Productivity Central

FIRST OPERATOR CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP ONLINE AUCTION

2012-01-31T09:57:00.002-06:00

Help support a worthy cause...

Donate an Item to the

Second Annual FIRST Operator Certification Scholarship Online Auction

Help raise funds for the FIRST Operator Certification Scholarship Program,

which provides financial assistance to those individuals interested in pursuing
FIRST 'Press' or 'Prepress' Operator Certification.

Last year, nearly $3,000 was added to the FIRST Operator Certification Scholarship fund as a result of this effort.

Our goal for 2012 is to greatly exceed that amount - but

we need your help!

Donate Online at http://flexography.org/04Education/first_auction.html

Deadline to Donate: February 15, 2012

What Items Are We Looking For?
Although industry-related items are welcomed, modest,
personal items are most desirable. Some ideas are:
autographed items, sports tickets, electronics, dinner tickets,
and assorted memorabilia. Cash donations are also welcome!

To View List of Current Donations, go to
http://www.charityauctionstoday.com/store/FFTA/

How Will You Be Recognized?
Donors will be featured on the auction website, along with their company logo, photos and descriptive copy of the donated item. Plus, donors receive publicity in future press releases, FLEXO Magazine, and other announcements. Associated tax benefits may apply to the contributions.

Got Questions?
Doreen Monteleone (dmonteleone@flexography.org)
631-737-6020 ext. 30.

I would like to personally invite you to attend our meeting next week.

2011-12-06T10:04:00.001-06:00

I know it is an extremely busy time of year, but thought it was important to contact you about our upcoming meeting. For those wanting a competitive advantage, just a few hours of your time to attend is well worth the investment.

Why bother? I will give you 10 reasons:

1) Stable, consistent color comes from maintaining ink viscosity in control. Dave Larson's presentation will provide the tips, tricks and tools needed for viscosity management.

2) Sustainability is more than just a buzz-word, so don't treat it like one. Use sustainability as the foundation of your success. But how do you get a positive ROI from sustainable practices? Gavin Rittmeyer connects the dots between process automation, sustainability and profitability.

3) In a tough economy, many businesses struggle to stay afloat. Mergers and Acquisitions can create strategic business opportunities. Bob Cronin sorts out what is happening with M&A and provides valuable insight into how to prepare for them, whether you are buying or selling.

4) FTA Regional Networking meetings can save you $$$$$. Where else can you hear directly from top industry experts on a wide range of value-added topics selected specifically to make your operation more productive and profitable for such a low price (just $10 for FTA members or $20 for non-members)? You will not find a better value anywhere.

5) We bring the FTA to you. FTA Regional Networking Group meetings are convenient, presented in areas with heavy concentrations of printers and converters. FTA members can find out how to get more value from their memberships. Non-members can learn about the many programs, services and benefits available with FTA membership.

6) Our meetings offer invaluable training opportunities for your employees. What other venue affords you the luxury of such excellent technical content presented in just a few short hours without incurring extensive travel costs?

7) Our meetings provide tremendous opportunities to network with other industry professionals.

8) Food and beverages are provided by sponsoring companies/organizations. In this case, we are very appreciative to Label Expo / Labels & Labeling Magazine for their sponsorship.

9) You don't need to be an FTA member to attend.

10) Proceeds generated from admissions support the FFTA Scholarship fund, helping train the next generation of Graphic Arts Professionals. To date, FTA Great Lakes meetings have generated over $3000 for the scholarship fund.

We will look forward to seeing you there !!!

Please click on the invitation to see more details and to RSVP.

With kind regards,

David Lanska

FTA Great Lakes Chairman

FTA Great Lakes December Technical Meeting / Holiday Party

Thursday, December 15, 2011

3:15 PM

Open your invitation

What is happening with Mergers & Acquisitions in our industry? What are buyers looking for? How do you prepare your company for M&A, whether buying or selling? Find out at Dec. FTA Great Lakes Technical Meeting / Holiday Party.

