decided to expand their products lines with the hope of capturing new markets and helping the local businesses around them once the economy fully recovers.

One such company is Anco Products, Incorporated a manufacturer of two diverse yet synergistic industries and markets; flexible duct systems and insulation solutions.

During the summer Anco's sales and marketing team began to search for trends, identify opportunities, and development solutions that would potentially deliver superior bottom-line results. "One obvious trend we noticed was the increase in do-it-yourself activity", says Rob Rohena, serving as Anco's Marketing Director. He adds "Another, glaring trend was 'green', however, Anco was a bit slow the recognize it as a trend, because Anco has been a sustainable company since 1979." After several brainstorming sessions, it was Anco's President Andy McCleery who thought about creating the kits after a weekend of fighting with foam in his own garage".

The team immediately did some research and noticed some giant gaps within the industry. Thus, Anco moved forward with the idea. Once the product was developed further testing was needed. Anco decided to turn to local independent garage door installer 4T Door.

Why 4T Door?

In 2003, 4T Door became the only accredited door dealer in Elkhart County. Their  accreditation is through the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation.* This was important to Anco who wanted to ensure their product testing would have to pass across the eyes of an industry professional with a focus on quality and a commitment to excellence. "This is by far the best garage door insulation I have ever seen", says Jason Dean, owner of 4T door.

Once the product passed testing on various garage door panels, Anco's marketing team decided to solicit the help of a professional graphic design company; Colorfly Design.
Heide Henke, owner of Colorfly Design had started the company just one month prior, (after being laid-off by Upside Marketing), yet her experience, as well as, her portfolio was enough to convince Anco Products of her ability to create a beautiful retail box. What Anco did not know was that it was also hiring the perfect model for the product; (as she is the person who was photographed for the installation instructions). Once the design was complete, Anco's sales team added some technical jargon and a UPC barcode to the box.

"The next phase was to have this beautiful graphic image of a retail box come to life" says Rohena. Anco Products solicited bids from several local box manufacturers, however, only one provided the experience, service, and personality Anco sought for this project; Welch Packaging.

Welch Packaging was started in 1985 with four employees. Since then, Welch has become one of the most dynamic independent packaging companies in the United States. "Welch's puts its customers at the core of their business philosophy, and thus Anco knew it was in good hands." adds Rohena. Within two (2) weeks Anco had a prototype in hand. After a few additional modifications to eliminate tape and to ease the handling of the box for end-user, Welch had created the perfect retail box.

"It's always exciting to work on a project that the customer is very passionate and open minded about. Together, we designed a package that will help promote not only their product, but also shows Anco's commitment to the Green initiative." says Jay Weldy, Welch's Account Manager.

Currently, Anco is welcoming distributers and wholesaler who might be interested in selling the product throughout the country. Meanwhile individuals have the option to buy personal kits from 4T Door via eBay.**


Source:

*http://www.4tdoorsanddocks.com/Accreditation/accreditatio...

**http://ebay.com

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