August 2017
Sales Personnel Announcement at AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis
Minneapolis—AWT is proud to announce that Blake Insteness has been promoted to Director of Business Development- Healthcare. Since joining the AWT team in September 2011, Blake has been a key contributor to the growth of the Healthcare segment by identifying innovative labels and packaging solutions for medical device companies and healthcare contract manufactures.
Since Dave Olson, “Dr. O’s,” retirement in early 2016, Blake has been AWT’s “go to-spokesperson” for Medical Device packaging. He is an active member of International Organization of Packaging Professionals (IOPP) and the Medical Device Resource Group (MDRG), a coalition of independent Twin Cities companies that collectively offer the broad expertise needed to get new medical devices to market – and support them once they’ve launched.
Blake is deeply networked in the Healthcare and OEM market segments from his 20+ years’ experience in package engineering and design across multiple industries. Blake is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Stout with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial Technology with a packaging concentration.
June 2017
Sales Personnel Announcements at AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce sales personnel additions.
Kenneth J. Franzwa
: Account Executive, specializing in Prime and Consumer Goods market segments. AWT welcomes Ken back to the AWT Minneapolis team after he spent time working as a Sales Account Manager at Esko, helping printing companies improve efficiency in their prepress departments. Prior to Esko, Ken worked at AWT Labels & Packaging (previously known as Advanced Web) in prepress and sales for nearly 17 years.
Michael Scott: Account Executive, concentrating on market segments that depend on Wet Wipes Packaging, Printed and Laminated Films. An award-winning sales professional, Mike brings AWT experience in all stages of package development, including the identification and selection of materials, qualification, pricing, artwork, and order processing.
AWT Labels & Packaging is proud to welcome Ken and Mike to the company. Their wealth of experience, product expertise and impeccable customer service skills truly complement their ability to build meaningful business relationships.
May 2017
Personnel Announcements at AWT Labels & Packaging, South Elgin Facility
South Elgin—AWT Labels & Packaging would like to announce personnel additions in their South Elgin, IL flexible packaging facility.
Doug Becker, Quality/Continuous Improvement Director. Doug joined the AWT South Elgin team on May 1, 2017. In his new role, Doug will further implement our SQF quality systems, develop standard work, and drive Research and Development. Doug brings extensive knowledge in Quality Assurance, Food Safety/Regulatory, and Technical Services. He has experience managing ISO based quality management systems (QMS), implementing current good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) based on GFSI, AIB, as well as HACCP programs for food, medical and pharmaceutical packaging.
Joe Urback, Plant Manager. Joe joined the AWT South Elgin team on April 24, 2017. He will lead his team in their ongoing mission to identify and implement improvements in processes and waste reduction programs. We look forward to having Joe share his 20+ years of management experience with AWT South Elgin.
AWT is proud to welcome Doug and Joe to our South Elgin team. Their deep experience and expert leadership will help AWT South Elgin onboard new business opportunities for the new 52-inch, 10-color, W&H Miraflex Central Impression Cylinder press. This state- of-the-art press has surface matte registration capabilities, auto ink station wash up and closed loop registration.
January 2017
AWT Labels & Packaging Launches New W&H Miraflex Central Impression Cylinder Press
South Elgin—AWT Labels & Packaging has a new 52” 10 color W&H Miraflex Central Impression Cylinder press at its South Elgin, Illinois facility. The new press is equipped with ten printing decks, automated wash up decks and several state-of-the-art setup reduction modules that allow for faster make readies and color changes, automated viscosity controls for more consistent print quality, and automated tension controls.
The press also
has the capability to register a top coat to an already printed design. The AVT system will provide automated sensing of visual defects while printing. The press can accept roll widths from 31.5 inches to 52 inches and can print an image up to 50 inches wide. The large repeat capabilities up to 31.5 inches will accommodate large format bags and pouches. Other features include:
- Print speed up to 1,300 ft./minute
- Auto registration
- Flying splices
- 100% print inspection
- Registered matte coatings
- Higher definition print quality
“This Press has the latest CIC features available and expands our capacity significantly.” said Mike Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager of the AWT South Elgin facility. “We intend to grow our complex film structure business in our existing market segments and allow us to expand into the Pet Foods and Gourmet Coffee segments too.”
