TLMI

Ahlstrom-Munksjö successfully completes its investment in a new glass microfiber media line

Initially announced in January 2020, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed its investment and started production for additional capacity in both filtration and energy storage materials at its plant in Turin, Italy. By successfully expanding manufacturing facilities, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is making a strong commitment to customers in both the High-Performance Filtration and Energy Storage markets. 

The new machine at the Turin plant is a state-of-the-art line specifically designed to produce glass microfiber media. The line will serve applications where glass microfiber media is required, supporting Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s growth initiatives in industrial filtration as well as in Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), a key component in Lead Acid Batteries. In addition, the new line will also be able to deliver online saturated filter media, supporting the increasing global demand for filtration media.

“This capacity increase in Turin is an important step for Ahlstrom-Munksjö. We are pleased to be able to provide the best technology to our customers, both for high-performance filtration and energy storage. This investment supports our company’s strategic ambition to maintain a leading position in growth niches of the global filtration markets such as clean rooms, HVAC and hydraulic applications,” said Giuseppe Costa, Vice President, Filtration & Performance Solutions Asia and EMEA. ”Additionally, the company is making a strong step into the energy storage market by bringing on stream a platform which will be fully qualified for the manufacture of AGM media.” 

“Ahlstrom-Munksjö has responded to growing customer demand by successively expanding its global filtration manufacturing capabilities through several new and expansionary investments in the past few years,” said Daniele Borlatto, Executive Vice President, Filtration & Performance Solutions. “Due to this strategy, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is regarded in the filtration market as a unique and innovative media supplier, with the capability to provide a wide range of high-quality products across all geographies. With this new investment, our company again proves its dedication to the filtration market, and additionally, its readiness to become a key supplier in media for energy storage.” 

This investment follows on from the restart of one of the saturators in the Turin plant, enabling Ahlstrom-Munksjö to deliver additional capacity and effectively support customer demands for high-performance filtration media.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering includes filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials, diagnostics and energy storage solutions, as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3.1 billion and we employ some 8,000 people.

Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Precision AirConvey featured as a Top Ten Manufacturing Service Company 2022

Precision AirConvey Corporation is honored to be featured as one of the ‘Top 10 Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Service Companies 2022’ by Manufacturing Technology Insights Magazine.

Learn from PAC CEO Tom Embley how we customized a trim system for a paper manufacturing customer who needed a better solution to remove their waste.

Contact us today to create a custom solution for your company: https://www.precisionairconvey.com/precision-airconvey-streamlining-trim-and-matrix-removal

www.precisionairconvey.com

North American Tag and Label Trade Association Urges Swift Resolution of Finnish Paper Mill Strike

The recently extended Finland-based strike at UPM mills compounds global supply chain challenges

The Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI), on behalf of tag and label converters, their connected suppliers and end users, urge all parties to come to an immediate resolution of the ongoing strikes at numerous UPM paper mills in Finland. The strikes (now over 3 months long) have crippled a fragile global supply chain which supports the North American tag, label, supply chain and other material input companies in placing accurate information on a range of products in stores and commercial operations. Those mills are globally significant suppliers of label-making materials.

Labels are of vital commercial importance. Not only are labels informative from a consumer and business standpoint, they frequently provide critical safety information. Consumers across North America and the world depend on labels for buying decisions and for advice on medication use, food ingredients, allergy warnings, storage requirements and a host of other important on-package instructions.

The prolonged strike has impacted the availability of appropriate and required paper grades, the basis for many important labels and the information they carry to brands and consumers. Delays in production are worsening the supply chain problems related to COVID-connected port congestion, unloading of containers, and staffing challenges across railroad and trucking channels. The result is an unacceptable delay in ultimate product delivery, detrimental to the paper industry and businesses which rely on it.

TLMI member companies serve a range of important end markets, well beyond healthcare fields. The strike is now impacting the ability of the tag and label industry to secure sufficient paper and labels for those brands and their customers. It also threatens the stable employment, economic continuity and contributions that the industry provides to local economies across the country. As such, TLMI requests that regulatory authorities intervene so production at the impacted UPM locations may swiftly resume.

TLMI members take pride in the fact that our products are critical for the sale and use of almost every product sold in North America today – whether purchased from a store shelf, an e-commerce warehouse, a pharmacy/hospital dispensary or a car/machinery sales lot. The continued disruption of supply of papers used in labels has and will continue to contribute to outages for North American consumers until the strikes are resolved.

