Starrett
Introduction
The L.S. Starrett Company, founded in 1880, manufactures more than 5,000 variations of Precision Tools, Gages, Measuring Instruments and Saw Blades for industrial, professional and consumer markets worldwide. Starrett, a leader who has set the standard for fine precision tools in industry for over 140 years, has rightfully earned the title, "World's Greatest toolmakers".
The Challenge
Although Starrett is a global leader in tools, their printed literature and fulfillment operations were causing significant challenges:
- Inefficient fulfillment processes slowed service and drove up costs.
- Limited access for sales representatives, distributors, and educators to easily order printed materials.
- Inventory reconciliation issues created wasted time, inaccuracies, and frustration.
- Lack of expanded services, such as handling promotional items, bulk mailings, or custom packaging.
Starrett needed a partner who could not only streamline fulfillment but also provide high-quality print production that matched their brand standards.
The Solution
By partnering with Midstates Group, Starrett gained a print + fulfillment solution that addressed all of their needs:
- Centralized Print & Fulfillment: All printed literature, catalogs, and promotional materials were consolidated into a single facility, reducing inefficiencies and improving turnaround.
- Custom Online Storefront: Midstates developed a secure web portal with user-specific access, allowing sales reps, distributors, and educators to order materials quickly and accurately.
- Expanded Capabilities: Services were extended to include bulk printing, literature kitting, promotional packaging, storage and distribution of swag items, and even options to charge for certain printed materials.
- End-to-End Efficiency: Midstates combined print production with fulfillment operations, ensuring that materials were not only available but also delivered seamlessly.
Outcomes & Results
- The partnership transformed Starrett’s literature and promotional operations:
- Streamlined Processes: A single, user-friendly system simplified access and ordering for all stakeholders.
- Improved Efficiency: Spot-on inventory accuracy eliminated reconciliation issues, while centralized fulfillment reduced freight and handling costs.
- Higher Service Levels: Faster processing times and expanded print/fulfillment options elevated satisfaction for reps, distributors, and clients.
- Brand Consistency: With print and fulfillment under one roof, Starrett’s catalogs, literature, and promotional pieces maintained consistent quality and accuracy.
"While printed literature might seem old-fashioned in many market segments, our clients overwhelmingly prefer printed media over digital. For years, we struggled with inefficiencies in stocking, handling, and shipping literature across North America. Whether using internal resources or third-party providers, our service was slow, and our costs were high.
We needed to improve efficiencies, add capabilities, and reduce overall costs without sacrificing service to our clients. Partnering with Midstates provided the solution we were searching for.
All of our literature is now stored in a single, centrally located facility optimized to serve the majority of our clients. Midstates also designed a custom web interface tailored to our needs, making it easy for our team and clients to access materials. Since the change, we’ve eliminated monthly reconciliation issues with spot-on inventory accuracy, reduced freight costs, and improved service rates.
Additionally, Midstates enabled us to expand our offerings, including the ability to charge for literature, handle promotional items, and provide bulk mailing, promotional packaging, and more. The partnership has transformed how we manage and deliver our materials, and we couldn’t be more pleased."