Watch the press in action:
November 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging’s Vice President of Manufacturing presents at 2016 Flexographic Trade Association Fall Conference
Minneapolis—Ted Biggs, Vice President of Manufacturing at AWT Labels & Packaging was honored to be a presenter at the 2016 Flexographic Trade Association Fall Conference, October 10-12 at The Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville, KY.
Biggs led an interactive presentation titled A New Paradigm in Press Operator Training, addressing the dilemma between continued growth in the flexographic printing industry and the lack of trained press operators available to fill open positions. He provided resources to help employers identify qualified candidates and weighed in on various flexographic press training methods. While Biggs recommends hands-on training courses he acknowledges that there is a limited number of all-inclusive programs available. As a solution, AWT Labels & Packaging and Computype partnered to develop Flexographic Tech, a Nonprofit 501 C (3) corporation, dedicated to providing hands-on flexographic training programs. Other major sponsors of this important industry initiative include Platinum Level: Green Bay Packaging, Mark Andy, Eaglewood Technologies; Silver Level: Flint Group and UPM Raflatac; Bronze Level; Avery Dennison, Harper Corporation.
Flexographic Tech classes range from two days to three months, enabling students from across the country to receive intensive, hands-on flexographic press room training on a Mark Andy press supplemented with lectures and structured activities. Flexographic Tech provides an opportunity to work alongside competitors to develop trained operators. According to Manpower Group: For the sixth consecutive year, skilled trade vacancies are the hardest to fill in the U.S., and for the fourth consecutive year, skilled trade roles are the hardest to fill globally.
“It’s time to work together because training is needed to support the vitality and growth of the printing industry,” says Biggs.
Visit www.flexographictech.org to learn more about how to increase press operators’ skillsets by providing effective, hands-on training.
About FTA/FFTA: Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), chartered in 1958, is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community—printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others–together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns. It is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes 1,300 member sites that represent more than 35,000 individuals. Foundation of FTA, founded in 1974, is the educational arm of FTA and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the flexographic printing industry.
About Flexographic Tech: Flexographic Tech is a Minnesota Non-Profit 501 C (3) Corporation dedicated to providing flexographic press operators and others in the flexographic industry hands-on training that ranges from a 2-day color theory course to a 12-week deep dive of flexographic press operation, Flexo Tech is led by a nationally recognized instructor with over five years of teaching experience at Dunwoody Technical College. Flexo Tech’s mission is to provide the Midwest with a local source of training, filling the gap in the print industry’s need for qualified press operators. Flexographic Tech was founded and continues to be supported by AWT Labels & Packaging and Computype.
October 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging Wins Bronze in NJPEC’s Package of the Year in Personal Care Category
Minneapolis—The Bod Man Body Wash label printed by AWT Labels & Packaging was recently honored with the NJPEC Package of the Year Bronze award.
With the ever-expanding variety of body wash options available at the store, it’s critical for manufacturers to have product package and label designs that make a commanding visual impact. The modern, edgy packaging of Bod Man Body Wash immediately compels the consumer to pick up and explore its intricate design. Light bounces around the dramatic, geometric angles of the sapphire blue bottle, inspiring the consumer to rotate a full 360 degrees. The bold, foil Bod Man logo combined with metallic gradients catch the eye and ignite curiosity.
The award will be presented in New Jersey on November 17, 2016.
About NJPEC: NJPEC (New Jersey Packaging Executives Club) is an organization of packaging professionals who represent both manufacturers and client companies throughout the packaging industry, whose purpose is to share and promote packaging technologies and perpetuate the art and business of packaging. They are a cross section of packaging in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household industrial and personal products industries.
