My Tas: Sell it or Modify it?

[Ross_S]

I've got an actual decent situation on my hands here and I'm looking to bounce some ideas off of everyone.  Manufactures I'd really like to hear from as well even it's not your color.

Here is the situation.  Bought and M&R last year this time and basically shifted all the work off the TAS.  TAS still runs with all working heads and mechanics and it is a 12c with all electric heads and oversized print stroke (says 30" so lets call it 25-26 inches of print; I know I've done 24).  So with that information I also run an I-Image and I'm already set up to image and expose 25x36 frames no problem.

So I ask about what to do because the main reason is the sale will take time and be difficult and it's been paid for and only being ran once a week maybe. 

Since it all works should I just modify it to run larger prints using every other head for screens (Mind you this press will take 12 25x36 frames no issues).

What would you do?

Ross

[244]

I would look at the real estate it occupies and if there is no need for the space I would keep it for these once a week things you do. if it starts to cost in parts then you should move it out. Just my opinion.

[Ross_S]

That's kind of exactly how I feel about it as well.  I know I'm happy as hell when the large runs all hit at once and it's sitting there to take care of all the BS jobs while the other press cranks out the volume.

DECISIONS!

[royster13]

Lots of production facilities have lots of equipment so they can do almost anything their clients ask....But do you really need to do that?...

I have a friend who has a machine shop....They had 35,00 square feet, 3 or 4 million in equipment and 30+ employees.....Things got tough so the downsized....Now they have way less space (4,800), less equipment (under 1 million) and less employees (12-16).....But they are running 24/7 with what they have and making more money than ever before....

[mk162]

I think it's smart for every company to look at downsizing their offerings.  We've done it a few times over the course of 30 years and it has always worked out well.

It's doesn't necessarily mean firing employees.  Sometimes it's just as simple as no more contract work or we aren't offering a decoration method any longer(for us it was printed caps).

Never a bad idea to refocus on your strong points and your better customers.

[Sbrem]

We've been having similar considerations as well. We have to move, and have sold our '94 Gauntlet, ordered a new dryer to replace two old Advance Tex-Airs.

Steve

[Ross_S]

You know what it's funny that you guys all mentioned the same thing in one way or another.  I just recently in the last few months downsized but grew at the same time.  Brought in Embroidery and a Roland to offer other services for walk in business.  It's working well right now and a lot better than before so I'm content.  With that being said I'm bored as hell and really want to improve my skills.  More or less just want to print bigger more detailed garments (Focusing on the smaller runs).  I don't know what I'll do yet but I do know I have a great press to do the job just sitting there.

[RICK STEFANICK]

My exp. says sell it. Utilize what you have, I guarantee you will make it work. If production demands continually grow then cross that bridge when you get to it. LOW overhead, enough equipment and great people are the name of the game. And put some cash in your pocket by selling it. Just my .02