What ID Images does

ID Images (legal entity I.D. Images, LLC) is a North American label manufacturing and product identification services provider founded in 1995 and headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio. The company operates 16 manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada, producing stock and custom labels spanning direct thermal, thermal transfer, RFID (with ARC-certified inlays), inkjet, linerless (EcoSlim), decorative (foil stamping, embossing, shrink sleeves, high-build UV), and digital printing technologies. Its proprietary Merchandiser system is an NTEP-certified touchscreen food-label printer integrating with 10+ foodservice software platforms and deployed through grocery and deli operations. Seven facilities operate carbon-neutral HP Indigo digital presses, supporting group-run and variable data printing with no minimum order quantities.

The company is a portfolio company of Sole Source Capital LLC, a private equity sponsor that has executed at least five add-on acquisitions since 2021, including Hickman Label (November 2022) and the dual acquisitions of Summit Labels and Precision Label in Canada (December 2022). Revenue is generated through multiple streams: one-time purchases of stock and custom labels, subscription-style access via the IDI Plus corporate ordering portal, professional services for warehouse signage installation and Merchandiser database support, and digital printing transaction fees. Pricing follows a tiered structure with IDI Select positioned up to 30% below IDI Premium, IDI Green sustainable labels priced at parity with standard thermal transfer, and volume breaks available through the corporate portal. Distribution combines direct enterprise field sales, an inside sales team for SMB and individual buyers, a distributor network with a dedicated portal, multiple brand-subsidiary e-commerce storefronts, and the IDI Plus self-service platform.

The company serves end markets including warehouse and logistics, food and beverage, manufacturing, healthcare and pharmaceutical, retail and consumer products, automotive, grocery retail, and beer/wine/spirits, with customer mix spanning SMB craft brands (Four Winds Brewing, Whistler Brewing, Kic's Lemonade) to enterprise accounts (Magnum Nutraceuticals, Ballentine Media). The leadership team includes CEO David Buse, COO Bill Burch, CFO John Hund, CMO Gerald Chang, CHRO Maria Davis, CIO Richie Muniak, and CSO Tim Mlnarik. The portfolio is positioned as a single-source label solution across industrial, decorative, warehouse, and grocery categories under brands including ID Images, Shelf2Cart, Hickman Label, Valley Forge, IMPACT, Seneca, Summit, MultiAction, and Precision.

Name

ID Images

Legal name

I.D. Images, LLC

Website

https://idimages.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ID Images is a North American label manufacturer operating 16 production facilities across the US and Canada, producing stock and custom labels (thermal, RFID, decorative, sustainable) plus the proprietary Merchandiser food-labeling system for warehouse, food and beverage, healthcare, and retail customers under Sole Source Capital ownership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Label Manufacturing

NAICS

Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) (323111), Packaging and Labeling Services (56191)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty & Functional Labels (Linerless, RFID/NFC, Braille, Smart) (IMALAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Label Application Systems & Print-and-Apply (Equipment) (IMALAKAO), Labeling, Coding & Marking Equipment (Labelers, Inkjet, Laser) (IMALAOAD)

Keywords

• Custom label printing
• Thermal transfer labels
• RFID label manufacturing
• Shrink sleeve labels
• Warehouse labeling solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Brunswick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Stock Labels: Pre-manufactured labels available for same-day shipping when ordered by 2pm EST, including direct thermal, thermal transfer, RFID, specialty, and integrated labels sold in standard formats.
2. Custom Labels: Tailored labeling solutions designed to customer specifications including decorative labels (foil stamping, embossing, shrink sleeves), variable data printing, and industry-specific custom solutions.
3. IDI Plus Corporate Portal: Subscription-style online platform for corporate accounts providing 24/7 ordering access, order history, volume pricing breaks, multi-location shipping, and team collaboration features.
4. Professional Services: Installation services for warehouse signage, design consultation, and technical database support for The Merchandiser system.
5. Digital Printing Services: HP Indigo carbon-neutral digital printing with no minimum order quantities for short runs, limited editions, and quick turnaround requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ID Images manufactures and distributes a comprehensive portfolio of stock and custom labels (direct thermal, thermal transfer, RFID, linerless, shrink sleeves, foil stamped, embossed, and high-build UV) and related solutions for industrial, decorative, warehouse, and grocery applications. The company operates 16 manufacturing facilities across North America under the IDI Label Group, serving industries such as food and beverage, automotive, healthcare, shipping and logistics, manufacturing, retail, electronics, and consumer durables. Its offerings include digital printing services (HP Indigo carbon-neutral), the proprietary Merchandiser on-demand food label system, and FSC-certified sustainable label options.