September 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging to Install New Press
South Elgin—AWT Labels & Packaging will be installing a new 52” 10 color W&H Miraflex Central Impression Cylinder press at its South Elgin, Illinois facility. Installation begins in October with production scheduled for mid-November. The new press is equipped with ten printing decks, automated wash up decks and several state of the art setup reduction modules that allow for faster make readies and color changes, automated viscosity controls for more consistent print quality, and automated tension controls. The press also has the capability to register a top coat to an already printed design. The state of the art AVT system will provide automated sensing of visual defects while printing.
The press will accept roll widths from 31.5 inches to 52 inches and can print an image up to 50 inches wide. The large repeat capabilities up to 31.5 inches will accommodate large format bags and pouches.
“This Press has the latest CIC features available and expands our capacity significantly.” said Mike Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager of the AWT South Elgin facility. “We intend to grow our complex film structure business in our existing market segments and allow us to expand into the Pet Foods and Gourmet Coffee segments too.”
August 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging Personnel Announcements
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging would like to announce changes to their sales personnel effective as of July, 2016.
Nancy Brake: South Elgin Vice President of Operations. Nancy joined the South Elgin facility on April 25th, relocating from North Carolina and bringing extensive knowledge in the flexible packaging food, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets. Nancy has experience in areas of manufacturing, quality, safety, GMP, pricing and sales service, as well as a strong focus on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. We are excited to welcome Nancy to our South Elgin team.
Brad Beskau: Minneapolis transition from Label Development/Project Manager to Sales. Brad has been with our Minneapolis facility since 2012, bringing valuable contributions to our pre-press group and most recently working as a project manager supporting the medical segment. His drive to identify his customers’ project requirements has enabled him to achieve a high level of results on a wide range of projects. In his new role, Brad will manage assigned accounts and assist the Medical Business Development Manager to grow the company’s Medical segment.
Nan Jaeger: Human Resource Generalist/Manager. Nan joined us in June as our new Human Resource Manager. Nan brings over 20 years of Human Resources management experience to AWT, and places a high value on communication and maintaining confidentiality and trust in the workplace. We look forward to having her as a part of our company.
April 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging Wins Bronze in NJPEC’s Package of the Year in Household/Industrial Category
Minneapolis—The Clorox® Antibacterial Soap label printed by AWT Labels & Packaging was recently honored with the NJPEC Package of the Year Bronze award.
There are options galore in the household cleaner aisle of local retailers. Products have to standout on shelf to generate the immediate purchase, and make a lasting impression to become a brand loyalist. Using shapely appeal, modern metallic color pops, and clear product messaging, the Clorox® label was strategically designed and printed to stand out amidst the masses.
The award was presented in New Jersey last November. AWT’s newest East Coast representative, Mike Dispenza, was in attendance to receive the award.
About NJPEC: NJPEC (New Jersey Packaging Executives Club) is an organization of packaging professionals who represent both manufacturers and client companies throughout the packaging industry, whose purpose is to share and promote packaging technologies and perpetuate the art and business of packaging. They are a cross section of packaging in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household industrial and personal products industries.
February 2016
AWT Labels & Packaging Personnel Announcements
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging would like to announce changes to their sales personnel effective as of February, 2016.
Dave Olson: Minneapolis Sales. After 31 years in the labels & packaging industry, Dave Olson, a.k.a. Dr. O, is transitioning into retirement. Dave will be consulting for AWT for the next 22 months, ensuring his breadth of knowledge, specifically in the medical device community, continues.
Blake Insteness: Minneapolis Sales. With over two decades of experience as a leader in the packaging and labeling industry, Blake has worked alongside AWT personnel as a Packaging Engineer customer since 1995. After joining the AWT sales force in 2011, Blake has been collaborating closely with Dave Olson for the past two years as he takes on the succession as AWT’s medical device point person. Blake is already actively involved in both the Medical Device Resource Group (MDRG) and the Institute for Packaging Professionals (IOPP).
