In the past few years we have experienced tremendous growth in the screen printing industry. So much so, that many are now wondering where the industry is headed and what the future holds in store for us.
During this time we have seen the development of new technology that promises to take us to levels of increased speed and perfection that we once thought impossible to achieve. We have witnessed screen tensions rise from a norm of 15 Newtons per centimeter to well over 100 Newtons per centimeter attained with new and improved meshes and rapid tensioning. Pin registration has cut set up times to a fifth of the time once needed. High-speed computers have taken over the art department and in-house 4-color separations are common. Color matching systems have reduced the ink mixing times and ink waste to a minimum.
The companies that wish to stay on the leading edge of this new technology have invested in the new equipment, products, and procedures necessary to outpace their competition. At the same time, these companies have invested in hiring and training qualified employees to take advantage of this new technology.
Many companies hire less experienced employees in an attempt to sidestep the cost of hiring experienced full-time employees. Of course there is always the price to pay for the decrease in production that comes about during the training process.
A good consultant can get your company up to date and capable of utilizing the latest technology to print the unprintable, increase profitability and efficiencies while planning and attaining growth in your market. A consultant can provide the specific expertise you want when you need it at a fraction of the total cost of hiring experienced full-time personnel or the time and expense needed to train inexperienced personnel and get them up to speed quickly.
Bill Hood, Resultant
