Get Positioned for Growth

Auto enthusiasts and consumers are excited about new vehicle personalization opportunities.  New products and programs from 3M – along with qualified installers – can mean unique and creative options for vehicle and boat graphics.  Today’s personalization mega-trend is helping to create a surge in vehicle personalization, as seen in the market and events like SEMA.  Well-trained installers are more critical than ever. 3M is now offering its customers training, testing, accreditation and promotion.

3M Graphics Installer Programs

3M recently unveiled a new installer program that offers world-class training‚ testing and accreditation for installers and installation companies.  This program is designed to teach you how to install vehicle and boat graphics, as well as a few other key applications.  Whether you seek to become recognized by 3M as a company through the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Program, or as an individual installer through the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer Program‚ you have two good options.  And 3M wants to promote your services! See www.3MGraphics.com/InstallationPrograms for details.

Training

In conjunction with expert providers‚ 3M offers professional graphics training to help enhance the skills of professional installers. Several training programs are available for learning to install or enhancing skills you already have.  Please visit www.3MGraphics.com/InstallationTraining for training dates and availability.  Looking for installer training videos? Visit the video library at the same site.

Interested in Graphic Manufacturing?

If you are interested in designing and/or graphic manufacturing, 3M can assist with that too.  3M’s strong nationwide network of graphics distributors can assist you with equipment and materials to enter the world of large-format graphic manufacturing for wraps and other applications.  In addition, some of the 3M training options can also teach you design, printing and finishing skills. Find a distributor at www.3MGraphics.com/InstallationTraining and click on Where to Buy.

If you are interested in more information, looking to sign up for one of these options, or just have questions, please contact 3M’s Cassie Nelson at 651-736-9354.

Tampa, FL (

The Wraptor is a patent pending precision installation device for the purpose of application of adhesive backed vinyl (RTA and digital media) and Winner of the 2009 DPI Product of the Year Award – Finishing Equipment.  The device will facilitate deployment and suspension of any graphic film to any surface.  The Wraptor design features are flexible based on configuration specifications to allow for deployment of any image on vehicles, trailers, airplanes, walls, floors, ceilings, etc…  Simply put, The Wraptor will put any image, anywhere, accurately, perfect the first time.  The Wraptor provides its owners a realized profit center with minimal waste, thus producing a smooth, clean vehicle wrap installation in less time with fewer personnel.

Key features of TheWraptor are:

• 0 degree deflection on a horizontal and vertical plane
• Castor equipped base allows for mobility deployment anywhere with a single operator
• Design structure facilitates infinite configuration and expansion
• Reduced manpower required by approximately 40%
• Horizontal 360-degree seamless wraps made easy
• Lower skill required of the installer
• Zero defects One time expense or financing available
• Improved margins due to efficiencies
• Flexible price points on finished product due to efficiencies
• Best of all The Wraptor only occupies approximately 6-10 square feet and it always shows-up for work!

Mike Postill is the owner of Extreme Graphics in Tampa, Florida, a Top 25 Finalist in the 2007 3M Wrap Competition and 2009 DPI Product of the Year Award – Finishing Equipment.  Postill is an industry veteran with over 10 years experience.   The Wraptor is patient pending #12/566,955.