There are a few apparel decorators out there that have experienced massive growth in the last couple years. A&P Master Images, located in Utica, New York, is just one of them. Started in 2003, the company has seen everything from economic downturn to the highest of booms.

A&P, which is a full-service customization manufacturer, is currently experiencing significant growth. The company recently built a 3,000-square-foot building right behind its main building. According to CEO Howard Potter, the additional square footage is all about progress, improvement, and future planning.

“We’ve always had the fortune of steady growth,” he says. And when COVID hit, the company experienced even more of it. Potter states that the company had 19% growth during COVID. It hit 32% growth last year, generating an estimated sales of $3.1 million. Additionally, they added nine fulltime jobs last year. That brings the grand total to 29 employees.

Pictured front left: Howard Potter, CEO, and the A&P team. 

Potter notes that the growth has come from a variety of avenues. For example, about a year and a half ago, the company added 2D and 3D laser engraving. “We invested in online software that made our [e-commerce experience] better,” he adds. “We also got into the uniform business — police, fire, EMS, etc. We also started doing fulfillment orders.”

A&P also recently invested in a direct-to-film printer from ColDesi. Potter says they just received it and are in the midst of training. “We’re usually in the forefront of expanding and new technology,” he says of the new purchase. “With DTF, it’s a simplified process where you teach someone to operate the printer, which isn’t hard to do.” He anticipates that it will help streamline their online stores.

Only the Beginning

Having a new building does require some rearranging. Potter states that the new one houses A&P’s vinyl installs, 2D/3D laser engraving, and hard good sublimating services and equipment. They also have the new DTF printer set up there. The main building now houses the company’s screen printing and embroidery and sewing services, shipping and receiving, and design team.

But there’s more to it.

The main building also has a showroom, which Potter says is in the middle of a remodel to be retail focused. “We currently have contractors over here building a second showroom for our first responder accounts,” he adds. That showroom will have all of the uniforms and apparel plus dressing rooms to serve that clientele.

“Uniforms and first responders — that’s a different beast,” he adds. “When you get into the uniform business, you have to take it seriously.” By that, he means a significant financial commitment upfront as well as the ability to come through on orders and follow tight rules and regulations.

Potter anticipates that this isn’t the end for A&P’s growth. “The buildout for the showroom and main building will be done between now and the end of next week,” he says. “During that, we’re learning the DTF machine, and from there, we’re hanging on! It’s about what’s the next goal, what’s the next high point … I want to build brands, I want to build customers, I want to build people.”