NovaVision Building

About NovaVision

The Nature of Our Business

NovaVision specializes in hologram labels, tamper evident stickers, security tape and mechanical security seals, which are commonly used to combat counterfeiting and/or tampering. We market some brands of security tapes and security labels through CGM-NV (a wholly owned business unit) which was acquired in 2011. We also distribute thermal transfer ribbons and labels through Thermal Images, which is a wholly-owned division of our company.

NovaVision conducts business globally and has over 5000 active customers each year. Our major customer groups include governments (USA federal, state, county, municipal and international), large international companies, retailers, and collectible companies. In addition, we provide products to brand owners, ski resorts, pharmaceutical/drug companies, hospitals, banks, trucking/logistic companies, and over 1000 small businesses.

NovaVision is ISO 9001:2015 Certified. We received our facility’s CTPAT certification in 2012, our ISO 14298 certification in 2017 and our ISO 14001 certification in November 2020.

Founded in 1994, our headquarters and production facility in Bowling Green, Ohio, has a total of 55,000 square feet. NovaVision currently has 64 full-time employees.

2021 Finalist, Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, in recognition of valuable contributions to Marketplace Ethics (see September 22, 2021 Press Release). For 7 consecutive years (since 2008), NovaVision has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private businesses in the USA.

Duns Number: 884 -252 -040
SIC Code: 2893 (printing, inks)

Our Mission

To continuously improve our customer's ability to protect their products and property from counterfeiting, tampering, and pilfering.

Company Milestones

1994:

  • Mr. Al Caperna founded NovaVision as a research and development company to develop a process for in-line embossing of holograms on a printing press. Initially, the process was set up on a narrow web printing press at Century Marketing, another company owned and operated by Al Caperna.

1995:

  • NovaVision moved to a new location on Gould Street in Bowling Green.
  • Created one of the first commercial hologram labs in the USA, which included an origination machine, electroforming lab, and a narrow web printing press for hot stamping and embossing holograms on substrates.

1997:

  • NovaVision secured several large customers for the in-line holographic process and began to sell the foil and holographic shims.
  • The origination and electroforming operations were discontinued and these services were subcontracted.
  • Founded the Consumers Products Manufacturing Association (CPMA) with four of the largest retail companies in the world to establish global standards for EAS, authentication and RFID.

1998:

  • Mr. Mike Messmer joined NovaVision as General Manager and the company began to focus on commercializing their technology and expertise to market holographic products.

1999:

  • NovaVision purchased a custom-built stamping and embossing machine and began to produce a variety of custom hologram projects.
  • The CPMA project ended.

2000:

  • As a result of growing operations, NovaVision relocated to a larger building co-located with Century Marketing in south Bowling Green, Ohio.
  • The company acquired another hologram embossing machine and a printing press.

2002:

  • NovaVision purchased Thermal Images, a distribution business for thermal transfer printers, ribbons and labels.

2003:

  • NovaVision began to market products on the internet and began to distribute tamper evident tape.

2005:

  • NovaVision relocated to a larger building on E. Woodland Circle in Bowling Green (using 3,000 sq feet of 12,000 sq feet total).
  • The company began to expand the security label product line.

2007:

  • NovaVision began to market non-residue security labels.
  • Purchased another holographic embossing machine to expand capacity.
  • Entered the market for the California Clean Idle decals.

2008:

  • Purchased a printing press with re-registration capability for more sophisticated printing capabilities.
  • Due to continuing growth in holograms, the electroforming operations were purchased from Dazzle, Inc. (owned by AJ Languedoc, Jr.) and were re-established internally, but on a larger scale than before.
  • Began to market mechanical security seals.

2009:

  • Began production of tamper evident tape.
  • NovaVision fully occupied the entire 12,000 sq feet at the E. Woodland Circle facility.
  • First year on Inc 5000 list of fastest growing private companies.

2010:

  • Completed ISO 9001 Certification for California Clean Idle decals.

2011:

  • Added 12,000 square feet of warehouse space, which doubled our production and warehouse space.
  • Added another press to produce tamper evident tape more efficiently; also added more finishing equipment for security tape.
  • Signed an agreement with Mr. Erik Hoffer to exclusively market security products to the former customers of CGM-AST. The Staten Island operation was closed in December and all production was transferred to the Ohio location. The new customers acquired significantly increased the company sales and operations.
  • Hired 15 new employees, our largest hiring year — totaling 45 full-time employees in 4Q.

