Hardware Podcasts

184 - LIVE from TLMI with Charlie MacLean - President at ASL Print FX

People of Packaging · 15 Mar 2023 · 24m

What this episode covers

Charlie MacLean, President of ASL Print FX, discusses the company's evolution from a traditional flexographic printer to a hybrid and digital printing specialist, driven by the need for shorter runs and customization in the wine and spirits markets. He details the strategic expansion of ASL Print FX's facilities, including the establishment of a production hub in Napa, California, to serve customers closer to home and reduce travel friction. MacLean also shares insights on the industry-wide shift away from conventional presses toward hybrid technology, highlighting the benefits of repeatability, color accuracy, and reduced waste for both large CPG clients and smaller brands.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
ASL Print FX, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, McCain Foods, Loblaws Company Limited, Specright, Spark Packaging
Tools
Domino, Mark Andy, Gallus

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 17m

    An Interview with Laen - Purple PCB Philosophy

    Lane (James Neal), founder of OSHPark, explains how his PCB fabrication service evolved from a volunteer effort for the Dorkbot PDX hobbyist group into a full-time business. He details the technical challenges of panelization software, the critical importance of US-based fabs for quality and speed compared to Chinese alternatives, and the strategic decision to use a distinctive purple solder mask to ensure brand consistency across multiple factories. Lane also discusses the shift in CAD software dominance from Eagle to KiCad, the complexities of international shipping, and his plans for future features like open-source hardware sharing and assembly services.

    PCB design & layoutManufacturing partners & offshoring
    9 chapters

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 38m

    Brewing up Growth by Building on Heritage with Sprecher Brewing CEO, Sharad Chadha

    Sharad Chadha, CEO of Sprecher Brewing Company, discusses his transition from multinational roles at GE Healthcare and Samsung to acquiring and running Wisconsin’s first craft brewery. He explains the strategic decision to pivot heavily toward craft sodas like Green River Soda and Sprecher’s own root beer, leveraging their heritage to differentiate in a crowded beverage market. Chadha details the operational challenges of installing new canning and bottling lines during the pandemic, including managing supply chain constraints and doubling the workforce to meet growing demand.

    Scaling productionPricing, margins & unit economics
    7 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 1h 08m

    #202 - Buyer Spotlight: Total Wine & More

    Michael Lowry, VP of Global Spirit Sourcing, and Andrea Starr, Senior Director of Merchandising at Total Wine & More, explain how the largest independent alcohol retailer in the U.S. discovers, evaluates, and scales new CPG brands. They discuss the critical role of packaging design in spirits and seltzers, the shift toward flavor-driven purchasing, and the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic and THC beverage categories. The guests detail Total Wine's data-driven assortment strategy, their preference for brands that invest in staff education and tastings, and the logistical realities of getting products onto 300+ store shelves.

    Retail, wholesale & distributionPackaging design
    8 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 34m

    Founder Feature: Ranwei Chiang of Abstinence Spirits

    Ranwei Chiang, CEO of Abstinence Spirits, discusses building a botanical-inspired non-alcoholic spirit brand rooted in South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom. She details the product line, including the Cape Floral gin, Cape Malt, and the hero Blood Orange Aperitif, which won a 2024 Shelfie Award. Chiang explains the company's e-commerce-first strategy, grassroots marketing through tastings, and the recent pivot to in-house warehousing to maintain flexibility and customer experience. The episode covers their current crowdfunding campaign on Funder, team structure, and the financial discipline required to scale in the emerging NA category.

    Direct-to-consumer & e-commerceMarketing & brand
    7 chapters

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 17m

    EMS@C-Level 2022 Season, episode 12 - Chng Boon Huei (BH), CEO, Flexi Versa Group

    Chng Boon Huei (BH), CEO of Flexi Versa Group, explains how the company evolved from an electromechanical fabricator to a vertically integrated contract manufacturer with operations in five Asian countries. He details their unique capabilities, including woodworking for acoustic products, PCBA, and box build, which help clients mitigate supply chain risks and decouple from China. BH also discusses strategies for managing component shortages through open architecture and alternative sourcing, as well as their internal culture focused on training and empowerment to retain engineering and operational talent.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringSourcing & supply chain
    5 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by People of Packaging. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.