Brook + Whittle Continues Expansion with the announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire the Cenveo Custom Labels Group

Guildford, CT – Brook + Whittle, a leading provider of pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve prime labels, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Custom Labels Group within Cenveo Worldwide Limited (“Cenveo”).

The acquisition significantly enhances Brook + Whittle’s position in e-commerce and digital label printing in North America. “Cenveo’s Custom Labels Group is a differentiated business with incredible experience in short run volumes, fast turnaround service, and great product quality, all delivered through some of the world’s most advanced digital systems,” stated Mark Pollard, CEO of Brook + Whittle. “This acquisition places Brook + Whittle at the forefront of digital transformation in the label industry. Regardless of whether our customers require one or one billion labels, the combined platform has the capability to deliver high quality, custom designed products with the industry’s fastest lead-times. Brook + Whittle welcomes the Custom Labels Group employees, and we are excited about our collaboration to provide unmatched capabilities and value to our respective customers.”

“We are excited to accelerate our growth in joining the Brook + Whittle team,” said Andy Johnson, President of the Cenveo Custom Labels Group. “Their coast-to-coast platform and broad portfolio of capabilities will bring additional value to our client base and my team, and I look forward to bringing our expertise, industry-leading turnaround times, and outstanding product quality to the Brook + Whittle business.”

Robert G. Burton, Jr., CEO of Cenveo said, “First and foremost I would like to thank our remarkable employees for their commitment and excellence. We are proud of the business we have built and are pleased the Cenveo Custom Labels Group will be joining the team at Brook + Whittle. This transaction delivers great value to our shareholders and demonstrates the success of our strategic plan. Going forward, Cenveo is in an advantageous position as we look forward to our continued standing as North America’s leading envelope manufacturer.”

David Golde, Managing Director at Genstar, said, “Cenveo’s Custom Labels Group is a fantastic business that fits squarely into Genstar and Brook + Whittle’s thesis of expanding the capabilities of Brook + Whittle to drive increased value for its customers. Genstar is excited to continue supporting Brook + Whittle’s impressive growth through meaningful internal investments, as well as continued M&A to broaden and strengthen the company’s portfolio of products and services.”

Wells Fargo Securities and O’Melveny & Myers advised Brook + Whittle and Genstar. Credit Suisse served as financial advisor to Cenveo on the transaction. AlixPartners acted as carve-out and operational advisor to Cenveo. Credit Suisse is providing committed financing in support of the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2022.

About Brook + Whittle

Brook + Whittle is a leading North American manufacturer of premium prime label solutions with highly differentiated capabilities, entrusted by some of the most well-known brands. The company provides pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, with a focus on sustainable solutions, complex decoration, and digital printing. With a heritage rooted in product development and comprehensive in-house manufacturing, the company draws on its wide variety of specialized printing expertise, including flexographic, rotogravure, and digital. Brook + Whittle operates nine production facilities across the US. To learn more about Brook + Whittle, visit www.brookandwhittle.com

About Genstar Capital

Genstar Capital (www.gencap.com) is a leading private equity firm that has been actively investing in high quality companies for over 30 years. Based in San Francisco, Genstar works in partnership with its management teams and its network of strategic advisors to transform its portfolio companies into industry-leading businesses. Genstar currently has approximately $35 billion of assets under management and targets investments focused on targeted segments of the financial services, industrials, healthcare, and software industries.

About Cenveo

Cenveo is a leading North American manufacturer of envelopes and custom labels with over 100 years of experience. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Cenveo’s team of more than 2,900 employees is focused on delivering quality products and service to some of the world’s most recognized brands. Cenveo operates 20 facilities nationwide with a commitment to producing world-class products that foster a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit us at www.cenveo.com

Beontag Purchases Mark Andy Performance Series P7 to Support Global RFID Label Production

Mark Andy Performance Series P7 installed at Beontag’s industral park inCampo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil

Beontag, today’s second-largest RFID label manufacturer globally, started in 2011 with the merger of two industry giants in Brazil: RR Etiquetas, the largest converter of self-adhesive labels for retail, industry, and services, and Colacril, the largest national manufacturer of self-adhesive labels, who also had a strong presence in South America. Just one year after the merge, in 2012, the company began investing in its first RFID machines. 

