The STRYKER Blog
Why Custom Branded Apparel is Essential for Your Business’s Marketing Strategy
The Power of Brand Identity In today's competitive market, establishing a strong brand identity is crucial for any business. Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline—it's the overall perception that customers have of your company. One effective way to...
The Process Behind High-Quality Custom Apparel: From Design to Delivery
Introduction: The Importance of Quality in Custom Apparel Custom apparel is more than just clothing—it’s a powerful way to express your brand’s identity, promote unity within your team, and make a lasting impression on customers. However, achieving the perfect balance...
The Power of Metalphoto® Anodized Aluminum in Industrial Tags: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Metalphoto® Anodized Aluminum In industries where durability, precision, and reliability are paramount, Metalphoto® anodized aluminum has become the material of choice for industrial tags and labels. Known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion,...
Case Study: Laser Engraved Stainless Steel Label for Equipment Manufacturer
Client: XYZ Industrial Equipment Scenario: XYZ Industrial Equipment specializes in manufacturing heavy machinery used in construction and mining. They produce large excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment that is sold to clients worldwide. Each piece of...
When to use Screen Printing over Embroidery
Screen printing and embroidery are two popular methods for applying designs and artwork to fabric and other materials. The choice between screen printing and embroidery depends on various factors such as the desired look, the type of material, complexity of the...
Local VS Online Apparel Suppliers
We all know that supporting your local businesses is important, but what are the benefits to you to do so? Ordering apparel from a local supplier offers several benefits that can contribute to a smoother and more efficient purchasing experience. Here are some...
Case Study: Aerospace Asset Identification with Metalphoto
Metalphoto® is a durable, high-resolution, photosensitive anodized aluminum material that is commonly used for labeling, signage, and asset identification in various industries. One case study that illustrates the use of Metalphoto® involves its application in the...
Paper Forms vs Online Stores
Ditch the paper order forms for your company apparel and promo items.
Top 5 Laundry Tips To Keep Your Custom Apparel Looking NEW!
Top 5 Laundry Tips To Keep Your Custom Apparel Looking NEW! Congrats! Your custom apparel is brand new, out of the box, and in perfect condition! Now lets keep it like that! There are a few laundry tips and tricks to keep your screen printing ink or embroidery thread...
Metalphoto® Case Study: Seatrax Offshore Cranes
Seatrax, a leading offshore crane manufacturer, chose Metalphoto® anodized aluminum for extreme durability and fast turnaround on permanent labels and markings. For more than 25 years, Seatrax has manufactured offshore pedestal-mounted cranes that operate in...
From the CEO’s Desk: CMMC Journey, The Gmail Debacle.
Switching from Gmail to Outlook and all the fun in between.
Navigating CMMC Compliance: A Small Business Owner’s Journey
Choosing our MSP for CMMC
Case Study: Metalphoto® Transportation Asset Identification
A leading manufacturer of tractor trailers and shipping containers found that nameplates made of Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum have greater durability and legibility than etched stainless steel at a fraction of the price. Problem: Difficult to Read...
Understanding Vinyl
What is Vinyl? STRYKER vinyl labels and decals are a durable and highly customizable solution for multiple industrial and product uses. Vinyl labels have long been a mainstay solution because of their excellent chemical, tear and moisture resistance. They are...
From the CEO’s Desk: STRYKER’s Journey to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), Part 3
After interviewing a handful of Managed Service Providers (MSP) that could take us through the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) journey, it was time to choose one. This was a difficult decision based on there being multiple MSPs that were familiar...
5 Common Misconceptions: Metalphoto® vs. Etched Stainless Steel
Etched and filled stainless steel has historically been used for nameplate, label and panel applications in harsh environments. Engineers have long defaulted to steel under the assumption that it will survive better than other materials. However, Metalphoto...
Metalphoto® IUID Environmental Survivability Testing Report Synopsis
Background Since its introduction in 2005, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Item Unique Identification (IUID) program has grown significantly. Millions of assets have been tagged and registered and several NATO allies have adopted the IUID barcode platform. IUID, as...
