How can employers express genuine appreciation for their dedicated employees and their invaluable achievements? Many opt for gifts, certificates, medals, or trophies. Besides honoring its dedicated associates with plaques, East West Bank chose to elevate the recognition by specially designing a premium presentation box. 

With PakFactory’s expertise, the final result—a sophisticated pearlescent rigid box with a magnetic closure—offered both elegance and functionality, reflecting East West Bank’s commitment to excellence as a leading financial institution.

The Client: East West Bank

Founded in 1973 in Los Angeles to serve the Chinese American community, East West Bank has grown into a full-service commercial bank with over 100 locations across the United States. Managing over $70 billion in assets, the bank is renowned for its expertise in cross-border banking, offering financial solutions that bridge the East and West.

East West Bank’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its financial services to recognizing and celebrating its associates’ achievements. The bank prioritizes honoring its employees with meaningful rewards that embody its core values of quality, innovation, and sophistication.

The Challenge: Creating a Premium Presentation Box

rigid box precision of the 90 degree corner

For its latest employee recognition initiative, East West Bank sought a high-end packaging solution for its plaques. The presentation box needed to not only protect and elegantly display the plaques but also reflect the premium nature of the brand.

Entrusting PakFactory with this project, the bank required a packaging solution that addressed three key challenges:

Challenge 1: Magnetic Rigid Box with Specific Finishes

The client requested a 7” x 5” x 1” magnetic rigid box that matched the gunmetal-colored pearlescent exterior of their previous packaging. PakFactory was tasked with sourcing a similar material while proposing modern alternatives that aligned with East West Bank’s evolving brand identity. A matte coating was also required to enhance the premium aesthetic.

Challenge 2: Logo Precision

The key branding element—the East West Bank logo featured black foiling combined with registered embossing, requiring precise alignment between the foil application and embossing process. To achieve this sharp and tactile effect, high levels of accuracy are demanded to ensure consistency across all units.

Challenge 3: Functional Customization

The packaging needed to securely hold the plaque while ensuring easy removal for recipients. A custom foam insert with precise cutouts was required to prevent damage during transportation while maintaining usability.

The Process: Precision in Design and Production

1. Material Sourcing and Matching

To replicate the gunmetal-colored pearlescent finish requested by the client, PakFactory sourced multiple samples of pearlescent paper and explored alternative options to match the bank’s modern branding needs.

After careful evaluation, we proposed a lighter blue-grey pearlescent paper as a refined alternative, offering better contrast for the logo while maintaining an upscale, luminous finish. East West Bank agreed with the choice, appreciating the modern twist and alignment with its branding.

close-up of pearlescent paper options

2. Logo Foiling and Embossing

Since the East West Bank logo was critical to the design, to ensure it was flawlessly executed required:

  • Foil Application: Black foil was applied with pinpoint accuracy for a bold and luxurious finish.
  • Registered Embossing: The embossing was precisely aligned with the foil to add depth and texture, enhancing both visual appeal and tactile engagement.

The precision in production resulted in a striking logo that enhanced both visual and tactile engagement.

close-up of the black foil with deboss finish on the logo

3. Engineering the Foam Insert

To make sure the plaques were secured, PakFactory designed a precision-cut EVA foam insert tailored to the plaque’s dimensions.

A thumb notch was also incorporated into the foam insert, allowing recipients to remove the plaque easily while maintaining the packaging’s refined aesthetic.

close-up of the EVA foam with thumb notch

4. Prototyping and Refinement

To validate the material finishes, structural integrity, and logo effects, PakFactory developed prototypes during the design process to test:

  • Pearlescent paper durability and compatibility with CMYK printing and matte coating.
  • Alignment and consistency of black foiling and registered embossing.
  • The EVA foam insert was a snug fit for the plaques and the thumb notch’s functionality.

We consulted East West Bank at every stage and integrated feedback into the design, ensuring the final product aligned perfectly with the client’s expectations.

5. Production and Quality Control

With the design finalized, PakFactory moved forward with production, and conducted quality control checks at every stage of the manufacturing process:

  • Box Construction: Magnetic closures were seamlessly integrated for durability and ease of use.
  • Printing and Coating: High-quality CMYK printing was applied inside and out, followed by a matte coating.
  • Assembly: The pearlescent paper, foam insert, and embossed logo were precisely crafted to ensure a flawless final product.
close-up of embedded magnet

6. Delivery and Post-Production Support

Beyond design and production, PakFactory coordinated the logistics to efficiently and securely deliver the completed packaging to East West Bank. 

We also provided ongoing support for East West Bank for future orders and design adaptations.

The Result: A Box Honoring Devotion and Excellence

the top side of the east west bank rigid box
east west bank's magnetic rigid presentation box

Practicality Meets Elegance

PakFactory’s tailored packaging solution for East West Bank balanced aesthetic appeal with functionality. The 2.5mm-thick greyboard construction of the rigid box, combined with a secure magnetic closure and a custom foam insert, ensured the plaques remained protected while exuding sophistication.

Enhanced Employee Recognition Experience

The premium presentation box elevated the overall unboxing experience for the recipients, with the precision-cut EVA foam insert allowing effortless access to the plaques.

East West Bank’s associates appreciated the high-quality design adding a sense of prestige to the recognition program, and fostering greater employee engagement.

Elevated Brand Perception

The meticulous design reinforced East West Bank’s commitment to quality and innovation. The transition from gunmetal to blue-grey pearlescent paper modernized the look while maintaining brand consistency. This refined packaging strengthened the bank’s reputation both internally and externally.

Why Choose PakFactory

East West Bank partnered with PakFactory to bring their vision to life. Our expertise in high-end packaging solutions ensured every detail aligned with the bank’s brand identity and expectations. Here’s why PakFactory stood out:

  • Tailored Custom Solutions: We seamlessly matched previous packaging designs while offering modern enhancements, ensuring usability and providing a better user experience.
  • Expertise in Premium Materials and Finishes: Our experience in sourcing and applying high-quality materials ensured a flawless result.
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Quality Assurance: Precision execution ensured durability and consistency across all units.
  • End-to-End Service: From concept to delivery, we provided a seamless experience for our client with transparent communication.

Inspired by our collaboration with East West Bank? Let us help you create bespoke packaging that reflects your brand’s sophistication and attention to detail. Contact PakFactory today to craft packaging solutions that leave a lasting impression.