Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 241

Wholesale Aluminum Fencing For Dog Containment And More

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of fence alternatives that have emerged used to help homeowners contain their dogs within the perimeter of the front or back yard of your home. Dog owners must consider the alternatives to determine the best option for containing their pet as well as what option is the most cost and time effective.

When homeowners have a dog containment is often an issue. Dogs by nature like to explore spaces outside of their natural environment. No matter what breed the family dog will attempt to either jump over the wholesale aluminum fence you have installed or dig underneath it. To avoid both you can install a fence that is tall enough the dog can’t jump it and doesn’t have any horizontal bars within the style that it can use to assist in giving the dog height. The other option is to install an aluminum fence that has the option to add puppy pickets to the aluminum fencing panels. Puppy pickets are an added layer on aluminum fencing that detours dogs from accessing the outside world through digging. The puppy pickets extend the fence panel further into the ground and higher into the pickets to prevent dogs from digging or getting additional leverage.

Choosing between a structural fence and an invisible fence is difficult. One of the major advantages of structural fencing is that it prevents a physical barrier that not only prevents dogs from escaping but intruders from entering. A structural fence, especially wholesale aluminum fencing is a preferred pet containment system for the perimeter of a home’s landscape because of its added benefits over invisible fencing. Invisible fencing does not block your home and landscape’s visual appeal however it also doesn’t add anything to it like the variety of colors and styles aluminum fencing can offer to homeowners.

Invisible fencing is safe for animals however does nothing to prevent outside intruders or children from entering and exiting the property where as wholesale aluminum fencing does both. Another major benefit of installing an aluminum fence on top of containment is the aesthetically pleasing and adds value to your home’s value.

Aluminum fencing is costly; in fact it is more expensive than invisible fencing however it also adds to the worth of the home. Invisible fencing adds no real value to future homeowners as its sole purpose is to contain their pet. When the home is sold the new homeowners will have little use for an invisible fence unless they too have an animal that needs to be kept in the yard. Once aluminum fencing is installed it continues to be purposeful for all future owners.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Winter May Be The Perfect Time To Buy A New Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Have you been thinking about purchasing a new home but are afraid to start looking now because the winter season is right around the corner? This article will bring a new perspective to home buyers that are uncertain about buying a home in the winter.  It is true that the spring and summer seasons are typically the most active seasons for both sellers and buyers.  Winter house hunting does have benefits over other seasons.  Work these to your advantage and you will be moving into your dream home without having to wait until spring comes around again.

When it comes to buying a home in the winter the one main benefit is the lack of competition in the bidding process.  The myth that buying a home in the winter is undesirable leads many sellers and buyers hesitant.  This means that although there are fewer houses on the market the houses that are on the market will have less competition when submitting your offer.  It can be a bit inconvenient and messy to move in the winter but when you think about an offer without the competition of other buyers it diminishes the worry about a bit of untidiness during the moving process.

When buyers are scarce, it is the perfect time to start looking for a home.  Homes during the winter move more slowly; it is truly a buyers season.  Sellers most often have a reason for selling in the winter that makes the need to move their home off the market more crucial.  This means that a buyer is able to negotiate a better deal.  It leaves room for the buyer to ask for money off the asking price, the appliances to stay in the home or any extras the buyer is interested in.  For instance, a client recently purchased a luxury recreational property.  In the offer they asked for the seller to include the family’s golf cart as part of the deal.  These items are easier to negotiate for when the buyers offer is the only one on the table.  This is often the case when buying in the winter.

Another advantage of buying in the winter is that you are seeing the property at its worst.  In the winter sellers don’t have any real curb.  Trees are barren, grass is brown and the flowers have all been cut back.  It also gives you a better chance to inspect for drafts, pipe freezing issues, attic air leaks and other issues that are commonly seen in the cold weather that are hidden from even the most experienced inspectors during the summer season.  You can feel the warmth of the home or lack thereof and really get a feeling for the homes insulation as well.

Mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders and real estate agents are also less occupied during the winter as well which allows you to have more of their attention when buying in the winter.  Mortgages tend to be processed faster with fewer issues because they aren’t focusing on thousands of new mortgages.  Paperwork flows through the proper changes without as many hiccups because people have more time to properly process documentation without the rush that occurs with the spring and summer seasons.