2011-11-16T14:37:00.003-06:00

Bob Cronin, Managing Partner at The Open Approach and former CEO of Wallace Computer Systems, will keynote this special Holiday Technical Networking meeting. With nearly 40 years of print industry experience, Bob Cronin delivers an enviable combination of strategic leadership and tactical know-how. A managing partner of The Open Approach, Bob collaborates with clients in directing lucrative mergers and acquisitions, value enhancement initiatives, and other wealth-generating endeavors. His efforts have been critical in bringing about positive change and growth in markets that appear to lack opportunity.

Prior to co-founding The Open Approach, Bob served as chairman and CEO of Wallace Computer Services, a global provider of printing and related services. During his eight-year tenure in this role, Bob effectively led the company through a series of strategic initiatives that increased annual revenues from $400 million to $1.5 billion. He is also credited largely with Wallace's transformation from a forms printer to a high-growth total print management supplier.

Happy Holidays Pictures Comments - Photobucket

David Larson from Brookfield Engineering will discuss viscosity controls.

Gavin Rittmeyer from Martin Automatic will present "sustainable sustainability" - Automating the web-fed process with sustainable practices that provide positive ROI.

The meeting will be held December 15th from 3:30 - 7:00 PM at Waukesha County Technical College - Room Q-361 (20 minutes West of Milwaukee). Food and beverages will be provided.

Waukesha County Technical College

800 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072

(262) 691-5566 Website

Map http://binged.it/tNRJlo

Merry Christmas Pictures Comments - Photobucket

All you have to bring is your Christmas Cheer. Food and refreshments will be provided courtesy of Label Expo/Labels & Labeling Magazine.

Cost is $10 for FTA members / $20 for non-members / Complimentary for faculty and students with school ID. Payable at the door in cash or check made out to FFTA. All proceeds go to the FFTA Scholarship fund.

Please RSVP to david.lanska@yahoo.com.

Plan to attend the FTA Great Lakes technical conference

2011-10-07T13:37:00.010-05:00

When:
November 3rd from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Where:

Xeikon America, Inc.

1375 E Irving Park Road – Itasca – IL – 60143 – USA

T. +1 630 438 7932 – M. +1 630 415 5853 – F. +1 630 438 7915

aditya.dwivedi@xeikon.com

www.xeikon.com

We are still finalizing the agenda, but have some terrific presentations planned:

9:15-9:45 Registration / Continental Breakfast

9:45 Presentations

Rory Wold from Enercon will discuss flexible packaging substrate treatment.
Richard Black from All Printing Resources puts the spotlight on spot colors.
Todd Blumsack from Xeikon presents digital printing technology.

11:15

Facility tour (while caterers set up)
Lunch

Randy Ester from Daetwyler will talk about advancements in doctor blades and resolution of issues such as ink spitting and score lines.

Spartanics will present finishing solutions.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided courtesy of Xeikon.

Cost: $10 for FTA Members / $20 for non-members / Complimentary for educators and students with school ID. All proceeds go to support the FFTA scholarship fund. Payable at the door in cash or check made out to FFTA.

RSVPs are appreciated to david.lanska@yahoo.com.

Xeikon can get good hotel rates for attendees. Please contact Jaimi.Votruba@xeikon.com information.

Bridging the Technology Divide

2011-10-05T23:22:00.007-05:00

As machinery moaned in the background, attendees at the FTA Great Lakes Fall technical meeting were presented with a juxtaposition of eras and technologies fighting for a place in the package printing market of tomorrow. Surrounded by examples of time-tested, solidly engineered equipment including a still functional Kempsmith milling machine built in 1888, the meeting focused on the challenge of integrating the newest production technologies into the package printing workflow in order to achieve exceptional store-shelf impact and customer engagement.

Fitting that the meeting was held in Wisconsin, a state with a rich history of manufacturing. With access to the Great Lakes for transportation, rivers for power generation, and plentiful raw materials including forests for lumber and related products; Wisconsin was well positioned to help lead the industrial revolution. The skilled immigrant labor force brought with it a work ethic and old-world craftsmanship that took root in this area of the country.

