By Cassandra Balentine
One of the biggest challenges with media and substrates is managing the supply chain effectively. “Staying on top of this involves good forecasting and having the supply to handle that,” says Ben Shively, product manager, Consumer Label Solutions, UPM Raflatac.
Vendor managed inventory as well as sales and operating processes, and trying to be dual sourced where possible is UPM Raflatac’s strategy including transparency and communication with suppliers, notes Shively.
Clairefontaine ensures its high-speed inkjet, digital toner, and offset printing customers have constant access to the company’s full range of papers, available from stock in reels and sheets. “With rapid delivery times, this service allows printers to operate on a just-in-time basis and avoid the risks of shortage,” comments Jean-Marc Dubois, key account manager, Papeteries de Clairefontaine.
Dubois says its fully automated warehouse with a capacity of 50,000 pallets enables it to maintain an uninterrupted service.
Ryan Kight, marketing manager, Yupo Corporation America, shares that most of Yupo product is manufactured domestically, and it keeps additional stock of anything it imports from its corporate manufacturing plant in Japan.
Kernow Coatings has a long-established supply chain for its customers, including regional warehouses that are continuously replenished. Mike Madura, sales director, North America, Kernow Coatings, says it works closely with suppliers to forecast needs and has a manufacturing team that is flexible and responsive to customer orders.
MGX has strengthened its supply chain resilience by diversifying sourcing across multiple manufacturers and maintaining close communication with logistics partners. “This allows us to anticipate disruptions, adjust shipping schedules, and safeguard timely deliveries. Additionally, we build extra inventory of critical substrates to help shield customers from unexpected shortages,” comments Suzanne Crilly, marketing manager, MGX.
The MGX team tracks demand trends closely, enabling us to stock high-volume products in advance. “We’ve also expanded our distribution network in key regions, reducing lead times, and ensuring products are available closer to where customers operate. Proactive communication is a cornerstone—we alert clients to any anticipated constraints and provide alternative options when needed,” adds Crilly.
General Formulation’s history of speed and quality has long been established, according to Jay Kroll, director of product education, General Formulations, and the systems that have supported that baseline expectation continue to reflect the ethos of the company. “While there are many implications due to tariffs or other shifting global factors, General Formulations works to address those changes through dual source efforts, maintaining a healthy material inventory, and securing strong partner relationships.”
In addition to having strong purchasing controls and vendor managed inventory programs, close relationships with its customer base helps General Formulations drive conversations that give visibility to new projects and helpful forecasting to support ongoing demand. “There may be spikes and surprises, but those are muted and mitigated by good communication, internally and externally,” says Kroll.
“Being U.S.-made gives us resilience and speed,” offers Neil Hawkins, marketing manager, Magnum Magnetics. “We maintain domestic manufacturing and stocked SKUs—so many popular items leave our facility within 24 to 48 hours, which helps printers dodge long international lead times.”
Magnum Magnetics relies on three proven ways to keep products consistently available—stock and hold programs built from customer forecasts. “We manufacture, warehouse, and replenish product so it’s on hand when needed. Customers pay only as material ships,” says Hawkins.
It also offers 24-hour turnaround. “Stock sheeting and roll inventory is reserved for rapid release, ensuring quick delivery for high-demand items,” notes Hawkins.
Magnum Magnetics’ trusted distributors provide an additional layer of availability and local access, helping customers source what they need quickly, even if demand spikes unexpectedly. “Together, these strategies ensure dependable supply and flexibility for our customers,” says Hawkins.
Nov2025, DPS Magazine