As you can see buyers should not fear starting to look for a new home or their first home in the winter.  Winter is an advantageous time to purchase a home for buyers.  It should actually be considered a prime time for buyers to find the perfect place to live.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

 

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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The Mystery Of Electrical Components

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Electrical components are somewhat of a mystery for most of us.  In most of our everyday lives and jobs we don’t deal with the need to know a lot about various electrical components. That is until they stop functioning and we are hindered in what we can and cannot do.  No one thinks about the electricity running into their home until they can’t turn on the television or cook dinner.

When the power goes out or a circuit breaker is blown we become interested in the electrical circuit running through our home.  At that point the electrical system becomes important.  This article will give you a bit more information on the basic components that must function together to allow electricity to flow into our homes or places of work.

Electricity in your home starts with the connection of electrical services.  This is as simple as having the power company run wires to your homes’ feeder wires which are attached to a meter on your home or close power pole.  The meter measures the amount of electricity used and that is the month you are charged for each month.  The meter feeds into either a disconnect switch, main breaker or fuse panel within the home.

Disconnect Switch:  The main advantage of a disconnect switch is that is offers a way to disconnect all power to the house with one main switch.  This is for safety and is used in cases of fire and floods.

Main Breaker:  A main breaker consists of a breaker panel.  This is a panel that contains electrical currents to flow through to different areas within your home.  If too much current is flowing to one area the circuit will blow and thus stop sending electrical current to that area of your home until the breaker is switched back on.  If the current was to flow at an excess this could overload the entire circuit and cause a fire.

Fuse Panel:  Fuses feed the amount of electricity that is being sent and blow out when too much current it being asked of it.  This occurs a lot in rooms where major appliances are in use.  Bathrooms and kitchens usually have to have more fuses allocated to them.  This will allow the current to be broken up to different areas within the room.  The flow of current then can be shifted throughout the space as to not overload one circuit.

In our next installment we will discuss branch circuits, switches, outlets and wiring.  Electrical components within the home aren’t as complex as they are sometimes thought to be.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Maintaining Electrical Components In Manufacturing Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is necessary, in any manufacturing environment to maintain and repair the equipment that is used in the operation of the business.  Preventative maintenance is done to keep machines working properly and to avoid safety issues. Equipment that is not taken care of properly and then in turn becomes damaged can lead to unnecessary downtime, injuries and loss of production.  If the equipment is used in the operation of your business it is important to minimize any downtime that can be experienced.  To keep business running as usual it is important that inspections, repairs, alterations and maintenance are done regularly by well trained individuals.

When it comes to determining whose job it is to complete regular inspections, maintenance and repairs on equipment used in the operation of your business it is best to assign that job function to one team of employees.  This allows it to be consistently monitored by the same employees.  All inspections, repairs and maintenance should be recorded in order to keep track.  This will lead to an organized record of repairs and will help in performing future preventive maintenance.  If a pattern is seen it is possible to perform maintenance before issues arise.  This will keep downtime to a minimum and allow for maximum efficiency.

The five basic principles in the maintenance process of manufacturing equipment are: refurbish, repair, calibration, cleaning and replacement.

Refurbishing is the process of servicing and restoring older or damaged equipment to make it like new again.  This process involves disassembling equipment, cleaning it thoroughly and replacing pieces that are not in proper running order.

Repair manufacturing equipment occurs when a piece is not totally damaged.  Minor machine damage can be repaired.  This is a cost effective way to keep older machines running effectively longer.  It is cheaper to replace a part or two on manufacturing equipment rather than continually replacing pieces.  Equipment is a large expense in manufacturing.  Therefore when a repair can be done it saves the company both time and money.  It is always best to reuse or repair a machine over replacing it when possible.

Calibration should be done regularly on equipment used in the manufacturing process as it keeps product consistency.  Equipment that is not properly calibrated will produce uneven and inconsistent results.  When there are issues with variability it can lead to a tarnished brand reputation.

Cleaning equipment is another important aspect within maintenance.  Cleaning manufacturing electrical components should be done regularly.  Wipe equipment daily with thorough cleaning done weekly to ensure the proper maintenance of manufacturing equipment and electrical components.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Mistakes Men Should Avoid After Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Accepting life after your divorce is hard on everyone involved.  Even under the best of conditions men have a difficult time adjusting to single life after being married.  Make it easier on yourself, your ex and your children by avoiding these common mistakes that are most often made following a divorce.

