Harper Corporation Donates Anilox Rolls to Technical College, Promotes Flexographic Education

Charlotte, North Carolina, February 13, 2012—In an effort to support educational flexographic initiatives, global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation has announced the donation of 10 anilox rolls to Fox Valley Technical College.

Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, Fox Valley Technical College offers a program in package and label printing. Through this program, which awards graduates a technical diploma, students learn to work within the flexographic industry. Students enrolled in this program learn to design artwork for use with printing applications, create printing plates, mount and proof these plates, and accurately prepare, utilize, and clean printing presses. Furthermore, students learn to maintain industry-specific documentation, create and color match ink, and work both independently and within groups to meet deadlines and produce quality deliverables.

Harper Corporation of America is proud to donate 10 anilox rolls to this program, which is a valuable educational resource to the flexographic community. Mark Keller, a member of the Package and Label Printing Department at Fox Valley Technical College, stated, "Thank you, Harper, for your donation of anilox rolls. Staff and students appreciate Harper's continued involvement and support for Fox Valley."

The anilox rolls will be running on a Mark Andy P3 press during narrow web classes and a number of economic development trials, allowing students to gain the hands-on experience they need to thrive in their future careers. By accumulating practical flexographic experience while in school, students will be able to immediately create a positive impact on the organizations they will work for after earning their diplomas.

 For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com. 

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Appalachian State University Dedicates Katherine Harper Hall

Boone, N.C., April 31, 2007 – In a beautiful ceremony that took place on the university’s campus on Thursday, April 26, Appalachian State University Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock dedicated Katherine Harper Hall before a gathering of ASU and Harper friends.

The building is named for Katherine Harper of Charlotte, co-founder of Harper Corporation of America and longtime champion of flexography education. In her honor, Mrs. Harper’s husband, Ron, made a generous gift to the university through the Appalachian State University Foundation. For nearly two decades, both Ron and Katherine Harper have involved themselves deeply in the education and training of future flexographers at the high school and college levels through the Foundation of FTA and the Phoenix Challenge Foundation.

“For 55 years, Katherine has been my wife, my best friend and my business partner,” said Mr. Harper. “I can think of no better way to honor her than to name this building for her. This is truly one of our dreams come true; to feel such an integral part of this wonderful university. We have certainly made some lifetime friends here at Appalachian during the past 15 years.”

In addition to the Harpers and Chancellor Peacock, other officials spoke at the celebration, including Dr. J. Mark Estepp, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts; Mark Cisternino, president of the Flexographic Technical Association and the Flexographic Technical Association Foundation; and Bettylyn Krafft, chairperson for the Phoenix Challenge Foundation.

Katherine Harper Hall, located at 397 Rivers Street, houses the majority of the Department of Technology’s academic programs and administrative offices. The gift supports the university’s flexography education program, the Katherine Harper Scholarship Endowment for scholarships for Harper Corporation employees and their children, as well as others needing financial assistance. The gift also supports other needs of the Department of Technology.

The Harpers are the founders of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America. Harper Corporation has manufacturing facilities in Charlotte, N.C. and Green Bay, Wisc., as well as licensee operations in Bangkok, Thailand, and Herford, Germany.

Appalachian’s flexography program, part of the Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology program, is housed in the Department of Technology, which is part of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. The university also is home to the Harper Flexographic Museum, which highlights a chronological history of this unique printing process.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Corporation of America Earns ISO 9001 2015 Recertification

 

Charlotte, North Carolina, November 5, 2018—Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is committed to providing not only exceptional products to its customers, but outstanding service as well. The company is proud to announce that it recently earned its ISO 9001:2015 recertification through DNV GL affirming its commitment to quality management.

To receive ISO 9001:2015 certification, organizations must demonstrate that they provide quality products and services aligned with customer needs as well as regulatory standards. In addition, these products and services must be delivered in a timely manner and include opportunities for process improvement.

Harper Corporation of America earned its initial certification in 1996 and has maintained compliance for more than 20 years. Each recertification is valid for three years. ISO 9001:2015 asserts that Harper conforms to the Quality Management System standard for the design, manufacture, repair, service, and replacement of parts of anilox rolls for the printing industry.

Quality and customer service are top priorities for Harper Corporation of America, and this is evidenced through its products and services, as well as certifications like ISO 9001:2015.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Siancas at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jsiancas@harperimage.com. 

  

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Harper Corporation of America Sponsors Phoenix Challenge Foundation Golf Tournament

 

Charlotte, North Carolina, July 30, 2018—Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is a strong supporter of education, sponsoring and participating in numerous initiatives to raise funds for educational programs, scholarships, and other causes. The company is proud to serve as a Platinum Top Sponsor of the upcoming Annual Phoenix Challenge Foundation Golf Tournament.