Their latest press purchase, a 20” Mark Andy Performance Series P7 fitted with a Tamarack RFID unit, and the six company acquisitions from 2021 until January, are proof that the business has flourished. “Investing in RFID technology has always been part of the plan. Ten years ago, it was an incipient market, with few people who had adopted the technology, but we saw a growth trend and business opportunity,” said Marcio Muniz, VP of Digital Transformation, Beontag. 

Having customers’ best interests in mind, Beontag implemented fundamental changes that quickly made RFID solutions more attainable. In 2016, under new direction and leadership, they launched a plan to “democratize the technology”, which consisted in taking actions that helped them “establish an ecosystem that understood the power of the technology and had easy access to it,” said Muniz. To accomplish their goals, Beontag significantly reduced the initial price of RFID solutions to its customers.

The new strategy worked, and the operation soon started to grow in volume and market opportunities, generating cash flow and liquidity. “Then in 2018, we realized that keeping our solutions restricted to the Brazilian market would cause us problems in the future. If you look at the textile market, for example, and the big retailers, their vendors are from China, Taiwan, India… that was eye-opening in terms of realizing that the RFID market is global. We would not be able to compete for long unless we consolidated ourselves as a global RFID solutions provider,” explained Muniz. 

And that’s when the need for a new press came into play. Beontag was looking for a machine that could essentially meet three needs: scalability, product differentiation, and leverage over large players. They were looking for a solution based on speed, capacity, and the ability to print more than just the common white RFID tag. 

“We did a lot of research and compared solutions from several manufacturers. I particularly visited them all, and after seeing all the advantages of each machine, we chose to go with Mark Andy. The final decision was made based on scalability and the capacity of offering RFID tags with images, perfect flexography, and cutting-edge technology,” says Muniz. 

Their Performance Series P7 is equipped with a Tamarack P500 RFID that operates at speeds up to 500 ft/min and is operator-friendly. In addition, it has four flexo print stations, reversed stations that allow them to print on both sides of the substrate, and has the capability of combining different layers of material. It also offers two die-cutting stations, and it can process up to six streams of finished rolls simultaneously.

Muniz also highlights the sustainability advantages of the machine. “By running it correctly, the press can significantly reduce waste, energy and optimize the production process, leading to savings. The machine is so fast and so powerful that can run up to 250,000 labels, depending on specifications, in about 40 minutes – something that would take us a whole shift to accomplish when using offline pieces of equipment we have on the floor.” Speaking of that, Muniz emphasizes that their Performance Series P7 frees up other machines in the industrial plant in Campo Mourão, Paraná, to get more work done. “That’s important for us because, as a converter, we run a variety of other jobs for several applications in that location as well,” complements Muniz.

All these benefits tie in with Beontag’s circular economy goals to reduce waste and overall waste. “The company takes Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance seriously. We carefully look at everything and everyone affected by our activities and develop best practices based on what will have the most positive impact,” said Barbara Dunin, Director of ESG, Marketing and Communications, Beontag. “The company has recently signed the UN Global Compact, and we are about to launch a revised ESG strategy with new KPIs and quantified targets to evaluate the program,” she adds.

According to Muniz, “the Performance Series P7 is a press ahead of its time.” It was created to fulfill the needs of customers who look for high-volume and customized RFID labels. Currently, the machine runs two shifts on business days. Because of its power, composition, high productivity, and speed, it runs less time when compared to other pieces of equipment on the floor. “It’s funny; you need to rethink your idea of productivity. When I go to the plant, I don’t see it running much. But then I talk with the operator, and he says it is because it already got the job done.”

Even though Beontag is still exploring all the machine’s capabilities, “because there’s an important learning curve when it comes to combining flexography and RFID technologies,” the P7 gives Muniz satisfaction and peace of mind when reaching out to customers and offering their product. “I know I have ‘a beast’ of a machine. In the past two years, I have never started a conversation with a potential customer with doubts about getting the job done, regardless of volume or embellishments. Before having the P7, I can’t say I was always 100% sure of being able to deliver the results the customer wanted while reaching our goals of profitability.”

Miguel Troccoli, Owner of PTC Graphic Systems, a Mark Andy local dealer in Brazil who sold Beontag the press and was responsible for the installation, says that the company learned the machine faster than he thought. “They had a lot of courage to embrace a project like the P7 with RFID in line as it put them on another level of production, global, (…) but Beontag has a unique administration and is managed by young, well prepared, professional leaders. They are a market reference.”