Dating Too Soon: To many men think that jumping back into the dating game right away is a sure way to get over their ex and begin moving on with their lives.  This is far from reality. In fact dating before the dust settles on your divorce can hinder your new relationship as well as the relationship you share with your children and ex.

Just because you are feeling alone, exposed and distressed doesn’t mean you should seek out a female companion to fill the void.  Instead begin to date casually.  Don’t take on a relationship until you have figured out life as a newly divorced man.  This can take up to two years to officially happen.  Slow down your dating game and explain to anyone you are interested in dating that you have been through a tough divorce and are not ready for a committed relationship.  Recognize that the time is not right for a relationship that constrains you in anyway.

Isolating Themselves: After a divorce it is easy for men to become cut off from the rest of the world.  This is especially true when a woman gets full custody of their children.  This alone can worsen any feelings of guilt, depression and lonesomeness that is felt.  In fact divorced men are more likely to experience suicide and alcoholism.

Instead of turning to drinking and thoughts of hurting yourself turn to old friends or family members.  Join a health club, join a softball team or join a professional association through work.  All of these activities will help you avoid the feeling of despair that can be felt by men experiencing divorce.

Giving In To Hostility:  Another common mistake that men give into is the hostility they are feeling towards their ex.  Don’t continue to fight with your ex especially when children are involved.  Don’t be the enemy.  When you are co-parenting it is easy to be at odds with your ex.  You may not always get your way on how to parent your children.  Learn to take this all in stride.  Take time to manage your feelings; there needs to be a middle ground when situations arise that you go to in order to seek a mutual resolution.

Don’t yield too much of yourself or your role as a parent to your ex.  If you are willing to put in the work you will see the results in the relationship you share with your children and ex.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Women Should Know This Before They Get Divorced

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many feelings that occur when getting divorced.  It is important to consider even the most unexpected situations to better prepare yourself for what can happen after your divorce is finalized.  Here are the top issues that women have shared about their experiences during and after their divorce.

Recovery May Take Longer Than You Thought:  Even the strongest of women admit they have a hard time functioning after a divorce.  Every person going through a divorce heals at their own pace.  Some women bounce back immediately while others take years to get back to living on their own.

Choose Your Divorce Attorney Wisely: Choose an attorney that specializes in family law.  A divorce attorney is the best option to handle your divorce.  Sometimes a criminal attorney will take on a divorce case.  This is not your best option when choosing an attorney.  A family law attorney specializing in divorce is the best option in getting the best possible settlement.

Dig Into All Finances Both Individual and Joint:  Many divorces, actually about forty percent, center around finances.  When you are getting divorced it is important that you get all of the information pertaining to your finances both individually and together.  Gather information on all of the accounts held within the home.  Figure out what payments are made automatically and where money is invested.  The more you know, the more your attorney can get for you in a settlement.

Determine What Future Living Expenses Will Be:  It is important to be financially set once the divorce occurs.  Your well being, as well as the well being of your children is of the utmost importance.  Gather an estimate of what you believe the current cost of living is before the divorce proceedings begin.  You need to know what you will have to have in the future to maintain the lifestyle you are accustomed to.

Consider Unexpected Costs:  It is never easy to think about the future expenses that may arise but when going through a divorce it is important to do just that.  An account is needed to assist with unexpected expenses that occur during and after the divorce proceedings.   It is important to have a savings that covers three months of expenses upon separation and divorce.

Hurting Your Ex Usually Backfires: Hurting your ex in turn hurts your children.  Anything you say or write is out there forever and always for your children to see or hear.  Be careful when talking about your ex.  Kill them with kindness over trashing them.  In the long run you will end up in a better position than if you choose to bash them.

Your Kids Will Hide Their Feelings From You:  Kids are notorious for saying they are fine when in fact nothing about them is okay.  The behavior of your children will change after they experience their parents divorcing.  Younger children may become clingy and want to sleep with you.  Older children may start disobeying and acting out in more dangerous ways.  Whatever your child does it is important to see it and address the situation with care and understanding.  A counselor or family therapist is incredibly helpful to assist children in working through their feelings and getting to a point of acceptance.