The Wisconsin Historical Society points out that “Milwaukee built foundry, machinery, and metal-working businesses before the iron and steel industries were concentrated in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. By 1860, Milwaukee had become a center of modern manufacturing.” As railroads worked their way west, the Milwaukee Iron Company opened its doors in 1870. The voracious appetite for iron rail provided a base for the foundry and machinery industry in Milwaukee.

In 1888, Kempsmith Machine began producing industrial milling machines, providing manufacturers the ability to rapidly and repeatably produce machine components and allowing for the growth of heavy industries such as Allis-Chalmers, JI Case farm machinery, Beloit tissue milling equipment, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and countless others.

The explosion of the paper industry in Wisconsin facilitated the State’s rapid growth to prominence in the printing and packaging industries. Kempsmith’s core business adjusted to this new opportunity as it shifted from milling machines to the production of equipment for folding carton, die-cutting , paper converting, printing and tinting. Today, Kempsmith is the world leader in die cutting equipment for office products including tab folders, hanging folders and other applications.

Brett Burris, Kempsmith’s President, pointed out that just like every label needs a die cut, so too does every folding carton. Showcasing a variety of examples garnered from the grocery store shelves, he pointed out how cartons today are engineered to entice consumers to buy the products. He said “the carton is the billboard and the printer is the artist”. Through the addition of graphics, embossing, promotions, unusual shapes or added functionalities, the cartons grab attention and engage consumers at the point of purchase.

While much of packaging has shifted to plastics, Brett is convinced that folding cartons provides a growth market as a sustainable, recyclable and compostable alternative to petroleum based packaging materials. Creative use of converting and decorating processes combined with targeted marketing promotions turns ordinary cartons into what Brett described as a “billboard to tell your story”. Running limited editions geared to sports milestones, feature films and other popular culture icons has the power to transform a cereal box (or collection of cereal boxes) from containers into collectibles.

Package engineering enhances convenience value for consumers. For example, ‘fridge-pack” soft drink cartons allow easy storage in the refrigerator, while providing easy access to the cans inside. Cutaway cartons enable consumers to view thermo chromatic ink printed on the side of beer cans to visually indicate that the product is cold. Modern popcorn packaging folds to become a bowl for dispensing the product.

As packaging design features evolve to higher levels of quality and intricacy, the processes for producing them has made stellar leaps to meet the need. Flexible magnetic dies have replaced the extremely expensive die tooling of the past. Where a conventional die could cost upwards of $20,000, a magnetic die can be produced for about 1/10 the cost. Magnetic dies add precision, reducing costs, increase die life, and reduce machine downtime for replacement. Rotary die cutting equipment with mating cutters penetrate the stock from above and below, producing a cleaner cut at higher operating speed than the traditional “crush-cut” methodology. All of this results in faster, higher-yield production of value-added packaging.

Victor Gomez began his presentation was the historical tidbit that placed Wisconsin at the forefront of the digital revolution as well as the industrial revolution. He pointed out that the Wisconsin Integrally Synchronized Computer (WISC) was an early digital computer designed and built at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Operational in 1954, it was the first digital computer in the state. Pioneering computer designer Gene Amdahl developed the WISC as his PhD thesis. He went on to work for IBM Corp. where he was one of the original architects of the business mainframe computer. Mainframe magazine Computerworld considered Amdahl one of the 25 people "who changed the world."

Operating at a blistering pace of 60 operations per second, the WISC could perform four arithmetic operations at once. The machine’s memory was a rotating magnetic drum, the rotation time of which determined the overall speed of the system. Operating with 1 K of memory, the device cost $50,000 and was portable enough to fit in a truck – an astonishing feat for the time.

Digital computing technology has obviously come a long way since then, having a dramatic impact on every process it was incorporated into. In 1936, across the world from Wisconsin in a small town in the Alps, the Durst brothers formed a company to produce photo imaging equipment. The addition of digital computing into the imaging process resulted in flatbed inkjet imaging technology that overnight rendered previous versions obsolete.

