HARPER CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Harper Corporation of America was founded in 1971 by Ron and Katherine Harper based out of Charlotte NC., USA.  Originally Harper started manufacturing mechanically chrome plated anilox rolls for the corrugated industry. Through the years with the Harper’s vision and drive for innovation, Harper was the first to apply ceramic coatings to an anilox cylinder. This propelled the industry into a completely different direction, which allowed Harper’s anilox innovations to greatly contribute to the growth and success of the flexographic market and other printing related industries.

One of the major contributions was the introduction of the 60-degree hexagonal engraving that allow flexo printers achieved an unprecedented print quality and higher graphics. Another major contribution that has impacted the flexo industry, as a whole, is Harper’s commitment to education with the creation and development of industry training programs and educational scholarships.

Today, Harper is led by Lee Harper (3rd generation) who has been involved in all major contributions made by the company since the mechanical chrome plating days. Harper is still the undisputed global leader and innovator of anilox roll production and restauration. Harper also offers the highest quality products, best service,  solutions, and  printing supplies with manufacturing facilities in Charlotte North Carolina and DePere, Wisconsin, USA.

Lee Harper
President

THE HARPER COMPANIES

From the advent of flexographic printing and Anilox Roll manufacturing, Harper Corporation of America has earned the distinction of being the  the best, and the global leader in new anilox roll products and technologies. We offer more than our word. Every claim Harper makes about our products, services and support is backed by the best warranty in the industry.

Harperscientific™ is the Printing and Coatings Supplies Division that provides products and services to flexographic printers all over the world. As a leader in the precision proofing market, HarperScientific supplies precision proofers, safe and user-friendly ink cleaners and measurement equipment.

To deliver measurable and quantifiable solutions that keep your print room running at peak efficiency, Harper assembled a multi-disciplined team of expert, tools, systems and training to form Harper Technical Solutions. Harper Technical Solutions programs are customized, deliver a typical 6 month return on investment and are backed by the best warranty in the industry.

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Our History

  • 1971

     

    Harper Corporation of America was formed by Ron Harper in his home under the name Ron Harper Associates, Ltd.

  • 1972

     

    First to develop and successfully market ceramic coated anilox roll technology.

  • 1976

     

    Company was renamed Harper Corporation of America and Ron’s wife, Katherine became a 50% owner and partner in the company.

  • 1978

     

    Katherine Harper was the first female member of TAPPI.

  • 1980’s

     

    Harper introduced the first mechanically engraved ceramic coated anilox roll to go beyond a 200 line screen.

  • 1985

     

    Katherine Harper Cleaner Hands Formula was introduced as an industrial hand cleaner.

  • 1985

     

    Harper moved into its Steele Creek location on ten acres in Charlotte, NC.

  • 1990

     

    Harper introduced the world’s first 60° angle hexagonal laser engraved cell, up to 2000 cpi, and established a new global standard for anilox rolls.

  • 1990

     

    Harper introduced and established Flexo in High School and College Programs, promoting flexographic printing and educational programs in schools, which included (21) High schools and (32) colleges in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Instrumental in the first Flexographic press being installed in West Mecklenburg High School (1990) and South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC (1993).

  • 1993

     

    Harper became the first anilox supplier to form a technical solutions team to support its sales team assist clients in solving their toughest problems, free of charge.

  • 1994

     

    Katherine Harper was the first female Chairman of the Corrugated Division International Conference for the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI).

  • 1995

    Harper established interferometric volume measurement as the standard for measuring anilox volumes.

  • 1995

     

    Harper receives special award from North Carolina Governor for Excellence in Workforce Development Outstanding Private Sector Volunteer.

  • 1997

     

    Opened manufacturing facility DePere, Wisconsin.

  • 1998

     

    Harper initiated the founding of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation and established the Harper Cup to award winners of the competition.

  • 1998

     

    Received PENC Governor’s New Product Award in recognition of excellence in engineering design and manufacture of new product which contributed to the economic strength of North Carolina.

  • 2000

     

    Formed the HarperScientific Division.

  • 2003

     

    Established the Ron & Katherine Harper Scholarship Fund at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).

  • 2004

    CO² lasers were phased out and replaced with fiber optic technology.

  • 2006

     

    Ron & Katherine Harper retire and daughter, Margie Kluttz, became President and CEO of Harper.

  • 2007

     

    Katherine Harper assisted Appalachian State University in acquiring its first press and the university named the home of its graphics program “Katherine Harper Hall”.

  • 2016

     

    Margie Kluttz retires and her son, Lee Harper, becomes President and CEO.

  • 2020

     

    Patent filed on channeled technology known as the X-CAT®.

  • 2020

     

    Harper is owned and operated by the 3rd generation – Ron and Katherine’s grandson, Lee Harper.

ANILOX TECHNOLOGY

Since 1971, Harper Corporation of America has introduced a line of products and technologies that set standards for the industry. Echocel™ laser-engraved, ceramic anilox rolls, today known as XLT, paved the way for up to 1200 cells per inch. This roll provided the industry with the first 60° hexagonal cell configuration, which today is the standard pattern for high quality flexo printing throughout the world. The consistent, repeatable cell structure of these rolls assisted printers in achieving printing clarity never before possible.

It is no wonder that Harper manufactures and restores more anilox rolls than any other manufacturer in the world, in facilities that are certified ISO 9001:2015. Today, our advanced technologies facilities operate more laser systems than any other anilox roll manufacturer in the world. With a mission that is unwavering, we continue to advance the printing capabilities of Harper’s customers and pioneer new technology that will open new markets. As quickly as technology advances, Harper will be there to pioneer yet another new development for the industry.

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Sales + Technical Leadership Team

Juan Bermudez
Executive VP of Sales and Technical Solutions

Sales + Technical Management Team

Ron Case
Southern/Central Regional Sales Manager

Efrain Martinez
General Sales & Service Manager Latin America

Justin Ramirez
Northern Regional Sales Manager

Richard Hernandez
Technical Solutions Manager

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Since its beginning, the cornerstone of the company is our personal commitment to our customers. A consultation about any technical concern is only a phone call away.

The Harper Technical Solutions team includes highly-trained, experienced individuals, including former Flexographic printers. On-site troubleshooting assistance is available. Additionally, Harper’s unique WalkingSeminar™ program offers the industry a different concept in technical training. This program has brought thousands of visitors from around the world to Harper’s Advanced Surface Technologies Center. The WalkingSeminar™ is a unique, highly-interactive training program – including a tour of our anilox manufacturing facility, combined with a technical sessions that are customized to your specific needs. The program is offered to printers, suppliers, educators, students, print buyers, or other interested parties.

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Get in touch with the Harper Team today!

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