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation’s mission is “to promote the growth of the Flexographic printing process in the educational system throughout North America.” The organization holds annual competitions for college and high school students studying flexographic printing, judging them on prepress, platemaking, printing skills, and basic theory for label making. The Annual Golf Tournament raises money to support flexographic educational programs.

The Tournament will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at the Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe, North Carolina. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Harper Corporation of America is proud to sponsor this event and raise funds to support the future of flexographic education and up-and-coming professionals.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Siancas at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jsiancas@harperimage.com. 

  

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HarperScienticâ„¢ Introduces AltraWash Blueâ„¢ – Aluminum-safe new cleaner formulated for UV and solvent-based inks

Charlotte, N.C., January 15, 2008 – HarperScientificâ„¢, the printing and coating supplies division of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, announces the introduction of AltraWash Blueâ„¢, an environmentally friendly, multi-purpose cleaner for UV and solvent-based inks which is absolutely safe for use on aluminum.

The sister product to AltraWash Greenâ„¢, the non-corrosive cleaner designed for water-based inks, AltraWash Blue is a new, concentrated cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning UV and solvent-based inks in pressure washing systems, soak tanks and ultrasonic tanks, or it can be used simply as an on-press anilox cleaner. It is also useful for cleaning printing plates.

“The fact that AltraWash Blue is perfectly safe for aluminum is particularly exciting,” explained Tony Donato, Product Development Engineer at Harper Corporation of America. “Because aluminum is used in the construction of most wide-web and narrow-web anilox sleeves as well as lightweight anilox rolls, a non-corrosive cleaner with a safe pH level is critical for protecting anilox investments.”

AltraWash Blue has a pH of 11.8. The new cleaner’s advanced surfactant technology is also exceedingly environmentally friendly, using no petroleum distillates or environmentally hazardous chemicals. It is a biodegradable, low-V.O.C. product, and has low vapor pressure.

Available exclusively through HarperScientific (www.HarperScientific.com), this concentrated formula, which can be diluted with water, is sold in 1 gallon, 5 gallon, 30 gallon and 55 gallon containers.

HarperScientific is the manufacturer of CeramClean IIâ„¢ and CeramClean SOLV-ITâ„¢ anilox cleaners, and a variety of bladed, laser-engraved hand-proofing systems including the Phantomâ„¢ line of hand proofers used to color-match flexographic and gravure inks.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Ron and Katherine Harper Receive Standing Ovation for Commitment to Education

Charlotte, N.C., April 24, 2008 – Ron and Katherine Harper, two long-time proponents and benefactors of a variety of flexographic educational initiatives, were honored with a Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, presented by Foundation of FTA (FFTA) on Sunday, April 27 during its Annual Banquet & Awards Dinner.

The award was bestowed on the Harpers by FTA/FFTA President Mark Cisternino and Director of Education, Joe Tuccitto. It recognized their generosity and support of the flexo industry, and their tireless commitment to helping students excel in all levels of flexographic studies. Most recently, the Harpers provided a major endowment, bestowed over the course of two years, to fund the start-up costs of FFTA’s most important educational initiative ever–TEST (Technical Educational Services Team).

Although the two were unable to attend the event, as the award was formally announced, the audience of well over 600 flexographers erupted with loud cheers and a standing ovation lasting several minutes.

Ron Harper noted “Katherine and I were especially honored and humbled to have received this prestigious award from the FTA, representing an industry that we fell in love with 46 years ago……and for an important cause that we are so passionate about, flexographic education within our industry and at both a high school and college level.”

On stage, Tuccitto paid tribute to the Harpers and listed their assorted inventory of other notable distinctions. “Although Mr. & Mrs. H. have been recognized with a number of significant honors and awards during their lifetimes…most recently receiving the American Technical Education Association Silver Star of Excellence Award, and being inducted into the National Technical Honor Society Hall of Fame…we could not allow their unending stream of benevolent support of this industry and organization, culminating with their Founding Sponsorship of the TEST program, to go by without an official ceremony to show our sincere appreciation.”

Cisternino said, “Ron…Katherine…please accept this very special Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, presented to you on behalf of the management, leadership, membership and, most importantly, the teachers and students you’ve devoted a lifetime to assisting.”

He concluded the ceremony fittingly, “Ron…on the jacket of your book, The Harder I Work, The Luckier I Get, you state, “There is so much more to life than money. The important questions are: Have I made a difference in this world? And have I had a substantial positive influence on someone’s life?” With this recognition, we’d like to say to you both here tonight…mission accomplished!”

About FTA Flexographic Technical Association, 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 1,750 member sites that represent more than 1,300 companies and 60,000 individuals.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Corporation Displaying Ceramic Coated Laser Engravings at Drupa 2012

Charlotte, North Carolina, May 1, 2012—Global anilox/coating roll and gravure cylinder supplier Harper Corporation of America is showcasing its laser engraving expertise by displaying its Extreme Digital Imaging (XDI™) on two ceramic rolls at Drupa.

XDI™ techniques were used to engrave portraits of key Harper family members, along with product names and trademarks, on a sleeve that will be displayed in Hall 09 E33, the booth of ALE (Applied Laser Engineering). Harper, using the latest software from ALE, was able to create the portraits in ceramic to clarity previously thought unachievable. One of the portraits is of the company’s founders, Ron and Katherine Harper.

“We are very proud of the engraving and happy we were able to unveil it to the senior Harpers just a few weeks before the passing of Mr. Ron Harper on April 14th,” stated Lee Kluttz, VP of Operations and grandson of the Harpers. This banded roll also displayed bands of the most popular and successful of Harper’s anilox engravings.

The second roll being displayed will be in Hall 16 A17, the booth of Inometa GmbH, the European licensee of Harper. The Harper Graphics™ brand of ceramic engraved rolls is the cornerstone product in Inometa’s “Flexo Systems Group.” Using XDI™ skills, this roller has text and logo engravings in addition to images of HarperScientific’s Phantom QD ink proofing system. The roll also has 60 degree hex engravings of 70 l/cm (180cpi), 200 l/cm (500cpi), 440 l/cm (1100cpi), and the KatRon 475l/cm (1200cpi) elongated geometry.

Both rolls introduce XDI™ “exploded” images of the actual banded engravings, allowing a glimpse of the roll without the need for magnification. “This newly created method for visualizing the engravings is very beneficial in discussing the available engravings to visitors of the booth,” states Alex James, Harper’s Director of Technical Services.

Drupa 2012 will take place from May 3 through 16 at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds. The event will cover halls one through 17 of the facility, as well as its outdoor area, and is the most comprehensive printing industry trade fair occurring only every four years.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com. 

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DiTrolio Flexographic Institute Establishes the Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab

Chicago, Ill. – July 11, 2007 – The DiTrolio Flexographic Institute (DFI) is about to begin a dynamic new era. Having built a very successful flexographic training concept during the past 10 years, the school will now expand its reach and curriculum to provide educational opportunities for more young people interested in a career in flexography. This action will enable DFI to respond in a positive manner to the growing number of inquiries from the industry for skilled workers with an in-depth knowledge of the flexographic process. And that takes money. With government funding options increasingly limited, owner Vince DiTrolio called his friends Ron and Katherine Harper to solicit their advice and to assess alternative methods to increase revenues to fund a more comprehensive program.

The Harpers, known for their passion for flexographic education, responded with a $50,000 grant to kick-off an aggressive fundraising campaign for the school. DiTrolio then decided on the naming of “The Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab” to honor the Harper’s commitment to flexographic education. He hopes to attract other major donor-partners, both converters and suppliers, to contribute to the ongoing education of future flexographers for the industry – primarily through scholarship programs. A naming dedication and celebration date for the flexo lab will be announced soon.

DFI’s state-of-the-art, highly acclaimed 2,700 square-foot flexographic training facility is located about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The lab includes an impressive range of flexographic equipment including, but not limited to, an 830 Mark Andy three-color press, a four-color Webtron and a five-color 13″ Propheteer with DMS Hot Stamping and Prime UV’s on four print stations. Plus Anderson & Vreeland plate-making equipment, an Air Trim waste removal system, a BST Promark web inspection system, Rotometric dies, Action rotary dies, a Harper proofing system and Harper XLT Platinumâ„¢ anilox rolls. (For a complete list of equipment, please visit http://www.flexotraining.com.)

DiTrolio Flexographic Institute offers a comprehensive 18-week flexography training program as well as a wide range of shorter customized courses to train people for jobs in the flexographic printing field. The school boasts a 100% job placement rate since July 2005 and has had numerous articles written about the many successes of its student graduates.

About Flexography Flexography (also called surface printing, or “flexo”), is a method of printing commonly used for packaging. (Packaging is the fourth largest industry in the U.S.) Typical products printed using flexography include brown cardboard boxes, flexible packaging including retail and shopping bags, food and hygiene bags and sacks, flexible plastics, self adhesive labels, and wallpaper. More than 40 major newspapers now print flexographically. It’s estimated that more than 90% of the items in a grocery store are printed on a flexographic printing press. Currently flexography is taking over approximately 7% of the printing industry each year. Already holding about 50% of the printing market, it’s likely that flexography eventually will be the method used for almost all printed material.

About the DiTrolio Flexographic Institute: The DiTrolio Flexographic Institute, Inc. was founded to meet the flexographic industry’s need for quality, off-site training to counter the problems of on-the-job training: wasted production and equipment time, wasted raw materials, and inconsistent skill sets. The institute offers industry-specific training seminars for all skill levels – from beginning press operations to advanced printing applications – and features a state-of-the-art environment where new press operators and seasoned industry professionals alike can gain hands-on exposure to printing and finishing processes.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Corporation of America Expects Large Crowd at Labelexpo Americas 2012

Charlotte, North Carolina, August 27, 2012—As Labelexpo Americas 2012 draws near, global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is preparing to showcase its latest in anilox technology and flexographic supporting products.

Starting September 11 and running thru September 13 in Chicago, Illinois, visitors to Labelexpo will be able to interact with some of the world’s most knowledgeable professionals concerning anilox rolls and flexographic printing at Booth 401. These flexographic professionals from Harper are looking forward to this event, as it will allow them to share Harper’s specially developed cutting-edge products and technical expertise with members of the industry.

Using Harper’s Extreme Digital Imaging (XDI™) technology, two anilox sleeves were turned into works of art. Visitors to Booth 401 will be amazed by the clarity and detail XDI™ produces on ceramic rolls of images never previously thought possible. The larger sleeve has the portrait of Harper’s founders Ron and Katherine Harper, as well as the next generations that are continuing to keep Harper Corporation the industry leader. Being the masters of ceramic and laser engraving, the portraits are flanked with examples of the best printing process engravings available. Harper's XLT 60° geometry, now HD certified by Esko, is the cornerstone of its award-winning engravings. In addition to the XLT, Harper is displaying the XTR and KatRon open cell geometries. Printers with specialty applications are choosing these.

The second amazingly engraved sleeve will catch the attention of Booth 401 visitors by its bold totem pole-like layout and images. This sleeve was produced to highlight the “LaserKote” family of engravings designed to deliver those high volumes needed by coaters and printers who are pushing the limits. In addition to traditional LaserKote engravings, Harper’s 89° XTR and XDW open cell designs provide the structure needed for large pigmented inks and coatings. Both sleeves feature Harper’s exploded view images that allow the visitor to see into the microscopic world and view the engravings without the need of a scope. 

Harper’s professional staff will also be able to explain Harper’s specially developed Carbon Fiber Bridge Sleeve Adapters that have features that maximize stiffness while decreasing weight, which optimizes the performance of these printing deck accessories. Using Harper’s printing head simulator, it will be easy to see why using Bridges is a significant improvement over the traditional large repeat plate sleeves.

HarperScientific, the pressroom supply division of Harper Corporation of America, will display and explain its popular Phantom QD™ ink Proofing System. This versatile flat bed ink proofing system can be equipped with a flexo or direct gravure print head and, for the first time, will feature the new off-set gravure print head. This new accessory utilizes an XDI™-imaged cylinder and a matching transfer roll so gravure images can be printed on hard surfaces. To keep adding to the versatility of the Phantom Ink Proofer, laser imaged tonal transfer rolls and other ink room items will be displayed.

HarperScientific will exhibit flexographic cleaning tools and solutions, including its newest anilox cleaning aid the X-Cel stain removing pad, as well as other products.

Harper Corporation of America will occupy Booth 401 at Labelexpo Americas 2012, which will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com. 

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Harper Corporation of America’s Tony Donato Selected as FTA Scholarship Committee Member

Charlotte, North Carolina, July 20, 2015—Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is proud to announce that Tony Donato, Product Development Engineer, has been selected to join the Flexographic Technical Association’s (FTA) Scholarship Committee. As part of this committee, he will be an integral part of ensuring continuing access to quality flexographic education through the granting of scholarships.

The FTA Scholarship Committee develops the rules and regulations that govern each scholarship and also reviews applications based on academic standing, financial need, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships include the Rossini Scholarship and the FFTA Scholarship.

“Tony’s commitment to education and involvement in the Phoenix Challenge competitions make him a perfect candidate,” says Shelley Rubin, Manager of Educational Services at FTA. “We are confident that he will be a positive asset to the committee.”

Harper Corporation of America is committed to supporting the future of the flexographic industry and is excited to have Donato join the FTA Scholarship Committee. 

For more information, please contact Jazmin Cordero at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jcordero@harperimage.com. 

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