Product overview

ID Images is a North American label solutions provider operating 16 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, offering a comprehensive portfolio organized across four product categories: Stock Labels (Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer, RFID, Integrated, Linerless/EcoSlim, Specialty, Thermal Transfer Ribbons, Inkjet Media, Laser Sheets), Decorative Labels (Foil Stamped, Shrink Sleeves, Embossed, Peel-Back, IRC/Folded Coupons, Variable Data Printing, Waterproof, High-Build UV, Digital Printing, Group Run Printing), Warehouse Solutions (Warehouse Signs, Rack Labels, Floor Graphics), and Grocery Retail (The Merchandiser hardware/software system, Sign Holders & Clips, Grocery Store Signs). The company also markets three sub-brands — IDI Green (FSC-certified sustainable thermal transfer), IDI Select (value line), and IDI Plus (corporate online ordering portal) — and owns acquired brands including Hickman Label (inkjet labels), Summit Labels, Precision Label (Canada), Valley-Forge, IMPACT, Seneca, and MultiAction (Canada). The portfolio is unified under a single-source solution model serving automotive, consumer durables, food & beverage, healthcare, retail, logistics, manufacturing, electronics, and other industries across North America.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IDI Plus: A shopping portal for corporate customers that streamlines procurement and enhances cost-efficiency. Features 24/7 access to ordering, order history, volume price breaks, and team collaboration tools.
• Hickman Label
• Shelf2Cart
• The Merchandiser

Products and services

• Direct Thermal Labels Heat-sensitive labels that print without ribbons, used for shipping, product identification, barcodes, healthcare, and food service applications.
• Thermal Transfer Labels Durable labels requiring thermal transfer ribbons, designed for harsh conditions and long-term applications in manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and chemical drum labeling.
• RFID Labels UHF RFID labels operating at 868-915 MHz with ARC-certified inlays, in-line encoding and verification, and 99.8% read rate claims, for retail mandates, warehouse automation, and asset tracking.
• Integrated Labels All-in-one labels combining paper forms with adhesive labels for simultaneous printing of shipping information, prescriptions, and return instructions in logistics, healthcare, and fulfillment.
• Linerless Labels (EcoSlim) Continuous-roll adhesive-backed labels without backing liner, reducing waste by 50% versus conventional labels, used in transportation, logistics, food and beverage, healthcare, and e-commerce.
• Specialty Labels Custom and durable labels for high-temperature, chemical-resistant, waterproof, UL-certified polyester, and PolarBond all-temperature adhesive applications.
• Thermal Transfer Ribbons Ribbons in wax, wax-resin, and resin formulations for thermal transfer printing, paired with direct thermal and thermal transfer labels for durability across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and chemical drum applications.
• Inkjet Media Products Premium inkjet printing media including matte, semi-gloss, high-gloss papers, 3.5 mil matte synthetic for GHS/BS5609 compliance, and custom options such as gloss polypropylene, Kimdura, and metalized PET.
• Laser Sheet Labels Laser-compatible label sheets in standard and custom sizes for office administration, logistics, retail, and healthcare labeling applications.
• IDI Green Thermal Transfer Labels FSC-certified sustainable thermal transfer labels with reduced facestock thickness (2.5 mil vs 2.7 mil), delivering a 10% carbon footprint reduction at the same price as standard labels.
• IDI Select Economical value line of direct thermal and thermal transfer labels with hot melt adhesive, priced up to 30% less than IDI Premium for everyday applications in warehousing, retail, and production environments.
• IDI Plus Corporate Portal Subscription-style corporate online shopping portal providing 24/7 label ordering, order history, team collaboration, volume pricing, and multi-location shipping with shorter lead times for small jobs.
• Foil Stamped Labels Premium metallic foil labels using hot or cold foil stamping for luxury branding, available in gold, silver, and custom colors for cosmetics, wine, gourmet foods, and premium products.
• Shrink Sleeves 360-degree full-body shrink sleeve labels that conform to any product shape, available as full-body, multipack, promotional, and tamper-evident options, including eco-friendly wood-based film and recyclable materials.
• Embossed Labels Custom raised-design labels providing a tactile luxury experience, used for cosmetics, luxury goods, wine and spirits, and gourmet foods to enhance brand perception.
• Peel-Back Labels Multi-layer extended content labels (standard and triple peel-back configurations) that maximize label space for regulatory compliance, instructions, and promotional content without altering packaging design.
• Variable Data Printing Digital and mosaic variable data printing technology enabling unique information on each label including sequential numbering, barcodes, QR codes, and personalized text within a single print run.
• Waterproof Labels Waterproof and oil-resistant labels using BOPP and other synthetic materials that maintain brand integrity in freezer, cooler, and outdoor environments.
• High-Build UV Labels UV screen printing labels with raised texture, vibrancy, and durability against sunlight and harsh conditions for luxury packaging and brand differentiation.
• Digital Printing Services Carbon-neutral HP Indigo and high-end digital inkjet printing across 7 North American facilities, enabling no minimum orders, fast turnaround, photographic quality, and unlimited design variations.
• Group Run Printing Digital printing service combining multiple labels of the same size, shape, and material but different designs into one print run for volume pricing and reduced setup time.
• Warehouse Signs Aisle, safety, and custom warehouse signs designed for navigability, operational efficiency, and safety protocol compliance, with professional installation services.
• Warehouse Rack Labels Rack labeling solutions including permanent adhesive labels, magnetic repositionable labels, and custom warehouse signs for inventory management and warehouse optimization.
• Floor Graphics Durable, slip-resistant floor signs and graphics for warehouses, retail, and public areas, covering safety warnings, directional signs, and custom designs with professional installation.
• The Merchandiser System On-demand touchscreen food label printer system with proprietary software for grocery, deli, bakery, and foodservice labeling, featuring NTEP Legal-for-Trade certification, database integration, and modular add-ons (Accumulator, Production List, Importer, Point-of-Purchase Signage, Cheese Label).
• Sign Holders & Clips Shelf edge accessories, sign holders, clips, and channel strips for grocery retail displays enabling price tags, product information, and promotional messaging.
• Grocery Store Signs Custom and stock signage for grocery retail environments covering store branding, promotional displays, and point-of-sale communication.
• Sustainable Labels Portfolio Eco-friendly label portfolio including Forest-Friendly (FSC-certified), Ocean-Bound Plastic Labels, Linerless Labels (50% waste reduction), HP Indigo Green Leaf-certified digital printing, and 100% recyclable shrink sleeves.
• Sign Installation Services Professional installation services for warehouse signage and design consultation, plus technical database support for The Merchandiser system.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.8% RFID read accuracy in production environments
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Summit LabelscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2022Summit Labels, based in Canada, was acquired by ID Images to expand presence and capabilities in Canada. Operating as a subsidiary brand, Summit Labels serves the Canadian market with custom label solutions.
• Precision LabelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2022Precision Label, based in Canada, was acquired alongside Summit Labels to strengthen ID Images' Canadian market presence and manufacturing capabilities.
• Hickman LabelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2022Hickman Label, a provider of customized labels for the on-demand inkjet market, was acquired as ID Images' fifth add-on investment since 2021. The acquisition expands omnichannel presence and product offerings.
• Shelf2CartcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShelf2Cart operates as a subsidiary brand focused on grocery solutions, offering store sign cards, tags, holders, labels and printer supplies. Partners with ID Images on The Merchandiser system distribution.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Avery Dennison: Global leader in label materials, RFID inlays, and pressure-sensitive technology with substantially larger scale and direct RFID IP. Competes with ID Images across stock labels, RFID, and sustainable label lines, but at a much broader portfolio and global footprint.
• CCL Industries: World's largest label converter serving healthcare, consumer, and industrial end markets. Directly comparable in decorative, healthcare, and RFID/smart label categories; competes with ID Images in shrink sleeves, specialty labels, and security labeling.
• Multi-Color Corporation: Large global label converter acquired by Platinum Equity, offering premium decorative and pressure-sensitive labels across beer/wine/spirits and consumer products. Overlaps with ID Images on foil stamping, shrink sleeves, and embossed labels for premium beverages.