What to Look for in a Custom Apparel & Design Shop
With countless color options, apparel choices and designs, how's a person supposed to make decisions on where to start with their screen printing idea? To bring your ideas to life, you'll want the help and guidance of an experienced and reliable custom apparel and...
Weatherable Polycarbonate Film
Over the years, customers have come to rely on LEXAN weatherable films for their dependability, excellent chemical and abrasion resistance and UV resistance. LEXAN HP05W has all the reliable features you have come to expect from LEXAN weatherable films, with a velvety...
Durable Workwear for the Construction Industry
Perhaps no other industry requires workwear to be as durable and hardworking as in the construction industry. At every level of the trades, dependable workwear is essential but is not something that needs to be thought of during the day to day. Read on for reliable...
From the CEO’s Desk: STRYKER’s Journey to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), Part 2
As my team and I prepared to start the process of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), we were under the basic assumption that we would be able to hire an internal IT person to take care of this for us. Save yourself some time because this is not the...
From the CEO’s Desk: Beginning Our Journey to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
A couple of years ago, one of STRYKER’s main customers, who is a prime contractor for the federal government, gave us a heads-up that we would need to have Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in a few years. CMMC is a system of compliance levels that...
Durable Workwear for Aviation, Aerospace and Aircraft Industries
The aviation industry encompasses almost all aspects of air travel and the activities that help to facilitate it. This means it includes the entire airline industry, aircraft manufacturing, research companies, air safety specialists, businesses involved with military...
Updates in Flame-Resistant Durable Workwear
It isn’t a surprise that things have been relatively quiet in the past two years in terms of major changes to safety standards with impact to arc-rated and flame-resistant (AR/FR) clothing requirements. We can thank the pandemic for that. There have been a few recent...
Flame-Retardant Polycarbonate
Marnot Flame-Retardant Polycarbonate is the culmination of combining products from two different market leaders to create a superior hard-coated flame-retardant film. Coated on Lexan FR60 polished/polished base film, it has all the renowned properties that Lexan FR...
Understanding Flame-Resistant Durable Workwear
Flame-resistant (FR) durable workwear is an important personal protective equipment item for workers in a multitude of industries. For many professionals, flame-resistant workwear is an essential tool of the job. High-quality, specially engineered flame-resistant...
STRYKER Seeks Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a system of compliance levels that helps the government, specifically the Department of Defense (DOD), decide if an organization or business has the necessary security to work with vulnerable data. In a nutshell,...
Metalphoto® for Aviation, Aerospace and Aircraft Industries
For over 50 years, the United States Department of Defense has specified Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum for durable labels, nameplates, schematics and control panels installed in harsh operating environments, such as on airplanes and other aircraft....
Polycarbonate for Aviation, Aerospace and Aircraft Industries
Understandably, the aviation, aerospace and aircraft industries require precision, dependability and durability for all products and systems. Labels for aircraft and related equipment must comply with strict and regulated industry standards. Because of its ability to...
Understanding Metalphoto
As STRYKER’s most durable product, Metalphoto, which is also specified as photosensitive anodized aluminum, has been our core product since 1960. Metalphoto® is used to make durable, high-resolution nameplates, labels and control panels. Our unique photographic...
Understanding Polycarbonate Film
What is Polycarbonate? Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic film that excels in having strong and transparent properties. This thermoplastic film is used in a variety of industries such as graphic, electrical, automotive, appliance, consumer electronics, display, signage...
OSHA and ANSI Safety Signs
Using a standardized safety color system is an important part of an effective safety program. Safety colors are visual markers that can help keep employees safe in the workplace. These colors may appear on machines, signs or materials to indicate hazards. When...
Durable Customized Workwear is Critical for Safety
At STRYKER, we focus on providing our community a trusted partner for their durable workwear and safety apparel needs. We take great pride in the design, screen printing and embroidery services we provide for many local emergency and rescue services as well as for...
New Name, New Look, New Owner, Same Quality Products
New Name, New Look If you’re local, you may have noticed the bold new look of our building, located off of Hwy. 15 in Appleton. Industrial Nameplate Inc. and TOP DOG Apparel Inc. have merged to become STRYKER. STRYKER embodies our vision of being the industry...
