Bits and Pieces by Jim Lepp

Bits and Pieces by Jim Lepp Jim Lepp Feedback from the recent Technical Conference was overwhelmingly positive. I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all speakers, moderators and participants. A special thanks goes to David Haslam, SGS International, who chaired the conference. David Haslam SGS International David you did a superb job, you overcame the obstacles and you put together a great program. All attendee’s received great value for their time and their company’s monetary investment. From my perspective the highlight of the conference was a panel discussion based on questions directed to representative of four printer member companies in regard to their approach to Sustainability. While the over all audience participation was better than seen in recent years, this discussion really got the audience involved. Look for more panel discussions in the upcoming Operational Conference in Miami, Florida, March 11 – 13. The PLGA has made great strides in establishing a working relationship with the European Rotogravure Association (ERA). Last October Charlie Conover, Hurletron Corp., accepted an invitation on the behalf of the PLGA, to speak at the ERA Fall meeting in Basle Switzerland. This lead to the opening of doors for cooperation between both groups. James Siever, ERA, will speak at our upcoming Operational Conference. We have invited members of the ERA to attend our conferences at member rates. They have extended the same offer to PLGA members. We have also invited ERA members to participate in the Print Quality Award competition. I would expect the bar will be raised on this years international winners. This is a great step forward in becoming a truly Global organization. Congratulations to Hubert Metzger, Chema Technologies, the winner of the 2008 Technical Achievement award. The Award is for their Copper Striking System for Polymer Cylinders. The new Copper Striking System eliminates uneven coatings and the risk of blistering after acid copper plating in a controllable process with a solid bonding to the polymer substrate. In terms of sustainability, the new system offers the gravure industry savings by using existing cylinders and building up the circumference with polymer, a welcome benefit with the rising cost of steel. Operating costs with electro less copper are less as compared to spraying, and cylinder turnaround times are reduced. Looking ahead, the planning committee for the Operational Conference has put together an excellent program, ranging from a world wide perspective of the Gravure Packaging industry, to various comparisons and contrasts between the Flexographic and Gravure printing industries. We also have a top rated Human relations speaker that will compare and contrast the four distinct generations that make up the current workforce. Review the enclosed conference schedule for the rest of the details. I think you will find it full of great information and an exceptional value. The Print Quality Award deadline is near. Last year, we had a record number of entries. With the participation of the ERA in the International categories, I would expect that record to easily be broken. I challenge our domestic member to not be out done by the international entries.