Expanding Horizons

The Conformer Expansion Envelope is far from conformist. The envelope appears similar to a traditional one, but its patented score and glue design expands to fit variable content up to 1 1/2 inch thick. Distributors can customize its outside as a marketing tool. Thin-to-thick expansion allows the end user to purchase one size rather than several, and the envelope is less likely to jam in press machinery; it's designed to run on high-speed inserters manufactured by the likes of Pitney Bowes and Bell+Howell. These advantages can add up to tremendous cost savings, says Marvin Makofsky, president and founder of Conformer Expansion Products Inc., Great Neck, N.Y. He's the inventor and patent-holder of the product line. "The envelopes are really turning people's heads," he says.

Seven manufacturers are licensed to produce Conformer Expansion products, including manufacturer Admore Inc., Macomb, Mich. The company's general manager, Bill Tignanelli, says, "We've been doing this a couple of years and will continue to do it. Distributors are starting to sell more of it."

Pitney Bowes embraced Conformer Expansion Envelope when it realized the benefits of using the product in its insertion machines. One of its clients no longer has to batch insurance policies or bank statements according to envelope size, which causes downtime and, in some cases, higher expenses on envelopes themselves. Using Conformer Expansion Envelopes has decreased the manufacturer's machine downtime, engineering salaries and other costs associated with multiple press runs.

"People are applauding the quality of the envelope and what it represents," Makofsky says. "These innovative envelopes represent tremendous opportunities for distributors. They allow sales people to sell solutions instead of products, solving tough customer challenges." In addition to envelopes, the Conformer Expansion line features expandable pocket folders, photo mailers, point-of-purchase packaging and more.