For Dimas, CA-based Western Graphics, growth isn’t just about bigger numbers, it’s about building deeper relationships, fostering creativity, and offering clients a new kind of vendor-label buyer dynamic. Founded by Bruce and Carol Engle in 1995 as a brokerage business and expanding into manufacturing in 2010, Western Graphics has made strategic moves to lead in a market that is constantly evolving. 

Today, Russell Engle, COO, is building on his father’s legacy of excellence. “Our goal is to be a true extension of our customers’ teams,” says Engle. “We’re not just selling labels. We’re helping brands grow by offering a curative, marketing-driven approach.” 

Western Graphics relied on that curative mindset to invest heavily in Mark Andy technology. With three Mark Andy 2200 flexo presses and a Digital IQ hybrid solution, Western Graphics has scaled rapidly to meet customer demand. That growth has fueled the company’s expansion into Arizona, where a second facility is now positioned to support its growing base of regional and national clients.

Engle estimates that while 40% of their current production is digital today, that number will climb to 80% within a few years.

“Mark Andy has been an essential growth partner for us,” Engle explains. “Their technology gives us the flexibility to respond to evolving market needs, and the company has become a key partner in helping Western Graphics become what we are today.”

Bringing brand-level marketing expertise to a label manufacturer

Part of Western Graphics’ rapid evolution has been fueled by the addition of Laura Patti, director of sales and marketing, who brings a unique perspective to the company. Prior to joining Western Graphics, Patti spent eight years as the lead graphic designer for a major food brand. That role gave her deep, first-hand experience in branding, packaging development, FDA compliance, and marketing.

“Many smaller brands come to the label converter first,” Patti explains. “They have a product but no logo, no website, no cohesive branding. We’ve created an internal team so that Western Graphics can handle everything – from label design and brand refreshes to social media assets, websites, and digital advertising.”

Patti’s background on the brand side allows Western Graphics to offer a high level of service and insight. Given her experience, she understands the challenges brands face on a daily basis and has helped position Western Graphics as a true strategic partner for growing their customers’ businesses.

“Everything moves fast in today’s market, especially in the food, beverage, and nutraceutical segments,” Patti continues. “Our integrated approach means less lag time, fewer mistakes, and a much better overall experience for our clients.”

Another key growth area for Western Graphics is the private label space, particularly in food. With a strong customer base in retailers like Walmart and Sprouts, and deep connections with co-packers and manufacturers, the company is well-positioned to help brands launch new products under private label agreements.

“The private label market is essentially recession-proof,” Engle states. “When the economy tightens, private label and store brands’ volume sales increase. We’re investing heavily in supporting that growth, working directly with manufacturers to help them build new lines and introduce new products.”

A culture of personal connection

At the heart of Western Graphics’ success is a culture that prioritizes relationships over transactions. Engle and Patti both stress the importance of making every client feel like family, an approach they say is increasingly rare in the printing industry.

“Russell wants every customer to feel like a guest at his home,” Patti shares. “When I used to visit Western Graphics as a customer, it wasn’t just for a press check. It was a whole experience. They made me feel valued and respected, and that’s not something you forget.”

That emphasis on personal connection extends to the company’s internal team, as well. Engle has intentionally built a youthful, dynamic workforce, and the company’s average press operator age is only in the thirties – an anomaly in today’s printed packaging industry. He encourages versatility, cross-training, and ownership of individual roles, creating a culture of collaboration and pride. “We’re building careers, not just jobs,” Engle says. “We want people who are passionate about what they do and excited to be part of our journey.”

As Western Graphics looks ahead, both Engle and Patti are clear: growth will continue, rooted in trust, creativity, and long-term relationships. “When our clients grow, we grow along with them,” Engle states, echoing the philosophy that aligns so closely with Mark Andy’s own mission of “Your Growth is Our Growth.” He adds, “When our clients succeed, we succeed. When our employees grow, we grow. And having a partner like Mark Andy, who shares that philosophy, has been instrumental to our success.”