Direct peers

• Resource Label Group: PE-backed (First Atlantic Capital) North American label converter with similar multi-site footprint and M&A roll-up strategy. Direct peer in stock/custom labels, decorative labels, and RFID — most comparable in scale, ownership model, and consolidation approach.
• Fortis Solutions Group: PE-backed (Wynnchurch Capital) North American pressure-sensitive label converter with comparable multi-vertical focus across food & beverage, durables, and logistics. Directly comparable in product mix, customer verticals, and PE-driven acquisition cadence.
• Dion Label Printing: US-based label converter offering custom pressure-sensitive labels, RFID labels, and sustainable product lines including linerless. Comparable in size, customer verticals, and digital printing capabilities (HP Indigo).

Emerging players

• Tharstern (now ePS/Cimpress-owned brands): Digital-first label MIS and print provider overlapping with ID Images' IDI Plus portal and digital printing capabilities; comparable in targeting small-to-mid label converters with software-driven production.
• StickerGiant: E-commerce-focused custom and stock label provider targeting SMB and craft beverage customers via online storefront. Comparable in customer segments (craft brewers, SMB) and in operating an online label shop, though with smaller B2B/industrial mix.
• OnlineLabels.com: Direct-to-customer label retailer offering blank and printed labels via e-commerce. Overlaps with ID Images' stock-label e-commerce storefront and SMB-distribution model.

Regional players

• Apex Label Company: Regional US label converter with comparable product portfolio (prime labels, shrink sleeves, durable labels) and customer verticals in food, beverage, and consumer products. Comparable in mid-market positioning though smaller scale than ID Images' 16-facility footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/idimagesllc

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ID Images