2012:

  • Finished an expansion which more than doubled the administrative office. Added more production capacity to produce tamper evident tape.
  • Added laser etching capability for customized mechanical seals.
  • Achieved a CTPAT security rating for our facility.

2013:

  • Completed ISO-9001 certification for all security tape, labels and seals.
  • Implemented a new enterprise software system to improve service and operations.
  • Purchased another hologram machine to expand embossing capacity.
  • NovaVision purchased Green Dot Bags, a distributor of security bags.

2014:

  • 6th consecutive year achieving INC 5000 listing for fastest growing private companies in the USA.

2015:

  • Added high-speed ink jet printing to improve efficiency and service times on large projects.
  • Purchased our property and building to allow more flexibility for future expansion.
  • 7th consecutive year for achieving INC 5000 listing for fastest growing private companies in the USA.
  • Total full-time employees in 4Q: 59

2016:

  • Added more high-speed ink jet printing capacity
  • Added high-speed laser etching for customizing mechanical security seals.
  • Received Dream Big Award from Northwest Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
  • Completed ISO-14298 certification for security processes.
  • Purchased the assets of Holographic Security Concepts (formerly 1799 County Rd 90, Independence, MN 55359; TEL 763-546-1844).

2017:

  • Completed 45% expansion (11,000 sq feet) of production facility (total production area = 35,000 sq feet).
  • Signed marketing agreement to sell to former customers of Jordan Products (formerly 1050 33rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414; TEL 651-641-6119).
  • Installed new and improved manufacturing process for the Secure-ID product, which was formerly produced by Jordan Products.
  • Added more capacity for re-register die-cutting.
  • Total full-time employees in 4Q: 60

2018:

  • Added holographic cast & cure process.
  • Added more equipment to finish tamper evident tape.
  • Expanded production offices and testing lab.
  • Purchased adjoining land (4 acres) for potential future expansion.
  • Total full-time employees in 4Q: 60

2019:

  • Added holographic origination capability.
  • Added flexographic plate-making capability.
  • Total full-time employees in 4Q: 63

2020:

  • Completed ISO-14001 certification for environmental processes.
  • Completed NIST 800-171A self-assessment for IT security.
  • Total full-time employees in 4Q: 64

2021:

  • Completed 34% expansion (12,000 sq feet) of production facility (current total production area = 47,000 sq feet).
  • Expanded capacity for high speed ink jet printing.
  • 2021 Finalist, Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics — Large Company.
  • Total full time employees in 4Q: 65

2022:

  • NovaVision was acquired by Incline Equity Partners in August 2022.
  • Bill Schoenherr was promoted to President.
  • Mike Messmer remains on the Board of Directors as an advisor to the company.

Our Products & Service

We offer both stock and customized security at affordable prices and with responsive delivery times.

We offer over 300 different stock security products (hologram labels, tamper evident stickers, security tape and security seals) -- the largest selection in the world!

For stock products, enjoy the convenience of ordering online. Or, call to speak with one of our 10 sales reps, who can help you find the right product for your project.

For custom products, we have affordable solutions for applications ranging from low to high volume. Our security solutions can combine custom holograms, tamper evident materials, consecutive serial numbers, barcodes, special inks, taggants, and other materials to produce a product which meets your security, performance and budget requirements. For low volume applications, our most economical option is to customize stock security products with your company name or logo, but we can also create a totally custom product as well, depending on your requirements.

We offer responsive service on both stock and custom products. Many stock products are available for Express Service -- place your order by 2pm EST and the order ships the same day. Service on most custom orders typically ranges from 1 to 3 weeks.

For other labeling applications, we also offer:

- Thermal ribbons and labels at competitive discount prices. We offer both Zebra and Armor brand ribbons plus a wide assortment of stock and custom labels.

- Promotional holographic products to enhance shelf appeal and product image.