Mike Dispenza: New Jersey Sales. Mike joined the AWT team in the last quarter of 2015, bringing 25+ years working in the label and packaging industries. His career includes key roles in business development and national account management for a major label converter. Mike has focused in the markets of health and beauty, food and beverage, household products, and automotive brands.
Dave Tovar: Minneapolis Sales. Dave has a proven track record in developing and managing new business for multiple national accounts. His experience developing and managing flexographic packaging media for strategic national accounts across the United States equips him with a great strength to add to AWT’s talented and seasoned sales force.
AWT Labels & Packaging Helps Fortune 500 Company Win WorldStar Award
Minneapolis—A tear tab closure strip AWT Labels & Packaging assisted in both the design and manufacturing of has been give a WorldStar Award by the World Packaging Organization. The award was presented to the Fortune 500 company in Milan, Italy in the summer of 2015.
The ergonomically-designed strip provides easy access to med devices stored within a carton by simply pulling away from the packaging. The tab then stays attached to the carton, eliminating a loose piece that needs to find its way to a trash bin. The design is intuitive and user-friendly, an essential duo in any healthcare setting.
The Tear Tab previously won an Ameristar award in 2014 for its innovative and complex structure.
April 2015
AWT Labels & Packaging Adds Shrink Sleeve Capability
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging is now able to produce Shrink Sleeves on state of the art Karlville Sleeving equipment.
Shrink Sleeves have become increasingly popular based on the need for “eye catching” shelf appeal and durability of labels. The label, which is shrunk around the package, is a great choice for contoured bottles as the label is able to fit around all of the curves without tearing. Since the label covers the entire container, product graphics can wrap entire surface.
Shrink Sleeve labels are also a great option for attaching a sample to a product, combining 2-for-1 promotions or products that require a tamper evident solution.
March 2015
AWT Labels & Packaging Captures Seven Star of Excellence Awards
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging won a Best of Category, two Best of Class and four Certificate of Merit awards from the Printing Industry Midwest Star of Excellence competition.
AWT’s work for The Village Company earned them three Certificate of Merits for their Small Format Screen/Digital Printing labels. The Blissful Body collection by The Village Company also earned a Best of Class and a Best of Category for the Small Format Screen/Digital Printing category/class.
Norseman Distillery was another winner with one Certificate of Merit award for the Flex Narrow Web Labels and Wraps, Rolled Products/Pressure Sensitive class and one Best of Class.
The Star of Excellence Awards, a five-state printing competition hosted by the Printing Industry Midwest, honors those who have achieved excellence in the production of print communications. For more information about the Printing Industry Midwest and the Star of Excellence Awards, call Lola Faufau at 612.789.5504.
November 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging Honored With Two NJPEC Awards
Minneapolis—AWT Labels & Packaging was recently honored with two NJPEC Package of the Year awards.
AWT won a Technical Merit Award for their work on the Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap label and a Bronze Award for their work on UV Ready to Drink- Salty Watermelon. The Package of the Year Award honors the top packages in a variety of market segments.
To see all of the honors, visit Beauty Packaging.
About NJPEC: NJPEC (New Jersey Packaging Executives Club) is an organization of packaging professionals who represent both manufacturers and client companies throughout the packaging industry, whose purpose is to share and promote packaging technologies and perpetuate the art and business of packaging. They are a cross section of packaging in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household industrial and personal products industries. Please visit NJPEC to read more about the organization.
October 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging is Featured as a Company to Watch
AWT Labels & Packaging was featured as a ‘Company to Watch’ by Label & Narrow Web. The story, which appeared in the October issue of the magazine, highlights where AWT Labels & Packaging has been and where it is going. Read the full story here.
August 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging Receives Narrow Web Print Award
Flint Group presented AWT with an award for their excellence in Narrow Web Print. The 10th annual awards honors companies around the world based on exceptional use of color, design and materials.