Being a reference rings true not only in Brazil but also internationally. Muniz says that 2021 was a year of acquisitions, and today Beontag already has the highest percentage of their operations in the international market, with industrial plants in six countries and sales operations in 12 countries. “This year, we are consolidating our positioning as a global digital transformation enabler company, and we plan to set a manufacturing operation in Asia. We are moving our global headquarters from Brazil to Milan, Italy, where we have just acquired two operations. RFID and self-adhesive labels continue to be our flagships, and we are planning to offer colorful RFID labels within the next two to three months. Our industry is less subject to innovation than others, like service, for instance. It is less connected to world trends. At Beontag, we strive to be trendsetters and modernize our industry. It is part of our culture,” he concludes.

“The award-winning Mark Andy Performance Series product line is an ally for companies with an innovative mindset like Beontag. The machine redefines workflow productivity through its simple design, efficient waste savings, and faster changeovers. Paired with a Tamarack unit, it opens up a world of possibilities as it combines the benefits of flexography printing with the RFID data tracking and collection capabilities,” says John Vigna, Sales Manager LATAM, Mark Andy. “We hope to continue to support their global RFID label production. We have already started to discuss the possibility of upgrades or new pieces of equipment that will allow Beontag to tap into new markets and applications due to increased production flexibility,” affirms Troccoli.

About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential.

For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Labelin takes the die out of cutting, with SEI’s Labelmaster, to provide custom-shape labels

Labelin achieves order-to-ship automation of custom labels with Labelmaster

Headquartered in Irvine, Cal., Labelin is advancing from an early-stage business into its growth stage with the acquisition of an SEI Laser Labelmaster. The company was founded by Claudia Soto and José Olavarría six years ago in a dorm room. The co-owners had a vision to help small businesses by providing fast, personalized short-run labels, stickers and decals. Since the beginning, they planned to further automate their business by offering laser-cut labels in virtually any shape. After reviewing different laser systems, Labelin invested in the Labelmaster from SEI Laser to move their business forward.

Labelin started by digitally printing precut label stock. As the business grew, they expanded into new facilities and invested in additional digital presses and semi-rotary die cutters. Customers visiting Labelin.us easily get pricing and order online by selecting from a range of standard shapes, sizes and materials.

 “Customers often ask for uniquely shaped labels,” says Claudia. “We could meet their needs by ordering a new die, which adds cost and three days to the turnaround time. Most customers can’t justify the increased price or additional time for short-run orders. They often select a standard shape and size that will work for their design. In some cases, we lose a project that could be completed with a laser system. For the last three years, we’ve been telling customers that we will be getting a laser that can cut custom shapes and sizes. And that is happening now.”

To continue their growth and minimize labor, Labelin wanted a fully automated process from ordering to shipping. Cutting is the one process where the company needed to advance to digital. When Labelin was ready to invest in laser-cutting equipment, they researched systems from a few different companies. After narrowing the choices to two brands, Labelin’s co-owners visited businesses that were using the lasers. SEI Laser’s North American distributor, Matik, Inc., arranged for Labelin’s co-owners to visit Enterprise Print Group to see the Labelmaster in action.

 “After visiting Enterprise, it became obvious that SEI Laser is more robust,” says Olavarría. “The laser systems offered by the other vendors were more expensive, had limited roll-to-roll label capabilities, and didn’t offer critical upgrade and retrofit options. SEI’s Labelmaster is the only modular system that could provide flexibility for future growth and added capabilities. We also worked with Matik’s financing partner to finalize the purchase.”

Labelmaster delivers true digital finishing, including rapid setup and on-the-fly changeovers and cutting without the need for tooling and die inventory. In addition, because there are no dies, Labelmaster greatly reduces finishing make-ready time. Other advantages of the Labelmaster include:

·         Quick delivery of short- to large-run orders

·         Maximum design flexibility

·         Increased accuracy

·         Expanded materials processing capabilities, such as PET, PP/BOPP and paper

·         Roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet and roll-to-sticker capabilities  

·         Maximum web speed of 330 feet per minute (100 meters per minute)

·         Web widths up to 14 inches (350 mm)

·         Roll diameters up to 24 inches (610 mm) or 40 inches (1,000 mm)

·         Modular design for expanding future capabilities

To learn more about Labelmaster, request samples or a virtual live demo, visit matik.com/product/sei-label-master.

“As everyone knows, there is a significant labor shortage,” says Olavarría. “The SEI Laser system will minimize our need to hire and train new staff. We have a three-month training process for new employees. The Labelmaster is so easy to use current and new employees will learn to operate it quickly. Training will be cut in half or maybe more.