Security Printing

NovaVision is primarily a manufacturer (security printer) for hologram stickers, security tape, and tamper evident labels. Our major products include:

  • Tamper evident security hologram labels
  • Promotional hologram stickers
  • Tamper evident security labels
  • Vehicle registration decals and plates
  • Security tape
  • Holographic overlays for ID cards
  • Holographic lamination pouches
  • Parking permits, window stickers, and hang tags

Mechanical Security Seals

Our product offering includes a wide variety of mechancial security seals -- both stock and customized. Our service for custom seals is often the fastest in the industry. These seals are typically used to seal truck trailers, railcars, shipping containers, totes and pallets:

  • Bolt seals
  • Cable seals
  • Adjustable plastic seals
  • Padlock seals
  • Plastic and metal band seals
  • ToppClip™ Pallet Seals
  • Barrier Seals

Promotional Products

We offer a variety of promotional hologram products to give your company logo, product or special promotion a distinctive look, which will enhance your image and create eye-popping shelf appeal.

Tamper Evident Bags

Recently, we added tamper evident bags which are used for clinical drug trials, confidential documents, and securing valuable property.

Our Manufacturing Capabilities

We have extensive manufacturing capabilities for stock and custom products and constructions:

A.  Electroforming (pre-manufacturing process to produce plates for hologram embossing)

B.  Holographic film materials -- silver metalized, partially metalized, transparent (high refractive index)

C.  Hologram presses with re-registration (ability to process in multiple steps and keep graphics in alignment)

D.  Flexo-printing machines with re-registration (ability to process in multiple steps and keep graphics in alignment)
  • water based inks
  • UV cured inks

E.  Custom tamper evident patterns

F.  Hot stamping foil application

G.  Nine (9) different stock adhesives

H.  Laminating, die cutting, slitting

I.  Digital printing for serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, graphics, etc
  • high speed UV cured ink jet
  • thermal transfer printing

J.  Laser etching, marking and ablating

K.  Affixing hologram labels to cards, documents, parts, etc.

L.  Silicone application — spot or flood coat

M.  'Piggyback' constructions

N.  Finishing
  • labels on sheets
  • labels in bags
  • labels on rolls
  • labels for machine affixing
  • special inspection or QC protocols (up to 100% inspection)

O.  Our equipment and team can handle any size security project — small, medium or large

International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA)

hologram manufacturers associationThe International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is a not for profit organization made up of the world’s leading hologram suppliers and manufacturers. As of January 2023, there are 79 member companies globally who actively cooperate to maintain the highest professional, security and quality standards in support of their customers.

The IHMA was founded in 1993 to represent the interests of hologram manufacturers and the hologram industry worldwide. It is dedicated to promoting the interests of the hologram industry worldwide and and to helping users achieve their commercial, aesthetic and authentication objectives through the effective use of holography.

IHMA membership confers authenticity and credibility on companies that join - all of which are vetted and adhere to a strict Code of Practice governing standards, business ethics, customer service, respect for and protection of customers' and each others' intellectual property.

For added security, the IHMA sponsors an international Hologram Image Registry where member companies confidentially validate and register their client's custom hologram. A new design can be validated as unique before implementation. After the image is registered, the client's custom image is on file to assure the custom image is not inadvertently copied somewhere else in the world.

NovaVision has been a member of the IHMA since 2004. Mr. Mike Messmer, former President at NovaVision, served on the IHMA Board of Directors from 2012 to 2016, which includes 3.5 years as Chairman of the Board.



Career Opportunities

FLEXOGRAPHIC PRESS OPERATOR

NovaVision, a Bowling Green technology company, has an immediate opening for a full-time Flexographic Press Operator. This primary function of this position is to set up and operate complex flexographic printing, converting and adhesive coating equipment (up to 9 color x 10” wide presses) utilizing both water based and UV cured inks, producing high quality printed tape and label products on unsupported or supported film and pressure sensitive constructions.

The ideal candidate desires to be part of a high-growth and profitable company and have the following skills and experience:

  • High school degree or GED equivalent.
  • Minimum 2 years experience working with flexographic printing press for printing and finishing.
  • Ability to operate additional press equipment such as UV drying, Cameras, Hot-Melt adhesive coating, Tension control and more.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 and use of quality control tools typical with printing such as: PMS books; Ruler; Micrometer; PH Meter
  • Good Problem Solving and troubleshooting ability.
  • Good Verbal and Written Communication with a focus on documenting daily production, QC or ISO procedural related information.
  • Computer proficient with to access e-mail, update schedules, job details and to make production notes.
  • Perform routine preventive maintenance and maintain a neat, orderly and safe work station.