Flint Group 10th Annual Print Awards
July 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging Installs Mark Andy 17” P5 Press
Minneapolis— AWT Labels & Packaging installed a Mark Andy 17” P5 press July 21, 2014.
The new press is equipped with two screen units, ten UV units, cold foil, film package, full chill system and a rail for the turn bar and unwind/rewind units. It also features a Quick Change Die Cut System that allows die change overs in less than two minutes.
“The new P5 gives us the additional capacity and capabilities we need to continue to pursue our targeted markets. This is a very exciting and busy time for all of us at AWT as we continue to grow,” said Ted Biggs, Vice President of Manufacturing.
July 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis, welcomes Kristy Lenartz, Customer Service/ Project Management Representative. Kristy brings over 10 years of experience in the flexographic label industry including customer service, pricing proposals, job planning and customer presentations.
AWT Labels & Packaging, South Elgin, welcomes Nancy Dean, Accounting Analyst. Nancy has been with AWT as a contract employee for the past several months, working as the accounting liaison between South Elgin and Minneapolis.
June 2014
Boston Scientific Corp. and AWT Labels & Packaging Win 2014 AmeriStar Award
Minneapolis—On June 10, 2014 the Institute of Packing Professionals presented AWT Labels & Packaging and Boston Scientific Corp. (BSC) with a 2014 AmeriStar Award for their innovative Tear Tab Closure.
The AmeriStar Award is presented annually to those considered to be ‘trailblazers in the packaging industry.’ The award “honors those packaging professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the packaging community, recognizing their foresight and innovative spirit.”
AWT and BSC partnered to solve various problems presented by their customers. The new design had to be easy to open one-handed, invisible to customers until it was to be opened and obvious to inventory managers during the restocking process. Additionally, it had to be easy to apply and be made of the same materials and adhesives as previous closure tabs.
May 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis, welcomes Lindsay Percival, Marketing Specialist. Lindsay is a 2014 graduate of The College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Communications. Lindsay has been a Communications and Marketing Intern for Peter Hill Design since May 2013, while completing her studies at St. Ben’s.
February 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging welcomes Michael Corbin, Sales Executive for the Southeast region, focusing on flexible packaging. Michael’s long career in the printing industry includes National/International Business Development in laminated films in the food, personal care and industrial markets, as well as shrink film business in the soft drink, flooring and food industry.
January 2014
AWT Labels & Packaging became Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified in their South Elgin, Illinois flexible packaging plant in January, 2014. SQF certification of the South Elgin plant was consistent with AWT’s commitment to well documented and implemented formal quality systems. AWT’s South Elgin flexible packaging plant was purchased in late 2011. “We are very proud of the South Elgin team and the effort they spent expanding and preparing documentation, implementing the quality systems, training the employees and completing the certification of the SQF quality program. I want to specially thank three employees for their dedication to this one year long project, Tony Zagaros, South Elgin Plant Manager, Julie Yang, Quality Systems Specialist and Doreen Praschak, AWT Director of Quality,”” Said Jim Lundquist, CEO, AWT Labels & Packaging.
November 2013
AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis, welcomes Pete Bibelhausen, R&D Specialist. Pete’s expertise spans more than 25 years in R&D technical and project management within the inks, labels and packaging industry.
AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis, welcomes Bruce Zutter, Lean Process/Continuous Improvement Coordinator. Bruce brings over 11 years of experience in Lean Operations/Continuous Improvement and is Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certified.
November 2013
Advanced Web, a worldwide provider of high quality labels, flexible packaging and converting, recently announced their new company name: AWT Labels & Packaging. The new brand name will more effectively position the company as a labeling and packaging provider.
CEO Jim Lundquist states that it’s time for the change. “Over the past several years our name, Advanced Web, became increasingly confusing because of the proliferation of the term ‘web’ in connection with internet software and services. We determined that ‘AWT Labels & Packaging’ more clearly tells our customers, prospects and others what we do.”