Divorce Is Freeing:  More than anything women find that after some time they actually feel free after their divorce is over.  Living life for you without compromising with another individual is the most freeing experience a woman can feel.  Embrace the new chapter that is opening.  Your book is open ended after you have experienced a divorce.  Choose new hobbies, get the kids involved in activities that you can enjoy together and start to move forward; creating a new chapter is an incredibly freeing adventure for newly single women.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Options In In-Ground Pool Resurfacing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In time everything wears out.  Swimming pool interiors are no different; over time they too will wear out.  The one positive is that there are a variety of options when it comes to resurfacing the pool.  Most likely more options now than when the pool was first installed.  A brand new pool finish can significantly increase the appearance of the pool for the better.  The downside is that all those options make it difficult for pool owners to choose what is best for their pool.

Swimming pool resurfacing is not a cheap renovation project neither is pool ownership for that matter.  The cost of resurfacing the pool is dependent upon a number of things such as the location in which you live, the condition of the pool and the material you choose to resurface the pool with.

The most common option in pool resurfacing is plaster otherwise known as Marcite.  This is the common finish for most residential concrete, gunite, pools.  Backyard swimming pools use plaster largely is because it is durable and cheap.  It is not the most attractive option but it does produce a clean, classic look.  Plaster is also available in a number of colors that help to offer a variety of affects.  Be careful when choosing colors other than blue and white as an offbeat color can affect the final result in a way that is not always positive.

Paint is used for pool resurfacing but is not a long term option.  High-quality epoxy paint can be easily applied and is affordable but is not a viable choice for pool surfaces that are severely run down.  Painting the pools surface is a quick fix to buy you additional time.  Use this option if you need to save money up until you can plaster the pool with Marcite.

Fiberglass resurfacing is an option.  Don’t confuse resurfacing with fiberglass with the installation of a fiberglass shell.  This resurfacing option is not available in all parts of the country.  It is also an incredibly controversial technique within the pool industry.  Be extra careful if you are considering this option in pool resurfacing for your backyard pool.

Aggregate, although a current trendy option is incredibly pleasing to the eye.  Resurfacing with aggregate is what is accomplished when you mix plaster with pebbles or quartz.  The aggregate finish is colorful and long lasting.  The one downside is that it is a bit more expensive than ordinary pool plastering.

Tile is another option in plastering your pool.  This is considered a luxury option for pool owners.  Covering pool interiors with tiling is expensive because of the material and labor involved.  If cost is not an option go with tile for resurfacing your pool.  If you have to ask about the expense then tile is probably not an option to consider.

Pool resurfacing is a common improvement that is needed overtime when you own a pool.  It is important to know your choices and make a decision based on what you can afford as well as the aesthetic value of the material you choose.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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The Five Things Automatic Entry Gates Offer Homeowners

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the newest rages when looking to improve your home and property is the addition of an automatic driveway gate.  An electronic gate with experience will ask the homeowner exactly why they are looking to install a gate.  Depending on that answer an automatic gate system will be designed specifically for your wants and needs.  Some homeowners say they are looking to install a gate that prevents people from turning around in their driveway.  This may not be the best reason to install an electronic fence.  An automatic entry gate has many benefits such as added security, improved curb appeal, increased property value, added safety for kids and pets and additional privacy for your family.

Added Security:  The first layer of security for your home and family is the addition of an entry gate that blocks the driveway from entry of unexpected visitors.  Thieves look for an opportunity.  If a gate is installed it takes away the opportunity.  If you have a gate and your neighbor does not who will target.  Home invasions are just one more scenario in which your home may be looked over by thieves when an electronic entry gate is installed.

Improved Curb Appeal:    The curb appeal of your home is of utmost importance.  The driveway gate adds an increase in flair to your homes landscape.  The gate needs to be installed in a manner that it makes a bold statement about your home.  The entry of the driveway can be enhanced with a variety of metal gates, masonry, additional fencing and lighting.  All of which enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Increased Property Value:  This is pretty self explanatory.  Property value increases with added curb appeal and high end home improvements.  If your home has cracked cement and dry shrubs and a dilapidated fencing it is likely to go for far less than a home that has a landscape that is kept up on with an impressive entry gate.  An electronic entry gate, framed by brick columns or ornate landscaping will increase the value of your home.

Added Safety for Kids and Pets:  The safety of your family is of the utmost importance.  Adding a fence that surrounds the perimeter of the landscape with the addition of an automatic driveway gate ensures that the yard is enclosed.  No one will enter or exit without having access to the gate.  This will ensure that no one enters or exits without having access to the entry operating system.