Just as Kempsmith looked to new technologies and markets to continue its growth, Durst developed a wide variety of printing and imaging technologies to serve growing specialty markets. They produced narrow and wide format systems for printing onto ceramic tiles prior to curing and devised custom ink sets to provide visibility and durability for printing traffic signs. To improve sustainability, they produced equipment that printed the surface of various flooring materials to simulate exotic and endangered wood.

Increased precision, reduced costs, enhanced features, increased productivity, greater versatility and faster speed to market were the goals driving the evolution of digital print technology. Durst’s entry into digital label printing technology was predicated on predictable, consistent and repeatable results produced from a color management methodology that replaces the artisan mentality with a scientific approach to color. Victor Gomez describes this as “the promise of digital”.

With a host of new features and improvements coming out at a blistering pace, digital printing is rapidly advancing in its ability to deliver the graphic and performance attributes that engage consumers and drive sales. Digital ink jet presses are capable of running 8 colors for an expanded color gamut with liquid varnish. Constantly circulating ink through filters removes impurities that can plug inkjet nozzles, vastly improving operating performance. Isolated tensioning from stage to stage provides label to label registration accuracy far superior to web averaging. The digital workflow accommodates variable data such as sequential numbering and personalization, and allows for rapid job change with minimal waste. Through modular construction, label production can incorporate a variety of finishing processes in-line including hot foil, lamination, die-cutting, priming/pre-coating, matrix removal, slitting and more.

With all of this capability, where does digital go from here? Victor sees greater adoption of UV curable ink-jet technology as a means to reduce VOC’s, allow for greater versatility in substrate selection and enhance graphic and end-use properties of the labels. LED lights after each station “pins” or stabilizes the ink to prevent spreading. UV lamps at the end complete the curing process.

With technologies changing at such a fever pitch, how do printers/converters plan for their immediate and future business needs? Label and Labeling Magazine conducted its annual North American Label Converter survey to determine the state of the industry and what forces are shaping its direction. In her presentation, Danielle Jerschefske sees printers facing rising costs for everything from equipment, consumables and insurance to labor and energy. At the same time, they are being squeezed by downward price pressure for their products. While printers see commoditization of label pricing, label buyers continue seeking more value-added features.

In order to increase efficiencies, reduce waste and incorporate the boutique design elements print buyers seek, 57% of respondents indicated that they are looking to invest in capital equipment in the next 12 months. That number balloons to nearly 75% anticipating a capital purchase over the next 24 months. With so many converters seeking a competitive advantage through capital equipment, the key for success is in realistically evaluating press decisions against existing and projected needs.

Some of the intriguing trends coming from the survey are

o packaging reduction

o down-gauging

o reduced run lengths

o shorter product lifecycles

o environmental challenges / sustainability

o the rise of the private label

o more product variations

o end users becoming pure marketing and sales operations

o reduced time-to-market

o more mergers and acquisitions

According to Danielle, what can go digital, will. The survey indicated that printers recognize the value of digital for shorter run lengths and variable data. As a result, 15% of all roll label presses installed worldwide in 2009/2010 were digital. Among the 35,000-40,000 label printers worldwide, 1600 digital presses have been installed to date with 300 additional expected before the end of the year. This makes a strong case for digital as a continuing growth market moving forward. Does that mean you should run out and purchase a digital press? Not necessarily, especially when you consider that only 3% of label converters use digital. With technology changing so rapidly, it tends to obsolete just as rapidly, which is why it is so important to carefully evaluate press decisions against existing and projected needs

Sustainability continues its march into the world of print. Over 85% of respondents saw sustainability as important to their business, considering sustainability to be a means to reduce waste and waste-related costs, as well as to address growing customer demand for sustainability through the supply chain. They see lean manufacturing as complimentary to “green” manufacturing.