Full-time employment with benefits and profit sharing. Total compensation will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include health care, paid vacation, retirement savings, & holidays.

Look for our active job postings on Indeed or Email your resume to: hr@novavisioninc.com

NovaVision is a growing technology company specializing in anti-tampering and anti-counterfeiting products and located in Bowling Green, Ohio. NovaVision is an Equal Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunity (including recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, etc.) without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status or another characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

TECHNICAL SALES

NovaVision, a Bowling Green printing company, does not currently have any open positions, but is always interested in experienced technical sales professionals that have either a base of business and or customer contacts with a demonstrated ability to sell. This person would effectively interface with our technical team, production team and provide technical support for our customers and sales reps. The ideal candidate desires to be part of a high-growth and profitable company and have the following skills and experience:

  • Engineering education or 5 years technical work experience
  • Minimum 3 years experience in inside or outside selling
  • Problem Solving
  • Analytical
  • Computer/software proficient
  • Ability to organize and multi-task
  • Teamwork
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • MBA is a plus

Full-time employment with benefits and profit sharing. Total compensation will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include health care, paid vacation, retirement savings, & holidays.

We will train you for the needed product knowledge. Your on-the-job performance will determine your potential for future advancement.

Email your resume to: hr@novavisioninc.com

NovaVision is a growing technology company specializing in anti-tampering and anti-counterfeiting products and located in Bowling Green, Ohio. NovaVision is an Equal Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunity (including recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, etc.) without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status or another characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

ISO 9001, 14298 and 14001 Certifications

NovaVision is currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 for our business processes, ISO 14298:2015 for our security processes and ISO14001:2015 for our environmental management processes.

View our ISO 9001: 2015 Certificate iso 9001
View our ISO 14298 Certificate iso 14298
View our ISO 14001 Certificate iso40001
View our ANSI/NASPO Class III Certificate c-tpat

Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)

c-tpat

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) was created by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish security protocols and requirements to improve the security of a company's supply chain and production facility.

Since July 2012, NovaVision was certified as meeting the security requirements established by CTPAT. Having the CTPAT certification provides added assurance to our customers their products will be produced and handled in accordance with accepted security procedures set by the TSA.

NovaVision is committed to a culture of supply chain security and the CTPAT program.

William Schoenherr — President

Industry Memberships & Associations

Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce logo

Toledo Regional
Chamber of Commerce
(TRCC)

North American Security Products Organization logo

North American Security Products Organization
(NASPO)

National Defense Transportation Association logo

National Defense Transportation Association
(NDTA)

Airforwarders Association logo

Airforwarders Association
(AfA)
See Certificate


Customs Trade Protection Agreement Against Terrorism logo


CTPAT Certification Received:
October 3, 2012 (CTPAT)

Department of Homeland Security banner

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE)

Conflict Mineral Policy

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) passed its proposed far-reaching draft regulation to implement the Conflict Mineral Law; this regulation was passed by the SEC on August 22, 2012. The law would require U.S. and foreign companies to report and make public the use of "conflict minerals" from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its adjoining countries. The 9 adjoining countries are: Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Congo Republic (a different nation than DRC), Angola, Sudan, Central African Republic, Zambia and Uganda.

NovaVision supports worldwide concerns that metals mined in conflict areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) may be making their way into the supply chain. NovaVision’s policy requires our supply chain partners to certify in writing that they do not knowingly procure Gold, Columbite-Tantalum, Wolframite or Cassiterite from conflict areas of the DRC.

Beginning on January 1 2014, NovaVision will periodically survey our supply chain regarding sourcing and procurement of Gold, Columbite-Tantalum, Wolframite and Cassiterite as well with their derivatives Tin, Tungsten and Tantalum. Due to traceability issues and the lack of mines or smelters effectively participating in the regulation, we cannot certify with 100% certainty that our supply chain is Conflict Free until supply chain transparency is more discernible.

We are committed to supporting our customers’ requirements with reference to the Conflict Mineral Law.

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