CASE STUDY
Reese Pharmaceutical Company
SITE DETAILS
Founded in 1907, Reese Pharmaceutical Company is a privately held manufacturer of over-the-counter (OTC) branded and private label products. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Reese supplies national and regional chains, grocery stores, drug wholesalers, and independent pharmacies. The company is known for pioneering high-quality pharmaceuticals, with products spanning categories such as Cough & Cold, Digestive, Family Planning, and more.
CHALLENGES
Reese Pharmaceutical Company faced multiple challenges with their existing printing solutions, which were crucial for regulatory compliance and product integrity. A primary challenge was ensuring reliable ink adhesion on HDPE (high-density polyethylene) packaging, which is particularly difficult due to HDPE’s nonporous surface. This issue impacted the legibility of lot codes and expiration dates, essential for maintaining cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and meeting FDA and other regulatory requirements. Additionally, recurring printer downtime, poor print quality, limited technical support, and the need for consistent production line performance further compounded their difficulties.
SOLUTION
MarkPack, Inc. implemented two Hitachi UX2-D160W printers, replacing Reese’s existing Domino A-Series CP inkjet printers. Equipped with 1141 Ink, these printers addressed the critical ink adhesion issue while enhancing print quality and requiring fewer service calls. The installation of the Hitachi Safe Clean Station further simplified printhead maintenance, allowing operators to keep the printers running smoothly with minimal intervention.
RESULTS
Since the installation of the Hitachi UX2-D160W printers, Reese Pharmaceutical Company has experienced:
- Improve print quality
- Ink that adheres effectively to HDPE packaging
- Reduce printer downtime and maintenance calls
- More comprehensive operator training for streamlined operations
- Ease of maintenance with the Safe Clean Station
- Decreased cost of ownership and ink
In addition, Reese plans to replace the remaining two Domino printers with Hitachi models in the near future to fully transition their production lines.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Comprehensive on-site, hands-on training for Reese employees
- Fewer service interventions, reducing overall costs
- Streamlined integration into existing production lines
- Ongoing savings in packaging materials
- Simple installation and quick response to technical questions
- Expanded relationship with MarkPack to include supplies such as stretch film and packaging materials