Probably one of the most important trends is that of actively seeking to engage the consumer at the point of purchase. I-Phone technology combines seamlessly with social media (Facebook fan pages, Twitter, Youtube and even Linkedin) to generate buzz, gather feedback, educate consumers, and initiate dedicated marketing promotions. The application of UR codes for prize promotions and snap tags for information gathering (survey questions), fanfolded recipe inserts for consumer education, and thermo-chromatic ink on a beer can are just a few examples of interactive packaging geared to attract the 21-35 age group.

There was a time when a label was a label and a carton was a carton. That time has long past. By incorporating and combining graphics with substrates, textures, colors, interactive features and functionalities, marketing promotions, communication devices and social media platforms, package printing has evolved from a stand-alone operation to a pivotal element of consumer engagement, successfully bridging the technology divide.

It was another terrific FTA Great Lakes meeting. As always, we appreciate our hosts (Kempsmith Machine) for providing use of their facilities, as well as our sponsors (FlexoWash) for providing food and refreshments. Finally, we would like to thank our speakers: Brett Burris, Victor Gomez and Danielle Jerschefske and our attendees.

Meet the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership

2011-09-26T12:49:00.001-05:00

Sustainability is a huge issue for the printing industry and the entire supply chain. Companies are finding a competitive advantage through waste reduction, energy efficiency, process efficiency, reductions is raw material consumption, green building practices and related activities that reduce the overall carbon footprint of their operations. In addition to positively impacting the cost structure, a corporate culture predicated on sustainability positively affects employee recruitment/retention, and can be used as a differentiator for attracting sustainability-minded customers. This is expected to continue as demand grows for sustainable products and packaging.

Anyone can say their operation is sustainable. With so many companies jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, how will you stand apart moving forward? Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Certification provides independent third party verification of your sustainability process. SGP is the industry standard for the certification and continuous improvement of sustainability and best practices within print manufacturing operations.

For more information on the SGP Partnership and the certification process, click on the following links:

Meet the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership

https://www.sgppartnership.org/

Smart Habits For Success... From Setbacks - Professional development

2011-09-22T09:09:00.000-05:00

Smart Habits For Success... From Setbacks - Professional development

We all experience setbacks in our personal and professional lives. At work, setbacks can take many forms including a late order, missed sale, quality issue, unhappy customer or even a lost job. Having setbacks is not in and of itself a sign of failure. How we (as individuals and companies) deal with and overcome setbacks is the test of success. One of my customers once told me what has become one of my favorite sayings: "they are only obstacles until you get past them". In his article, "Smart Habits for Success", Roy Primm lays out some powerful tools to turn setbacks into success.

Sustainability Drives Competitive Advantage in Food Industry Suppy Chain

2011-09-21T09:38:00.005-05:00

An interesting perspective on "unlocking the business value of sustainability as a competitive brand advantage." http://linkd.in/nEDhD9

Congratulations to the Lauterbach Group on its recognition by the Green Masters Program

2011-09-16T10:55:00.001-05:00

Lauterbach Group, a provider of solution driven printing, packaging and converting products to the direct response, food and beverage, and brand security/authentication industries continues its strong emphasis on productivity improvement and environmental stewardship.

The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized the Lauterbach Group as being compliant in sustainability efforts in nine key areas which include: Energy Actions, Climate Change Actions, Water Actions, Waste Management Actions, Transportation Actions, Supply Chain Actions, Community and Educational, Outreach Actions, Workforce Actions, and Governance.

The Green Masters Program is a sustainability recognition program developed by the WI Sustainable Business Council, aimed to encourage, acknowledge and reward sustainability activities in Wisconsin. The overall objective of the Green Masters Program is to get businesses in Wisconsin started on the journey toward sustainability.

Lauterbach Group has adopted many leading sustainable business practices such as the implementation of the Lauterbach Productivity System. The system follows the principles of Reduce, Reuse or Recycle, and provides the cornerstones for the businesses productivity gains. In June of 2009, Lauterbach Group moved into a new state-of-the art corporate headquarters and production facility, which was designed and constructed using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. The building has less of an impact on the environment, provides greater production efficiencies and greatly lowers the buildings operating cost.

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2011-09-15T23:57:00.001-05:00