Background
Oasis Supply, a supplier to cake decorators, bakers, and candy makers, has long been known for its broad selection of tools and specialty products tailored to the baking and confectionery industry. Among its niche offerings is a range of dummy cakes, lightweight, reusable cake forms made from EPS Foam (commonly known as Styrofoam). These are essential for bakers practicing techniques, building displays, or creating elaborate, multi-tiered cakes without the structural demands of real cake layers.
Challenge
Before 2015, Oasis relied on third-party providers for custom-cut EPS Foam shapes. This dependency often led to high costs, limited shape variety, longer turnaround times, and inconsistent quality. Customers frequently requested custom shapes and designs that couldn't be efficiently produced using manual tools or basic outsourcing options.
Solution
In 2015, Oasis Supply invested in a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Styrofoam cutting machine. This marked a significant step forward in their production capabilities. The machine enabled them to cut basic foam shapes—such as rounds, squares, and hearts—with precision and consistency, directly in-house.
However, the true potential of the CNC machine went beyond basic geometry. By 2020, Oasis decided to leverage their CNC capabilities fully. They expanded their design offerings to include:
- Letters and numbers (for monogram cakes and themed events)
- Symbols and logos (ideal for corporate branding and celebrations)
- Custom signs and artistic shapes (used in bakeries, photo shoots, and trade displays)
This expansion allowed Oasis to tap into new markets, offering products for cake decorating, event planning, signage, and visual merchandising.
Notable Project Spotlight: NAACP Custom Installation
In 2022, Oasis Supply was contacted by the President of the Monroe County Chapter of the NAACP (#2275) with a unique request. The NAACP, whose mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights and eliminate race-based discrimination—needed custom-cut letters for a large-scale display.
The challenge: create EPS foam letters that were 48 inches high and 33 inches wide each. Oasis delivered. Using its advanced CNC equipment, the company successfully produced a bold, clean-cut foam sign spanning an impressive 16 feet in length. Despite its size, the finished piece was lightweight and easy to transport and install, perfect for public visibility at events or commemorations.
This collaboration showcased Oasis's production capacity and highlighted their ability to support meaningful, mission-driven initiatives through customized creative work.
Results
- Increased Sales: EPS foam shape sales grew significantly, significantly boosting the company's overall revenue.
- Customer Satisfaction: Bakers and specialty clients had access to various customizable options with faster turnaround and consistent quality.
- New Customer Segments: Event planners, set designers, and advocacy organizations became part of Oasis's expanding customer base.
- Operational Efficiency: In-house production reduced costs and allowed greater control over quality and inventory.
Conclusion
Oasis Supply turned a standard offering into a customizable, high-value product line by investing in technology and recognizing market demands. The expansion into advanced EPS foam cutting not only strengthened their relationship with existing customers but also opened the door to new industries and community collaborations. Whether supplying cake dummies or 16-foot advocacy signage, Oasis continues to help clients turn creative visions into reality—one cut at a time.