Reliable service and market expertise is at the center of what makes AWT Labels & Packaging an award-winning company. AWT Labels & Packaging offers deep expertise in five markets: medical, food & beverage, OEM/Industrial, household, personal care/health & beauty and specialty. The years of market-specific expertise comes through loud and clear in the company’s tagline, “Label Us Experts.” This tagline is integral to AWT’s rebranding efforts, and conveys the market expertise many labeling, converting and flexible packaging companies lack.
In conjunction with the rebranding, AWT Labels & Packaging has launched a redesigned website, which is now live at AWTLabelPack.com. The website features a wealth of information on their market expertise, certifications, and commitment to quality systems. Details of their products are also featured on the site and include, digital labels, flexo labels, flexible packaging, security labeling, and an array of specialty products.
June 2013
Advanced Web was recently selected for CSI’s 2012 Circle of Champions, which is a short list of top performing suppliers. This award recognizes Advanced Web for meeting Cardiovascular Systems, Inc’s criteria for excellence in supplier performance.
June 2013
Advanced Web Technologies, Minneapolis, welcomes Jeff McCoy, Sales Executive for the Midwest area. Jeff offices in Chicago and brings over 25 years in the label and flexible packaging.
Advanced Web Technologies, Minneapolis, welcomes Tony Zagaros, Quality and Process Project Engineer for both our South Elgin, IL and Minneapolis, MN facilities. Tony has more than 30 years of experience in labels and flexible packaging manufacturing.
November 2011
Standardizing Labels For Arthroplasty Devices
Manufacturers push back with concerns over label real estate and costs for multiple skus.
By Dave Olson
Vice President, Technical Sales
Advanced Web
A number of years ago when the FDA proposed nutrition labeling on all food packages, the angst and outcry were tremendous. Artistic directors were horrified that this box would have to be in a prominent place on their packages, operations folks wondered what kind of package modifications would be needed to accommodate this very specific info, and the bean counters lost sleep over the amount of money it would take to modify the thousands of SKUs that had to be managed.
In the end the change was implemented, the apocalypse was averted, and consumers have benefited from easy access to the nutritional content of what’s going into their bellies.
A similar standardization initiative is in process right now for standardized labeling of orthopedic arthroplasty devices, and the field of battle and debate is Committee F04 Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices, Subcommittee F04.22 Arthroplasty of ASTM International.
Article continued at PMPNews.com
October 2011
Advanced Web Technologies, LLC acquires US Converting, Inc.
Advanced Web Technologies, LLC, based in Minneapolis, MN announced today it has acquired the assets of US Converting, Inc. of South Elgin, IL.
Advanced Web is a pressure sensitive label and flexible packaging converter that serves the Medical Device, OEM, Prime and Specialty Product Markets. Through mergers and acquisitions, Advanced Web has been doing business since 1976.
US Converting, Inc. is a wide web flexible packaging converter that was established in 1985. As a superior quality printer and laminator, US Converting provides innovative solutions for customers in the consumer packaged goods industry.
“With the proven track record and expertise US Converting has in flexible packaging, we believe this merger will add tremendous value to our stakeholders. Our valued customers in both companies will directly benefit from the combined companies capabilities and expertise. US Converting will continue to operate at their current facility in South Elgin, IL. We look forward to working with the flexible packaging experts at US Converting to continue to expand both customer bases in the years to come.” says Kip Colwell, CEO of Advanced Web.
General Manager of US Converting, Mike Gallagher states , “We are very excited about joining Advanced Web. The business philosophies between the two companies are very similar and we anticipate great things to come from this new venture. I believe our employees, customers and suppliers will all benefit with this exciting news. By positioning US Converting with Advanced Web, we will be able to expand our customer base and provide our clients with expanded capabilities from both companies that are second to none.”
