Ennis, Featuring Alstyle Apparel

NEWS OF THE country’s crumbling economy is nothing unexpected at this point. Few even blink at word that the Dow has bottomed out at zero, or that fallen autumn leaves are actually worth more than the dollar now. Instead, many have moved on to making practical, fully reasonable plans for survival, like hunkering down in fallout shelters or starting Mad Max-style motorcycle gangs. Before getting carried away hoarding food, bullets and Parker Brothers products (the only thing worse than an apocalypse is a boring apocalypse), some distributors will be pleased to know there is still economic life in the pre-apocalyptic world. Specifically, many financial

General Financial Supply (GFS), based in Nevada, Iowa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ennis Inc., announced a partnership with Reno, Nevada-based E-Quantum to offer punch-out access to the MicrLink online ordering system. GFS and E-Quantum responded to customer demand to integrate these tools to streamline distributors’ online order processing. Kris Bilyeu, of Terre Haute, Indiana Tabco said, “The new punch-out capability will save Tabco time and money, while strengthening our customer relationships by offering a one-stop e-commerce shopping experience for MICR and non-MICR items. He continued, “Tabco customers now have one login to purchase all the items we offer.” MicrLink, a proprietary technology, was

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc announced the promotion of Irshad Ahmad to the executive management team as vice president and chief technology officer. Keith S. Walters, Ennis chairman, chief executive officer and president, said, “Irshad has been key in aligning our IT resources to meet our expanding technology needs. His new position will give him the support, staffing and flexibility to drive the technology requirements for both our print and apparel segments.” Ahmad served as vice president of technology for Ennis since 2007. Previously, he served as vice president IT since 2001 for Alstyle Apparel (Ennis’ apparel segment). In 2005, he assumed the additional role

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc. is excited to announce the election of Frank D. Bracken to the Ennis board of directors at their recent annual meeting. The 2008 annual meeting was held June 26, 2008 in Midlothian, Texas. Keith S. Walters, Ennis chairman, chief executive officer and president, said, “Frank is an exceptional business leader with a broad understanding of the apparel industry, and his expertise will be invaluable as we expand our apparel operations. We are delighted that Frank has joined the Ennis board.” Bracken was president and chief operating officer of Haggar Clothing Co. from 1994 to 2006. He held various positions with

Midlothian, Texas-based Alstyle Apparel & Activewear, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ennis Inc., announced, subject to bank and board approval, a new manufacturing facility will be built in the town of Agua Prieta, in the state of Sonora, Mexico. Agua Prieta is a Mexican border town close to Douglas and Tucson, Arizona. After months of research the town was chosen because it offered a solid employee base, abundant natural resources, favorable climate and access to the North American trade corridor. Eduardo Bours Castelo, governor of the state of Sonora, expressed his commitment and enthusiasm for this new investment. “This new project in

Ennis Inc., based in Midlothian, Texas, announces its subsidiary company Admore is the first Ennis facility to receive the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification for its Macomb, Mich. facility. The mission of the FSC is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. The FSC gives the assurance that forest management does not put the forest’s natural heritage at risk and the management activities efforts are appropriate. The certification gives Admore the ability to place and print the FSC logo on projects, signifying the products’ production met strict FSC standards. Bill Tignanelli, general manager

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc. announced its Wolfe City, Texas facility now has the capability of printing on Magnecote—a magnetic paper that can be perforated, die-cut, laminated and can bend, tear, fold and roll. Magnecote is a cost-effective way to produce a magnetic product. It is lighter than traditional magnets, which creates immense savings for direct mail and shipping purposes. Magnecote can be used in nearly every way paper is used, including direct mail, advertisements and picture frames. Magnecote is as durable as a magnet, but as versatile as paper. Chuck Hester, general manager of the company’s Wolfe City location said, “Printing on Magnecote gives

Ennis Inc., based in Midlothian, Texas, announced the establishment of the Ennis National Sales Team. The sales team brings together experienced sales managers whom are each directly responsible for all Ennis capabilities and plants within a geographic region. In addition to geographic responsibilities, the team will provide distributors an opportunity to leverage the national manufacturing footprint of Ennis. Ennis area sales managers will serve as a single source for distributors to work with all manufacturing facilities. Pat Cook, vice president of sales and marketing, said, “Implementing the National Sales Team will enable Ennis to more effectively meet the constantly changing needs of

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc., recently announced Block Graphics - Denver and Skyline Business Forms will now operate under the Ennis brand name. Ennis, Inc. acquired Skyline Business Forms, one of the largest manufacturers of business forms in the Rocky Mountain market, October. The acquisition of Block Graphics - Denver, a manufacturer of short-run print products and envelopes, was completed last August 2006. Block Graphics - Denver and Skyline Business Forms combined their manufacturing operations on December 4, 2007. The name change became effective February 5, 2008. Dale Donati, vice president-business unit director over the combined Denver facility, said “The name change builds on

Alstyle Apparel and Activewear, the apparel segment of Ennis Inc., based in Anaheim, Calif., announced it has expanded its product line to include organic products under the AAA label. The organic line will use certified organic cotton and will be offered to the adult and youth retail markets. This has been in development for the past 12 months and was made available January 1, 2008. Alstyle’s organic products utilize cotton grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The organic line will offer eight color options made with organic dyes that are biodegradable and eco-friendly, ensuring environmental sustainability. Alstyle Apparel is committed to helping the