SUNKIST GRAPHICS AND LIGHT & WONDER:
A POWERFUL ALLIANCE BUILT ON INNOVATION AND TRUST
For a behemoth in the gaming industry like Light & Wonder, finding nimble, reliable, and innovative partners is paramount.
Brad Cornell, Senior Director of Hardware Engineering at Light & Wonder, can attest to the enduring and impactful relationship his company has forged with Sunkist Graphics.
Inheriting the print art team at what was then WMS, Brad found himself managing a critical aspect of slot machine design and production. Initially working with an array of suppliers—each with its own “pluses and minuses,” as he puts it—an undisputed leader began to emerge.
“Over the years, Sunkist has become our clear go-to for really anything we need,” Brad states emphatically.
CREATIVE COLLABORATION DRIVES INNOVATION
The cornerstone of this preference lies in the people at Sunkist Graphics, where President Erik Black himself is often the main contact.
“I’m a big fan of the people there—Erik and the whole team—they’re great to work with,” says Cornell, who has worked in the gaming industry for over two decades. “They’re creative, and they’re always bringing us new things we maybe haven’t seen yet.”
This proactive approach, combined with strong synergy with Light & Wonder’s creative team, has created a dynamic and productive working environment. 
Sunkist Graphics’ technical expertise has also proven invaluable, particularly in their work on complex LED color temperature matching for large-format graphics reaching up to eight feet tall. Their resilience and out-of-the-box mindset, especially evident after a significant fire prompted them to rebuild with cutting-edge technology, further underscores their commitment to innovation.
“I love their forward thinking,” adds Cornell. “I’ve got a very creative team, and the collaboration works out really well.”
That collaboration is especially helpful in the fast-paced world of gaming hardware development, where responsiveness is key.
“Sunkist is always very quick to respond when we need them to be, and that goes a long way,” Cornell says. “They can adapt and deliver under tight deadlines.”
This agility extends to cost-effectiveness as well, with Sunkist consistently offering a compelling combination of quality and competitive pricing, even when compared to larger alternatives.
THE ENDURING VALUE OF STABILITY
For a company of Light & Wonder’s scale, the personalized touch and stability offered by a smaller partner like Sunkist are invaluable.
“We love the stability of knowing who we’re dealing with and how to reach them when we need them,” Cornell says.
Highlighting that direct line of communication, Black adds:
“Like all of our clients, our relationship with Light & Wonder is built on open communication and a shared commitment to their success. We understand their needs and always strive to be a responsive and reliable extension of their team.”
This level of access and continuity stands in stark contrast to the often impersonal nature of larger suppliers.
Cornell also emphasizes the collaborative spirit and shared passion for problem-solving, noting the value of working with a “known entity” in a landscape where larger vendors frequently experience turnover or change ownership.
AGILITY AND TRUST WIN
The alliance between Light & Wonder and Sunkist Graphics exemplifies the power of creative collaboration and responsive service built upon a foundation of trust.
Sunkist Graphics’ commitment to understanding client needs, providing innovative solutions, and maintaining a stable, reliable partnership has made them an indispensable asset to one of the industry’s giants.
As Brad aptly summarizes, the ability to work with a nimble and dedicated small business like Sunkist offers a significant advantage in a dynamic and demanding industry.
Black concludes:
“At Sunkist, we see our clients’ success as our success. Our long-standing relationship with Light & Wonder is a testament to that philosophy, and we look forward to continuing to grow together.“