Advanced Web is known for delivering total applied cost solutions to customers with labeling and flexible packaging products. This is accomplished by using a variety of proven techniques and innovative methods. Advanced Web provides the creativity necessary to streamline and add flexibility to any labeling system. We produce products that stand up against the toughest conditions and the company’s proven knowledge and experience promotes and protects brands.
Advanced Web was named “companies to watch” by Label and Narrow Web magazine in October, 2010.
Interview Advanced Web CEO, Kip Colwell
October 2010
Advanced Web appears in Label & Narrow Web’s “Companies to Watch”.
Full article: Label and Narrow Web
In 2005, two label printing companies based in Minneapolis, MN, USA, merged to form a new company, Advanced Web. The new entity was able to condense four plants down to one, and now occupies an 80,000 square foot plant in the city. The company today enjoys post-recession growth in the double digits, and sees that continuing through 2011.
The two former companies were Advanced Web Technologies and Web Label, both narrow web flexo converters. The former was founded in 1991, the latter in 1976. John “Kip” Colwell had been president of Web Label, and continues at the helm of Advanced Web. Today the company prints with a digital press as well as flexo, and is deeply focused on meeting customer needs, Lean Manufacturing, and sustainability.
Advanced Web’s customer base ranges from local companies to multi-nationals. “Our business is across the continent, and we also distribute our products globally,” says Colwell. The company’s sales force is 100 percent in-house, based mostly in Minnesota with reps in Chicago and Dallas.
The customer focus at Advanced Web has evolved into the creation of a strong IT department and investment in a supplier managed inventory (SMI) program. “We have a portal that lets customers set up and look at whatever type of information they deem important about their print work,” he notes. “We manage their inventory, and a big part of our offering is the SMI program, either here or in their operation. We also have a logistics partner in Mexico.”
Customers have always been demanding, but as the recession weakens, Colwell sees that they are “even more focused on JIT and having as little inventory in their pipeline as possible. It continues to move in that direction. Yes, it’s an expense for us, and it’s also the reason we continue to make capital investments on tools to reduce the overall makeready and waste in our process.”
Colwell says that the company’s Lean Manufacturing journey began three and a half years ago, and was certainly a help during the recession. “It showed us the importance of eliminating any kind of waste. Not working harder but working smarter, standardizing work, focused on eliminating anything that isn’t needed in that process.”
The company continues to run multiple kaizen events and ongoing improvement events. “It has been a very strong part of our success,” says Colwell. “We work various events with our customers directly, so that they can learn the total applied cost, and help us understand how can we improve the overall cost structure: how we deliver, inventory, materials.
“We also have begun sending groups of employees out to visit our customers, so that they can learn how our product is being used,” Colwell adds. “So many people throughout our operation have never seen a bottling or automated production line, so they don’t know what happens when there’s an issue with our product at their plant. The customers enjoy the opportunity to show off their operations and talk about what they do, and why they do business with Advanced Web, and let employees see what’s going on.”
Advanced Web employs 133 people. “Like everyone else we were hit fairly hard at the end of 2008,” Colwell recalls. “We took the necessary steps, managers took pay cuts, the majority of our hourly folks started working 32 hours, and we were able to keep all of our skilled people here. Then in late spring of 2009 a couple of significant projects started, and we have been running quite strongly since then.” The company manufactures seven days a week with two 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, and a Friday to Sunday shift.
Sustainability is an active pursuit at Advanced Web. “We continue to look at how we can take not only waste out of our process, but continue to cut obsolescence for our customers,” says Colwell. “We have our waste hauled to a Minneapolis incinerator to help power and heat some of the city’s main buildings. Our challenge is getting to where we can recycle release liner. We have a couple of customers we are working with to get into the recycling program with TLMI.”
The company today is working toward ISO 14000 certification, addressing environmental management. Back in 2007 and early 2008, everyone was pushing sustainability,” Colwell recalls. “Then it stopped, when the recession began, and it’s starting now to come back. We have continued our programs, bringing different materials and constructions to our customers, recycled or recyclable material. We are just now again seeing them start to push for more environmentally sound products and practices.”