Labelin is working on a new website to provide easy order placement of fully customizable labels, stickers and decals. Excellent service, quality and fast delivery are key to Labelin’s business. Offering true digital finishing using the Labelmaster will reduce lead times from seven to 10 days down to three to five days or faster, ideally shipping the same week. In addition to the expanded capabilities, Labelin will be able to increase profit potential and accommodate new niches, such as large labels for the agricultural market.

 

Labelin makes it quick and effortless for customers to order custom labels, decals and stickers for food, beverage, consumer and industrial product branding, events, clubs and more. In addition to simple online ordering, the company offers design services. Located in Irvine, Cal., Labelin delivers product throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Standard shipping is three to seven business days after proof approval. www.labelin.us

Matik, Inc. is the North American distributor of premier European technologies for the printing, packaging, large-format signage, pharmaceutical, textile and other industries. For more than 45 years, Matik’s expert technicians have been serving customers across North America. With headquarters in West Hartford, Connecticut, and several regional sales and service offices in the United States and Canada, Matik offers the widest range of printing, converting and packaging equipment in the industry. Matik also provides experienced parts and service support. Parts are stocked in our United States warehouse and are available for immediate shipment.www.matik.com

Great Little Box Company Named One of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers of 2022

 Vancouver, B.C. – Great Little Box Company Ltd./ Ideon Packaging (GLBC) announced today that it has again been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers. This annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 employers, has selected GLBC to be recognized for this coveted award. The award recognizes the small and medium enterprises that offer Canada’s best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies. 

“We are proud to accept this award and truly believe our people are the foundation of our company. As our company celebrates our 40th anniversary we’re grateful for the fact that people tell us today that their favourite part of the job is their co-workers, and it’s the same answer that people gave 20 years ago, when the company was so much smaller,” says Brad Tindall, President of GLBC. “The fact that the essence of the company is still intact even after all of our growth is collectively our greatest achievement so far,” he adds.

Some of the reasons GLBC was selected are:

  • GLBC offers its employees a unique head office work environment featuring an onsite fitness facility with numerous fitness programs (from hiking to yoga) and personal trainer services, an outdoor sand volleyball court — the location also features an onsite vegetable garden and outdoor gazebo

  • GLBC introduced staggered employee shifts early in the pandemic along with a range of enhanced onsite safety and mitigation protocols — and even constructed additional lunch room and washroom facilities for employees

  • GLBC encourages employees to build long-term savings with matching RSP contributions and also lets everyone share in the company’s success through profit-sharing

Headquartered in Richmond, B.C., GLBC has established itself as the local source for innovative packaging and label solutions. Founded 40 years ago, the company is now comprised of a diverse workforce of 475 employees and growing. Their 5 packaging divisions enable an innovative and consultative approach to customer’s packaging challenges that ensures brand equity across all packaging mediums.  GLBC’s unique approach to supporting and valuing their employees includes everything from wellness programs, and birthday’s off to a companywide goal that when reached takes all employees on a “BOX GOAL” trip.  

About Great Little Box Company/ Ideon Packaging
Great Little Box Company Ltd. (GLBC) began operations in 1982 in British ColumbiaCanada and currently operates from its headquarters in Richmond, BC with additional offices in Victoria, BC, Kelowna, BC and Everett, Washington, as well as a satellite office in Alberta. An award-winning manufacturer of label and packaging solutions, they specialize in corrugated boxescustom displaysdigital print and packaginglabelsflexible packagingfolding cartonsprotective packaging and the distribution of shipping supplies. For more information, please visit www.glbc.com.

About Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers
Now in its 9th year, Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that offer the nation’s best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies.  Employers are evaluated by the editors at Canada’s Top 100 Employers using the same criteria as the Top 100 competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their industry to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. 

For more information please visit Canada’s Top Employers

SCREEN Expands Service Offerings as the Number of Installations Continues to Increase Across the Americas

Elk Grove Village, IL — SCREEN Americas announces the expansion of its service offerings in conjunction with installations of new presses from the company’s high-speed inkjet series as well as its label and packaging portfolio. The decision stems from the growing number of engines, now more than 400, installed across the Americas.

