"We don't have a client relationship with Darwill, we have a partnership. They have our best interest at heart and are extremely reliable. They get the job done and get it done well, even when budgets and timeframes are tight."

Ariel Investments

Needs

  • A reliable partner to help launch an important re-branding program
  • Cost and time savings to accommodate budget restraints
  • Accurate execution of multiple projects within a tight time frame

More than 25 years ago Ariel Investments, then Ariel Mutual Funds and Ariel Capital Management, was in search of a printer. What they found 
was so much more. They found Darwill, a print and online communication provider with a long history of excellence in printing, as well as a deep understanding of direct mail, and a knack for creativity and innovation.

In late 2007 Darwill exercised its role as an important and trusted resource as they helped Ariel launch one of their most important initiatives—a re-brand under their new unified name Ariel Investments. The re-brand required the recreation of all Ariel’s print collateral and marketing pieces within tight time and budget restraints.

Ideas

  • As a consultant—and not just a printer—provide knowledge and experience in addition to services
  • Implement BreezeWay—Darwill's online prepress workflow—for 
improved efficiencies
  • Determine new color, paper and mailing approaches to  minimize costs and maximize results

To maintain this strong partnership, Darwill is connected with and invested in Ariel. They take a consultative approach, guiding Ariel to the best possible solutions, even when Darwill isn’t printing their projects. Darwill always presents numerous samples and ideas to help Ariel get the creative process started. To help improve the process, they recommended and implemented BreezeWay, the innovative prepress workflow. And when it comes time for actual production, Darwill is sensitive to Ariel’s budget constraints, especially in these tough economic times, and offers up solutions of how to reduce expenses without compromising quality.

For Ariel’s large re-branding project, Darwill took a number of steps to reduce costs. For instance, Darwill figured out a way to go from printing a 12-color job to six colors without compromising the look and quality of the piece. They also examined the paper they were using and found a stock of comparable quality at a reduced price. Finally, Darwill examined their mailing process and found a way to achieve more than 70% cost savings.

Outcomes

  • Ongoing cost savings, including a 70% reduction in mailing costs
  • Smooth, efficient process for even the most complex projects
  • An enhanced Ariel brand and a strong partnership

Darwill consistently delivers above and beyond Ariel’s expectations. They came through in a big way on the re-brand, one of Ariel’s most important and intense projects. The entire process required about four months of nose-to-the-grindstone work. In the end, Ariel and Darwill were able to achieve beautifully printed communications on time and on budget. The communications, with their rich illustrations, are first-class and are already proving to be successful with both Ariel’s current and prospective clients.

Darwill and Ariel’s partnership only continues to get stronger as they continue to work together on a number of projects ranging from high-end invitations and unique direct mail pieces to quarterly reports.

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