STRYKER to Exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022
Save the date! We are excited to announce that STRYKER will be an exhibitor at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, held from July 25 to July 31, 2022. More than 500,000 aviation enthusiasts from 80 countries attend EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, WI....
STRYKER Selected as Finalist for Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards
APPLETON, WI. (April 18, 2022) - STRYKER has been selected as a finalist in the small-sized business category for the 33rd Annual Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards. Nicole Swanton, STRYKER president and owner, stated "We are honored to be chosen as a finalist...
Top 4 Men’s Clothing Picks for Spring
When customers come into our showroom to order custom shirts, we are more than happy to help select items to fit their needs. We make the ordering process as easy as possible. Let us know what type of item you’re looking for, the quantity, and what color you prefer....
Providing UV Protection for Your Outdoor Graphic Applications
LEXAN™ HP01W is a newer polished/matte weatherable polycarbonate film, which is a virtually glare-free solution and has a light transmission of 90% while maintaining excellent UV resistance. These performance capabilities, along with ease of processing, make HP01W...
Antimicrobial Hard-coated Polyester and Polycarbonate Films
End-user concern about the spread of bacterial and viral infections has led to the demand for film products that minimize the impact and growth of bacteria, especially in medical and public environments. To meet this need, an antimicrobial coating was developed for...
Industrial Nameplate Inc. Earns Certified Metalphoto® Converter Designation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Industrial Nameplate Inc. Earns Certified Metalphoto® Converter Designation The company completes assessment, implements processes to improve quality and application knowledge for the Metalphoto® product line. Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Monday,...
Announcing Our New President, Nicole Swanton
Industrial Nameplate Inc., Appleton, WI- Industrial Nameplate Inc. is celebrating 60 years in business and is honoring many milestones in 2020. First and foremost, we celebrate the life and legacy of Fred Ziegler, founder of Industrial Nameplate Inc. With many tears...
Make Your Brand Awesome in 2020!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Has your champagne hangover been cured yet? Good, now it’s time to start getting serious about your business brand for 2020. Branding has never been so important. Buyers have more purchasing options and there are SO MANY businesses that do what you do....
3 Trendy Promo Products You’ll Actually Use
Staying up to date with all the trends is hard these days! Between fashion and tech, it can be a lot to take in. Here are some trendy options for branded merch that you and your clients or employees will actually use. CAMPFIRE MUG Retro is back! This campfire...
Business Uniforming
"A good uniform is a statement. It tells your employees they're a part of a team, tells your clients what to expect, and most importantly, a good uniform tells your story." - San Mar Have you considered what business image you portray to your customers or what image...
Our Simplified Ordering Process
If you're a visual person, you're in luck! We've simplified and put our ordering process into a visual diagram so that you have peace of mind and know what to expect when working on a project with TOP DOG Apparel. Whether it's custom T-shirts, embroidered hats or...
St. Patrick’s Day T-Shirt Ideas
The winter blues are setting in and we're looking forward to something fun! Mark your calendars because St. Patty's day is right around the corner (March 17th) and you need to start thinking about your crew's t-shirt game for that upcoming bar crawl! "Hold the kiss,...
Spring Break T-Shirt Ideas!
Okay, let's be honest. The last few days have been like -50's (not something we should be able to say) and our minds are escaping to a warmer place. Lucky enough to be counting down the days where you can escape this tundra with some of your friends and/or family?...
Our Branded Bundle ft. Brand Consistency
We are SO excited for our new swag bags! We're in the process of revamping and creating consistency with our branding -- which is so very important for companies, so we thought we should share our insights with everyone. We'll go through why it's important, what you...
Holiday Gifts for Those That are the “Balm”
The Holidays are coming up fast and you're starting to rack your brain for what you should get your friends, family, coworkers, etc. the list just keeps going on and on! Maybe you're on a budget and looking to stick to something small, especially if you have a lot of...
JCP Certification Achieved
We are happy to announce that we are now JCP Certified! The JCP was established in 1985 to allow United States (U.S.)/Canadian contractors to apply for access to Department of Defense/Department of National Defence (DOD/DND) unclassified export controlled technical...