FTA Printer Member Strategic Directives
Andrea Pontarollo, president of Lorpon Labels, reports, “We strongly believe standardization is of the utmost importance to be able to offer our clients reliability and consistency. It is the key to repeatability, reduced waste and higher productivity.”
Menasha Corp.’s Dennis Bonn, VP of marketing, says, “Shorter lead times and smaller pressruns have become the norm in the industry and, in turn, challenge the efficiencies of most printers.” He then adds, “Process control ensures customer requirements are met 100 percent on every item or part supplied by Menasha. It is imperative that we have a standardized process control at every facility within our company to provide the same excellent quality anywhere a job is produced.
“We strive for standardization throughout our organization,” Bonn continues. “Within our preprint facility, we have 13 press operators that have completed all three levels of Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST) training. An additional 32 are enrolled in the program. Our operators use FIRST worksheets at press side, and we also employ FIRST methodology in profiling our presses.” He forecasts a future filled with advancement: “There will be more predictable processes put into place that allow companies to set up even faster. For example, proof to plate, standardization, advancing ink control processes, quicker press checks, etc.”
Joe Genova, vice president at Poly Print, agrees. “We recognize having control on our processes simplifies our operations, reduces hazards, and cuts down on waste and service costs. In an industry that is constantly pressured by pricing challenges, solid process control will decide if you are going to be around for the long run.
“Process control holds hands with standardization and is the foundation for Lean Six Sigma, as well as a tool for maintaining safety, quality and productivity at high levels,” he continues. “The focus at Poly Print is planning, planning and more planning, to ensure job elements are efficiently organized and repeatable. Poly Print has worked relentlessly to standardize operations throughout every department in the company, including prepress, administration, press, lamination, slitting, converting, material handling and environmental control. Standardization is an ongoing process. We continually strive to understand what drives superior print quality and consistent reproduction. Our technical knowledge of the printing and converting process, along with the advances in machine technology, directly impact the quality of the printed piece. ‘Quality Makes a Good Impression.’ That’s our slogan.”
Infinite Packaging Group CEO Lynn Higgs offers, “These are exciting times. We continue to look at our business to improve it. Quality of flexo has surpassed all benchmarks. With UV plates, we can produce incredible fine details. The equipment has continued to improve over time. It continues to offer opportunity, but it requires investment in equipment and software.”
Higgs also observes, “I see digital becoming more and more accepted by flexo printers. From a sustainability perspective, it makes a lot of sense in not limiting our footprint. It will become odd for a flexo plant not to have a digital asset. If the speeds increase to faster than 250 fpm, it will be a game changer for the entire industry.”
Phil Carlisle and Doug Prather, principles at Custom Poly Bag, explain, “Process control is the No. 1 priority. Quality is critical as the market continues to be more competitive and improve. Standardization is also a focus. The printer provides a standard for all repeat jobs and creates a standard for all new jobs.”
John Cappy of The Outlook Group urges colleagues to, “Innovate. Differentiate. Provide valuable and unique solutions.” Elaborating on the point, he remarks, “People will pay for that. And they will be loyal customers. Employ painless, seamless, tireless sharing of information. Remember to match the capability of the organization with the needs of the marketplace.”
Charlie MacLean, ASL Print FX, echoes those words but encourages application of due diligence before deploying new tactics. “Embrace cultural change. Innovate. Position for differentiation. Offer high value solutions.” To that, he adds, “Take risks, reap rewards. It’s all about return on investment. Find the right fit!” According to MacLean, “The key is leadership. Recognize ever changing variables. Connect with customers. Modify the product and service portfolio when and where demands require it. Embrace automation in your workflow.”
John Wynne, Fortis Solutions Group, maintains that it is essential to, “Create opportunity. Manage uncertainty. Stay highly visible. Be a good listener. Harmonize practices and procedures.” He voices the following call to action: “Reduce touches! Drive efficiencies!” Noting that operating environments of 2017 require continuous, across the board improvement, he advises other converters to emphasize employee engagement in a common mission.
John Attayek, Inovar Packaging Group, indicates that packaging’s dynamics are quite attractive and backs up the point by saying, “In good times and bad times, there will be consumers.” He remains bullish on the label market. Listing out essential elements to success, he cites fast response and quick turns. “It’s a great business and a great niche. Synergies of size, scale and deployment of best practices are all important in moving the needle on financials. Packaging, as a business, requires an intricate level of sophistication and detail.”