Advanced Web acquired an HP Indigo ws4500 digital press a couple of years ago to complement its flexo capabilities, which include Webtrons, Mark Andys, Aquaflex presses, and a 50” CI press. “The digital press has justified itself on cost reductions,” Colwell says. “We want to work closely with our customers, within their operations, handle everything from soup to nuts, whatever their needs might be. With the digital press we were looking at multi-color processes that could be 1,500 to 25,000 label runs. It shouldn’t matter to a customer how we run it, but it should sharpen our position, serve as another tool for us. We have been able to utilize the digital press in marketing, telling customers that we can handle whatever their needs are, from the very shortest difficult jobs to the longest.” Today the press is running two shifts a day.
The company’s next press is already on order: A P5 Performance press from Mark Andy. “We’re really looking forward to the makeready speed and cost improvements it will bring to the process,” Colwell says. — Jack Kenny
March 2010
Advanced Web Receives Top Award in Statewide Print Competition
Advanced Web received an award for outstanding achievement in “Digital Printing – On Demand” in the annual Star of Excellence Awards, a statewide printing competition hosted by the Printing Industry of Minnesota, Inc., the state’s trade association for printing, communication and graphic arts industry.
Competing against entries from printing and graphic arts firms throughout the state, Advanced Web received four awards in total, including the highest award possible for Best of Category. The company’s golden submission was in the “Digital Printing – On Demand” category for their customer, 45th Parallel Spirits, LLC. Their Midwest American Vodka label also received a “Best of Class” award in the same category.
Other awards for Advanced Web include a “Best of Class” for our flexographic work for the Minnesota State Lottery, as well as a “Certificate of Merit” for our Caribou Coffee Series.
PIM President David Radziej comments, “This was a close competition with a very impressive standard of entries. The judging process was very challenging. Advanced Web should be proud of their achievement and the excellent work done by their employees.”
The Star of Excellence Awards recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of print communications in Minnesota. The competition promotes excellence in print communications and rewards companies and individuals who produce the best in print media.
PIM is the association of choice for the graphic arts industry, representing Minnesota’s second largest manufacturing industry, with more than 75,000 jobs and $6.1 billion in annual sales.
June 2009
Advanced Web Celebrates 10th Year as 3M ESPE Award Recipient
For ten consecutive years, Advanced Web has met stringent requirements in order to maintain the 3M ESPE Dental Products Division Certification. The 3M ESPE Certification recognizes Advanced Web as a provider of innovative dental services, as well as being a dedicated partner to the highest possible standards of dentistry. Advanced Web is proud to be considered one of 3M’s top, valued suppliers and will continue to manage the account with streamlined efficiency in on-time delivery, receipt quality and administrative accuracy. As Advanced Web looks to the future, they have their sights set on yet again achieving an overall rating of 99% across all of 3M’s measured attributes. With each label printed, Advanced Web is driven to deliver practical and ingenious solutions that make a difference in dental practices across the globe.
November 2008
Advanced Web LLC is pleased to announce our certification as a Great Printer by the Printing Industry of Minnesota, PIM.
The PIM Great Printer Environment Initiative is a voluntary program aimed at increasing environmental, health and safety compliance and pollution prevention within the printing industry. A printer that chooses to participate in the PIM Great Printer Environmental Initiative is one that has demonstrated that minimize their company’s impact on human health and the environment.
The are three criteria companies must meet before qualifying for the program:
- Commit to the PIM Great Printer Environmental Initiative Principles
- Complete an Environmental, Health and Safety Compliance Audit
- Pursue Beyond Compliance Projects.
Michelle Zeller, CFO of Advanced Web says, “Qualifying as a Great Printer is a big step towards achieving our sustainability goal and reducing the impact we have on our envirionment, but it is not the only initiative we have planned.”