Screen Americas’ service team will expand by more than 18 percent over the next 12 months and will strategically align its resources based on where the company’s installations are concentrated geographically. Additionally, it will extend the company’s TRUST Network Service program to all users of SCREEN’s Truepress Jet520HD series and the Truepress Jet L350UV series. The company’s existing full-service plan, a model implemented more than ten years ago after SCREEN decided to discontinue offering self-service contracts, is also in effect. The full-service support model includes all travel, labor, parts, inkjet heads, on-site and remote support for the press and support for software applications.

The TRUST Network Service program is comprised of three components known as TRUST Dialog, TRUST Guard and TRUST Assist. TRUST Dialog offers operators easy access to valuable tools such as online manuals and instructional videos. Also included is a personalized web-based dashboard providing crucial insight into how the press is performing along with the status of each job. Additionally, the dashboard measures a number of things including, but not limited to, paper and ink consumption and waste accumulation. The second component, TRUST Guard, allows the press to be securely monitored by SCREEN servers equipped with sophisticated software designed to reduce downtime. By analyzing data, the software identifies problems before they materialize. Finally, TRUST Assist enables SCREEN’s product support engineers to provide secure troubleshooting, real-time support and maintenance from a remote location.

Jim Rivest, vice president of support services at SCREEN Americas, insists that SCREEN’s standing as a manufacturer of production-class continuous roll-fed inkjet print engines requires that all individual service personnel maintain the caliber of a product support specialist. “There’s no middle tier in the service department,” said Rivest. “When customers need to contact SCREEN, they’re quickly connected to a field-based support person who services the equipment on a daily basis. By having immediate access to a high-level specialist, customers don’t need to explain issues to multiple people at various levels.”

This type of network eliminates the frustration people encounter when they’re transferred multiple times, according to Rivest. It also prevents the service department from turning to a less qualified resource to address an issue, a method often used in order to meet service level agreement timelines. These tactics usually leave problems unresolved indefinitely and customers susceptible to potential overtime charges. Rivest’s approach is to focus on uptime and remedy things completely and correctly the first time. His primary goal for each service team member is to satisfy customers to the point where they would become actual references for SCREEN. “Anything less isn’t acceptable,” said Rivest. “Doing whatever it takes every day is our mantra. Personal performance metrics pertaining to minimalist strategies such as limiting the time spent at a facility or attempting to repair a press while using fewer parts are definitely not part of SCREEN Americas’ service program.”

About SCREEN Americas
SCREEN Americas, a SCREEN Graphic Solutions group company established in 1967, is a leading provider of digital inkjet technology serving the commercial, publishing, direct mail, transactional, packaging, folding carton and label industries. In 2021, SCREEN Americas relocated its headquarters to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, with an upgrade that included a 14,000-plus square foot Inkjet Innovation Center.

www.screenamericas.com

JMIS to host Vetaphone at Converters Expo 2022

Jeff Messenger (second from the right) and his JMIS team will again be hosting Vetaphone at this year’s event in Green Bay

Jeff Messenger Industrial Sales (JMIS) will be hosting leading surface treatment specialist Vetaphone at this year’s Converters Expo 2022 in Green Bay, WI.  According to Jeff: “We’re looking forward to welcoming many of the predicted 700 visitors to Booth 40 and highlighting the cutting-edge corona and plasma technology that Vetaphone offers.”

Jeff Messenger joined the Vetaphone team in 2021 and has successfully grown the business and extended his territory to include Illinois and part of Wisconsin, including the greater Green Bay area.  With many in the film, plastics, paper, and non-woven sectors getting together for the first time in a long time, the Expo will be an excellent and well-timed showcase. 

Assisting Jeff will be Ted Wolski, Vetaphone’s Sales Manager for the Americas, who is looking forward to meeting new and existing customers and explaining to them the background to Vetaphone technology and the vast depth of surface treatment knowledge available for converters to tap into.

With the famed Fox Valley set to play such an important part in Vetaphone’s development strategy for the US market, the Converters Expo comes at an ideal time for companies to engage in discussions on improving production efficiency with Vetaphone’s highly controllable technology.  This is especially important coming on the heels of an extremely successful campaign in 2021.

Ted commented: “With Jeff taking on more and more responsibility, I’m confident that 2022 will see a significant growth in market share for us here.  No company has a better understanding of surface treatment than Vetaphone – after all, we invented it!”

The Converters Expo takes place April 26th & 27th at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and is expected to attract visitors from a wide variety of sectors that together generate business worth more than $5 billion/year.

www.vetaphone.com