Reporter Clips
- Published: April 01, 2002, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Narrow Web Converting Industry News
Coming Events
May 15-17: Ink Jet Printing Developers Conference, Radisson SAS Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands (+44 1223 236920; imieurope.com).
June 4-6: Labelexpo Asia 2002, Singapore Expo Ctr., Singapore (+44 (0) 20 8846 2700; labelexpo-asia.com).
Sept. 10-12: Labelexpo USA, Donald E. Stephens Convention Ctr., Rosemont, IL (262/782-1900; tarsus-group.com).
Hundreds Attend Raflatac Grand Opening
FLETCHER, NC, USA—More than 400 label printers from across the US helped inaugurate Raflatac's new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fletcher late last year.
The 225,000-sq-ft, custom-built facility includes a laminating machine encompassing Raflatac's proprietary application technology, fully automated inventory of master rolls, slitting services, and executive offices. The new $50 million plant will manufacture an array of p-s paper and film labeling substrates for the American, Canadian, and Mexican markets.
The production operation is based on Raflatac's internationally certified processes, developed and refined by the company's construction of several other factories on five different continents.
TLMI Inspires Members
NAPLES, FL, USA—Having enjoyed the benefits of double-digit growth in the roll-to-roll tag and label business in the 1980s and '90s, converters now face the realities of single-digit growth. The theme of the annual converter meeting of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, held March 3 through 6, Registry Resort in Naples, was “My Pie's Getting Bigger…and I'm Running Out of Fingers: Managing the Fruits of the Entrepreneurial Spirit.” Its focus: finding the inspiration and motivation to manage successfully in a new economic era.
Dan Clark, a former professional football player paralyzed during a game, talked about completely conquering his paralysis through sheer will and determination. Frank Maguire, a leadership/communications expert famed for his work with FedEx and Kentucky Fried Chicken, among others, explained how feelings, attitudes, and relationships define great workplaces. The best way to predict the future in any business, Maguire emphasized, is to invent it!
At an awards dinner, eight TLMI members were honored in the 12th World Label Assn. Awards Competition, held jointly by TLMI, the Japanese Federation of Label Printers, and FINAT. Winners were Tapp Technologies, Mail-Well Label, CALabel, Label-Aid Systems, Spectrum Label, and McDowel Label & Screen Printing. The Eugene Singer Best Managed Company honors were bestowed on Belmark, Los Angeles Label, Graphic Solutions, and Amherst Label.
On the closing day, Robert Hutchison of Hutchison Miller addressed supply chain management, while Laura Moutin, global supply manager—flexible packaging for Unilever (France), shared her frank and helpful advice on improving business through customer relationships. Moutin was applauded when she said, “Contrary to your own opinions, you are never too small if you're innovative!”
Rounding out the meeting, attended by 143 members with their guests or spouses, the trade industry's leading editors provided their own observations on “What's Ahead for the Industry.” Mark Spaulding of Converting Magazine addressed the 80/20 Rule and performance improvement; Yolanda Simonsis of PFFC spoke on profit erosion and who your competitors really are; Jack Kenny of Labels and Narrow Web covered in-house training; Mike Fairley of Labels & Labeling Consultancy detailed opportunities in security and anticounterfeiting; and Sue Friedman of Package Printing outlined product expansion opportunities.
For more information contact TLMI at 630/357-9222; tlmi.com.
