Addressing fond memories, he said, “The 2001 FORUM featuring Project FOG, that I was privileged to chair. It opened a lot of eyes and although we were already on the map, I feel we convinced a lot of fence-sitters through that project and drew ire from our competitive processes, as I had to field an objection from one of the larger litho press manufacturers who claimed that we were just trying to promote capital equipment sales. I challenged him to a contest pitting flexo against any litho job he could come up with—22 years later, I have never heard back from him.
“Through good times and bad, FTA stood as the definitive voice of our industry through its programs, seminars, educational sessions, publications, most notable my favorite magazine—FLEXO.”
Looking forward, he stated, “I believe for us to continue, we need to follow the path that our organization has carved—keep communications open, share technology and keep us informed. We have brilliant people who work in flexography that will continue to develop technology, systems and methods that will only improve our process.”
Expressing similar thoughts were Howard B. Vreeland, multi-time FTA board member and Courtney Pazdra, sales and marketing enablement, Anderson & Vreeland. “Through good times and lean times, FTA continues to push for better quality in print and innovation, while always sharing the successes with the membership. Over the past 65 years, FTA leadership and its board have worked hard to make sure the flexo industry has been successful through continuously striving for better quality and growing membership.”
On a more personal note, they said, “FTA has been Anderson & Vreeland’s channel to meet the best of the best professionals in our business. We’ve further benefited from having opportunities to participate in meetings, being on the board of the Foundation, and the FTA.”
Addressing the future, the pair commented, “If FTA continues to push our membership to work hard and continue to educate us on how to achieve better quality and provide tools to do that; our industry will continue to grow and compete with other print methods. That will make sure we all sustain growth, as well as increased profitability.”
And from someone who considers himself continually engaged with FTA for decades, Shane Weber of Bingham Flexo Services Inc, comes somewhat an expression of shock and awe. “Wow, what a milestone! I attended my first FTA nearly 30 years ago. Back then, flexo printing was the new technology trying to catch up with offset and gravure. I was a young man, just learning how the process worked. FTA was an invaluable educational forum that propelled my knowledge, fostered ideas and created a community amongst printers.”
He added, “This sharing of knowledge has allowed flexographic printing to flourish, reach quality and production levels that rival, and even exceed, gravure printing. Thanks FTA for embracing me individually, and the industry as whole. It’s been a great journey!”
Today’s Take
Long-time members with tenured histories, current members of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, as well as a considerable contingent of young, up-and-coming individuals who are embarking on careers in package printing and converting and found FTA to hold a relevant role in their development, responded en masse to FLEXO’s call to add their voice to this salute recognizing FTA’s 65th anniversary. That in itself speaks to the Association’s reach and respect.
Berry Global’s Jennye Scott, current chair of FTA’s Board of Directors, singled out FTA’s influence on the business. “Having only been involved with FTA for 15 years or so, what we have learned and implemented inside of Berry has saved us so much time and money. The FIRST program is a very methodical way to ensure you can repeat your print each and every time. It is a proven methodology that proves to your customer that you can do what you say you can do, which in turn could gain you more business.”
Paul Teachout, Harper Corporation of America and FTA Board Chair-Elect, shared his observations forged over a considerable history. “I am very lucky to say that my entire career has been involved in the flexographic trade. I cannot remember a time when FTA was not a big part of my education and growth as a flexographer. Having the chance to meet and learn from those who came before me was an unbelievable experience. It’s now been 40 years that I have been on this journey and FTA has been there every step of the way providing nothing but opportunity.
“One of my first engagements with FTA was with the Flexsys Press Simulator in the early 1990s. I was with a press manufacturer who supported the development of the Simulator, and I was lucky enough to provide insight from a press operator’s point of view. From that time on, the opportunities to participate and engage in annual FORUMs, conferences and technical articles never ended—and the journey continues,” Teachout lamented.
“My first experiences in flexography were running with rubber plates, chrome anilox rollers and very mechanical presses. The flexo industry has transformed since then, now utilizing digitally imaged photopolymer plates with laser engraved ceramic anilox rollers on very sophisticated automated presses. This has been a huge transformation and flexographic printing is now seen as the primary printing method for the global packaging audience. This transformation would not have been possible without the commitment and drive of FTA and its dedicated staffing.”
He contended, “FTA has continued to stay on top of the industry trends that affect people, process and products. The educational opportunities to keep our members informed on the latest innovations and regulatory concerns has provided a resource that was not always available in secondary schools. This education and level of participation from key industry drivers continued to push the process improvement to allow all to succeed in their profession and market space.
“Innovations from our supplier members have allowed our printer members to deliver the most sophisticated packaging solutions to the widest range of brand owners on a global scale. I have been very lucky and privileged to have been born into a generation that allowed me to take advantage of what FTA has provided in a time where the technology and demand for it flourished. My growth and experiences within the flexographic community would not have been possible without the opportunities and education that FTA has provided me over my career,” Teachout stated.
He then said, “As FTA transitions into its next chapter, I am very excited to see what the future holds as our industry continues to evolve with people and process. I am very lucky to have had the privilege to participate and serve in this Association and I would encourage all to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that FTA can provide. Congratulations and thank you to all who have contributed and participated in the FTA experience, the community and the fellowship over the years has been nothing less than AMAZING!”
Sean Teufler, Interflex Laser Engravers, current member of the Association’s boards, acknowledged, “FTA has provided a much-needed platform to organize and improve the technologies that make flexo tick, get industry to recognize the improvements and become interested, and also help market the great advantages of flexo printing. FTA provides a culture/community of flexo printers.”
He also addressed the impact on his life and career. “Being involved in the FTA has taught us a lot about flexo and has been instrumental in my development and understanding.”
Similar viewpoints were expressed by rank-and-file members. “FTA has been a beacon of light in our industry for the past 65 years. Those of us in flexography appreciate everything the FTA does to bring us together. The conferences, webinars, training and magazine not only achieve that as an industry, but also helps pave the road for advancing flexography,” declared Steve Parato, Cyber Graphics.
He noted, “FTA does a wonderful job showcasing our industry experts for future generations to learn from. I’m thankful to have personally had the pleasure to benefit from many engagements with colleagues over the years at FTA-sponsored events. I’m also confident FTA will continue to play a vital role in the future of flexography through the leadership of a new generation. Our industry is thriving because of the dedication FTA members bring forth to set new standards. FTA highlights not only these talented individuals but also the best technology that flexography has to offer. The future is bright!”