Printing Impressions

You will be automatically redirected to piworld in 20 seconds.
Skip this advertisement.

Advertisement
Advertisement
 
 

One-On-One With Valpak's David Fox

October 2008
Industry consolidation, economic uncertainties, soaring costs for raw materials and energy and many other forces are changing our industry at the speed of thought. At NPES' 75th Annual Conference, November 15-17 in St. Pete Beach, FL, participants will have an opportunity to learn firsthand how one progressive print organization managed to overcome these challenges. Read on for this preview of how, by developing strategic partnerships with industry manufacturers and service providers, the Valpak Manufacturing Center in St. Petersburg, FL has become a showcase of automated print production--and has managed to hold the line on costs for its customers, increased its productivity and morphed its employees into a skilled workforce for tomorrow. Valpak is one of North America's leading direct marketers with $260 million in annual revenue and about 1,200 employees in Pinellas County. Valpak reaches more than 45 million unique addresses each month in the United States and Canada and is owned by Largo-based Cox Target Media. 

Q. What factors were involved in choosing St. Petersburg, FL as the location for your facility?  

We studied a number of locations, but in the end, our biggest driver was that we wanted to stay near our existing production facility in Largo, FL to preserve as much of that workforce as possible. We also wanted to be near our corporate headquarters in Largo so we could be close to hundreds of employees who work in support positions such as graphics, customer service, marketing and franchise operations. After all, we were founded here (in Clearwater in 1968) and have a long history here in this community. We are celebrating our 40th year in business this year. Plus, our employment base in this area is pretty strong and a good place to find the type of workforce we needed.  

Q. What's been the biggest obstacle in putting into service new equipment and processes?  

Not surprisingly, there's more than one. The first was getting the equipment stabilized, which took longer than we expected. That was one of the biggest, if not the biggest obstacle we experienced. We bought what I would say are 'off the shelf components', which we then configured in a unique way. So, when you look at the equipment we have here on the floor, there are elements of a press common in the marketplace but, again, configured and integrated in unique ways. In fact, for most areas of the plant this holds true. Bearing this in mind, as we started to bring the plant up, whether it was the equipment or level of integration, it just took longer than we thought.  

 

SPONSORED CONTENT

MORE ON PRODUCTIVITY/PROCESS IMPROVEMENT >>

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

Whether it is a hard cover novel, a flyer in a retail store or your Sunday newspaper, behind every printed piece there are dozens of important decisions required to make sure it delivers the intended message. <i>Basics of Print Production</i> provides an overview of the steps required to make a creative concept into a printed piece, including: • Developing preliminary and final specifications for a print project • Determining the size and format for a printed piece • Acquiring, scanning, and proofing images • Building the print-ready digital mechanicals • Printing, binding, and finishing the piece • Packing and shipping the piece to its destination Being aware of the basics of a process helps everyone who is involved recognize the time and cost factors as well as the influence of each decision or step on the overall process. This book provides the reader with practical tips and guidelines on each step in the production process. Best Practices for Print Automation

Whether it is a hard cover novel, a flyer in a retail store or your Sunday newspaper, behind every printed piece there are dozens of important decisions required to make sure it delivers the intended message. Basics of Print Production provides an overview of the steps required to make a...

ORDER NOW

A printing company’s financial success is probably most influenced by those decisions related to production activities. Production employs most of the firm’s personnel and requires, by far, most of its capital investment. Printing Production Management provides a systematic treatment of the problem-solving aspects of production management that are so critical to efficient production and company profitability. Author Gary G. Field draws upon his unique combination of printing production experience—and university studies in quantitative analysis—to provide problem-solving insights into such areas as: • Plant capacity planning • Equipment investment analysis • Digital press scheduling strategies • Layout planning techniques • Production scheduling dynamics • Inventory optimization • Quality process analysis The production problem-solving techniques presented here draw from the analytical methods used in finance, accounting, and industrial engineering disciplines. Worked examples and practice problems help develop the skills needed for reaching both long-term strategic production decisions and efficient day-to-day manufacturing solutions. Printing Production Management

A printing company’s financial success is probably most influenced by those decisions related to production activities. Production employs most of the firm’s personnel and requires, by far, most of its capital investment. Printing Production Management provides a systematic treatment of the problem-solving aspects of production management that are so critical to...

ORDER NOW

 

SPONSORED CONTENT

MORE ON SHEETFED OFFSET PRINTING >>

FROM THE BOOKSTORE

Designed to supplement press operating manuals and formal apprenticeship programs, the third edition of <i>Sheetfed Offset Press Operating</i> provides both novice and experienced press operators with valuable information to improve productivity and print quality. It combines theoretical and practical how-to information in a single, easy-to-read volume. Sheetfed Offset Press Operating, 3rd Edition

Designed to supplement press operating manuals and formal apprenticeship programs, the third edition of Sheetfed Offset Press Operating provides both novice and experienced press operators with valuable information to improve productivity and print quality. It combines theoretical and practical how-to information in a single, easy-to-read volume....

ORDER NOW

In today’s competitive environment, it is mandatory for printers to find new ways to reduce costs, waste, and setup time while adding value to the products they offer their customers. By examining proven techniques, <i>Lean Printing: Pathway to Success</i> shows the benefits that come from engaging the entire workforce in recognizing value-adding processes and eliminating waste—whether that means wasted material, wasted motion, or wasted time. Lean Printing: Pathway to Success

In today’s competitive environment, it is mandatory for printers to find new ways to reduce costs, waste, and setup time while adding value to the products they offer their customers. By examining proven techniques, Lean Printing: Pathway to Success shows the benefits that come from engaging the entire workforce in...

ORDER NOW

 

COMMENTS

Click here to leave a comment...
Comment *
Most Recent Comments: