When printing and finishing is an important part of serving your customers, it is critical to have output devices that are reliable and productive. Kemske Paper Company wanted to upgrade their outdated Sharp copier with digital technology that could offer network connectivity and enhanced features to make them more productive and better able to serve their customers.

Kemske Paper Company’s long-term relationship with Marco and Blake Schaper (Marco technology advisor and local resident of New Ulm) goes back to the sale and service of their first Sharp copier, which they feel has served them well over the years. When they started to look at upgrading their technology, they counted on Blake to help them determine what they needed and the options available. According to Jim Wittenberg, president of Kemske Paper Company, “Blake is a seasoned professional who knows his business and recommended a solution to meet our needs. He is conscientious and very thorough.”

During the selection process, Kemske was pleased with how Blake approached the process in providing a solution. Jim explained, “Blake had the decision makers and the people that actually used the equipment at the table when proposing a solution to meet our needs. He wanted to make sure he talked to everyone who runs the equipment – from prepress to the office staff to our controller. He also checked with us after the installation to make sure things were working for us.”

In October 2005, Marco provided Kemske with a new Sharp AR-M550 digital copier/printer which is networked to allow them to print directly from their computer and choose finishing features such as collating, binding, stapling, and three hole punching. Marco’s networking and training specialists helped Kemske connect the system and trained them on how to send the files digitally directly from their computer. Jim said, “Marco’s on-site trainer networked our PC and Mac and worked with us to send files to the digital copier/printer. They proved to us how easy and efficient the system truly is.”

He went on, “We print a lot of small booklets for customers. The unit takes the 8-1/2”x11” job and prints it, folds it, and adds a cover,” said Jim. “Sharp is our brand preference because of the reliability and performance of our previous Sharp machine. Our new Sharp unit does such good work and makes it more cost effective for us to run certain jobs.”

As we all know, service after the sale is an important part of any new technology investment. Kevin Date, Marco technical representative, has been providing Kemske Paper Company copier service for many years.

“We would give Marco’s service department an A+,” said Jim. “Kevin is very professional, knows what he is doing, and gets it done quickly. He’s dependable and he’s a problem solver. Even on our old equipment, he’s been able to solve issues.”

Kemske Paper Company is located in downtown New Ulm and has been in business since 1914. They provide a wide range of paper, early childhood and office supplies, office furnishings, and printing and finishing services.