Additional Privacy for Your Family:   No trespassing signs are often ignored.  An electronic driveway entry gate cannot be.  If you prefer not to deal with pushy solicitors or door to door politicians you can guarantee your property is not invaded by installing an automatic entry gate.

There is no better reason than added security, increased property value and improved curb appeal to add an automatic, electronic entry driveway gate to your home and landscape.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

 

SAC Fence

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It May Be Time To Replace Your Metal Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How do homeowners know it is finally time to replace their metal roofs?  Metal roofing is usually chosen over asphalt because of its longevity.  Many times the homeowners that initially install the metal roof are not the owners when it comes time to replace it.  It is necessary to be able to access the condition of the roof in order to decide if it is time for the roof to be replaced.  Below are some of the things to look for before you call in a roofing contractor to install a new roof.

Severe Rust

Metal roofing comes coated with a rust proof finish.  This however does not guarantee or prevent rust from forming.  Overtime the coating can degrade which will result in the formation of rust on the metal roof.  Metal roofing with excessive rust can detract from the aesthetics of an overall well-kept home.  If homeowners begin to see rust forming on their metal roof they should address the areas with additional rust treatments.  Eventually it may become cheaper to replace the roof rather than continually treating the rusting areas.

Fragile Roof Structure

Overall metal roofing has a longer lifespan over asphalt shingles.  This does not mean that the roof will not experience a gradual deterioration.  This happens because overtime the roof is exposed to a variety of weather conditions. Severe weather leads to excessive rust which then leads to a weakening in the roof structure.  When this occurs the only option is to replace the entire roof.  If you see holes starting to form in the metal the roof structure will start to weaken at a faster pace.  Be prepared to replace the roof within the year if not sooner to avoid the expense of structural roof replacement as well.

Leaks

Unlike asphalt shingles metal roofing is held onto the roofs structure using bolts and screw to fasten it together.  Overtime the bolts and screws will loosen and break away.  This can cause a leak to occur which in turn can lead to water damage.  Water damage is unattractive and costly if left untreated.  It is more economical to replace the metal roof than repair constant water damage.  If the leaks are caught early it is possible to repair the hardware that has loosened.  The sooner the leak is discovered the less likely it is to cause long lasting water damage to the structure of the roof overall.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Product Labels Get Your Brand Noticed

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most important aspects of product marketing is being able to recognize the product.  Differentiating your product from similar products that surround it on the shelf is the only way to make a brand specific buyer buy something unfamiliar.  Impulse purchases are key in getting consumers to switch from brands and products they have been loyal to.  In order to do this manufactures and marketers must work in conjunction with one another to create an eye-catching label design that offers buyers the best first impression possible.

Once an impulse purchase has been made and the product has made an impact on the consumer it is time to ensure your brand is recognizable.  In order to be recognized your products package and label needs to be designed in way that is identifiable.  Some marketers use specific colors to achieve this while others handle this with by including the same graphics in every product offered by within the brand as a whole.

An example of this is something as simple as the use of an animated object.  Say that your initial product label design consists of a large yellow sunshine. In order to create brand awareness the next product introduced to the market should include a large yellow sunshine.  When consumers see a large yellow sunshine anywhere they will automatically connect the image to your brand and product lines.  This is one way in which marketers help a brand advertise itself.  Once brand loyalty is in place consumers are rarely swayed.  As mentioned above it takes an exceptional label design or attractive offer to sway consumers away from something that is familiar.

Choosing a cost effective option in labeling is important as well.  Don’t necessarily assume the cheapest labeling option will be the most cost effective.  A cheap label may not withstand shipping let alone the constant handling done by consumers as they examine the ingredients and such of a new product.  A label must be durable and stay presentable to be considered cost effective.  Not only is the label in charge of describing the product it must also give details on what is contained in the product and the value the product delivers.

The value of the label should never be underestimated.  The label needs to hold the information of worth to consumers.  If the expiration date of the product easily rubs off the label consumers will be skeptical in making the purchase as the labeling is not done properly.  If a products package or label is torn or man handled in any manner before it gets on the shelf or while it is on the shelf consumers are less likely to choose that product.  It will be perceived that the product is not fresh or is not of substantial quality.  The consumer’s perception is all that matters at the end of the day.  The perceived value of your product is what decides on whether your product is purchased or left on the shelf.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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