National / AZON, a provider of innovative solutions for the printing industry, has announced that its longtime customer Drexel Technologies has successfully expanded into engraving and labeling services, with its investment paying for itself in a matter of months. Drexel’s new offering addresses the growing need for fast, high-quality custom signage and labels in large-scale construction projects, positioning the reprographics shop as a local leader in this space.
Drexel is a provider of printing and office technology solutions for the construction, architecture, and design industries. The company invested in National / AZON’s turnkey solution, which includes engraving equipment from Vision Engraving & Routing Systems, substrate from Rowmark, and comprehensive training. The bundled solution meets the needs of Drexel clients where fast turnaround times are crucial.
“Expanding into engraving and labeling has not only allowed us to meet the growing demand for fast, high-quality custom signage and labels, but it’s also created a new revenue stream,” comments Troy Illum, vice president of Drexel Technologies. “It’s been a great opportunity for us to diversify our offerings and further differentiate ourselves in an increasingly competitive market space.”
“At National / AZON, we don’t just sell equipment—we partner with our clients to help them succeed. Working with Drexel Technologies has been a great example of this approach. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in their growth and look forward to continuing to help them succeed as they expand their engraving capabilities,” comments Rich Gigl, senior vice-president, National / AZON.
Since launching its engraving services in mid-2024, Drexel has delivered custom labels for high-profile projects, including a battery facility (approximately 1,000 engraved labels for electrical systems), power plant projects (labels for piping and mechanical systems), and educational retrofits (labels for mechanical systems in schools).
The engraving service has already paid for itself and has contributed $10,000 in profit to date. The company is looking to increase its capacity by adding a second engraving unit and introducing more advanced signage options, including metal engraving and braille signs.
Drexel Technologies’ expansion into engraving services has been a strategic success, diversifying its offerings and providing a competitive edge in a growing market. As demand for fast, reliable labeling continues, Drexel is poised for continued growth, strengthening its position as a leader in the construction and industrial sectors.
National / AZON is a leading distributor of hardware and software products, specializing in the reprographics, graphic arts, and sign-making markets. With a robust network of sales and distribution points across North America, the company continuously innovates to meet the evolving needs of large-format printing and scanning professionals.
National / AZON represents the following companies: Apex, Canon, CET Color, Colortrac, Contex, CZUR, Graphic Finishing Partners, Mutoh, Onyx, SAI Flexi, Scan Dimension, Vanguard, and Vision Engraving. Demonstrations of all products are available upon request. For more information, visit
