• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    The 2019 TLMI Awards

    Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

    Cannabis Labels

    Digital Printers and Presses

    Digital Printing Update
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    GSE products provide quality assurance for Pharmalabel

    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Siegwerk opens Europe's largest, fully-automated ink facility

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press

    Schreiner MediPharm and PragmatIC form strategic partnership

    Avery Dennison acquires Smartac’s RFID inlay business

    Luminer expands NJ manufacturing facility

    PPG Teslin labelstock receives BS 5609 Section 3 certification
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    L&NW’s top online features of 2019

    GSE products provide quality assurance for Pharmalabel

    HP teams with Haney for sustainable packaging

    Austrian converter installs first Nilpeter press

    Schreiner MediPharm and PragmatIC form strategic partnership
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Kodak and Uteco sell first Ultrastream flexible packaging press

    HP teams with Haney for sustainable packaging

    Herma's labelstocks receive new certification
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Domino welcomes Steve Daily to Service & Support Team

    Austrian converter installs first Nilpeter press

    MPS Systems North America relocating to Philadelphia

    First Mark Andy P4 installed in Russia

    Memjet technology drives new COASO label press
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Increase production uptime with magnetic cylinder audits

    Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac

    Siegwerk opens Europe's largest, fully-automated ink facility

    Herma's labelstocks receive new certification

    UPM Raflatac launches high-tack adhesive for film labeling
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Maxcess International

    BALDWIN Vision Systems

    Siegwerk Environmental Inks

    Elkem Silicones USA Corp.

    Domino
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Editorial

    Relationships

    Related CONTENT
    • L&NW visits with Labelexpo Americas exhibitors
    • How was the show?
    • Suitable statistics
    • Companies To Watch: Catapult Print
    • Catching up with Fortis Solutions Group, a 2015 L&NW Company to Watch
    Steve Katz, Editor04.05.19
    There’s an old saying, “It’s not what you know it’s who you know,” and it certainly rings true in the label industry.

    Having strong relationships is of paramount importance, up and down the supply chain. From your employees to your customers to your suppliers and even your competitors, loyalty, trust and integrity can make or break your business.

    For evidence, look no further than TLMI, our industry’s premier association of label converters and suppliers. At the recent TLMI Converter Meeting, I marveled at how tight-knit this industry is, and how beneficial it is for converters to have close relationships with each other.

    TLMI converter members – who are in fact competitors – routinely both ask and offer each other advice on a number of pressing issues. Just some of the topics they discuss: equipment and technology adoption and purchases, finding and retaining top talent, technical printing and converting challenges they face. (For more on the 2019 TLMI Converter Meeting, turn to page 30.)

    There is a sense of closeness in our industry, and I don’t know if it exists in others. Still though, there are converters that are too timid to share information, and to a degree I can understand it. But I think the benefits of transparency and a willingness to share ideas and experiences far outweigh potential negatives.

    Take label press adoption, for example. A purchase of this magnitude is a major decision, and often can be one in the 7-figure category. Are you just going to take a supplier on their word that their technology is the best fit for your business? Of course not. Part of a press-buyers due diligence includes candid conversations with users of those particular machines. You’ll want the inside scoop on not only all of the benefits the equipment provides, but also the challenges faced along the way. Many converters are more than happy to open their doors and give their peers a firsthand look at a press or piece of finishing equipment.

    Speaking of presses, in this issue we feature an article on flexo presses. Despite the proliferation of digital print technology, flexo is as relevant as ever. Turn to page 58 to learn how OEMs are innovating to not only keep up with digital, but also attract the workforce of tomorrow. While many have their doubts about the future of manufacturing, the label industry is as healthy as it’s ever been, and it’s due to the innovative efforts of those behind the technology.

    I often receive phone calls from people asking if I know of any label companies looking to sell.  People want in. Be glad you are in this industry and grateful for the relationships you have, they are perhaps more important than your most expensive piece of equipment.


    Steve Katz, Editor
    skatz@rodmanmedia.com
    Twitter: @LabelSteve
    Related Searches
    • digital print
    • manufacturing
    • finishing
    • TLMI
    Suggested For You
    Heating up Heating up
    Presenters announced, registration open for Domino Presenters announced, registration open for Domino's Digital Printing Spectrum 2019
    Digital Printing Think Tank III Digital Printing Think Tank III
    Digital Printing Think Tank III returns to NYC Digital Printing Think Tank III returns to NYC
    Agenda announced for Digital Printing Think Tank III Agenda announced for Digital Printing Think Tank III
    Integrity Matters Integrity Matters
    ALPS and Avery Dennison announce ALPS and Avery Dennison announce 'World Label Day'
    Records set in Rosemont Records set in Rosemont
    Making inroads in China Making inroads in China
    What most successful people do exceptionally well What most successful people do exceptionally well
    Let’s toast Let’s toast
    All American Label enters packaging market, adds three Heidelberg machines All American Label enters packaging market, adds three Heidelberg machines
    FINAT positioning young managers for future FINAT positioning young managers for future
    When Flexo? When Digital? When Hybrid? When Flexo? When Digital? When Hybrid?
    Label Impressions develops world’s smallest ‘Micro ECL’ cosmetic label Label Impressions develops world’s smallest ‘Micro ECL’ cosmetic label

    Related Editorial

    • Reefer madness

      In 1936, the movie “Reefer Madness” was released. Largely considered a propaganda film, the plotline chronicled its main character’s descent into madness due to his marijuana addiction. After being “rediscovered” in the…
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.15.19

    • An industry to watch

      While strolling through the halls of the Brussels Expo Center, it is amazing just how many cutting-edge technologies are making their way to the market. Labelexpo Europe 2019 featured a host of new products, ranging from digital UV inkjet presses to…
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 10.11.19

    • A different look and feel

      The year’s biggest label show has finally arrived. Companies large and small will arrive in Brussels to showcase their latest products at Labelexpo Europe, which takes place September 24-27. Digital inkjet printing will play a prominent role, a…
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 09.06.19


    • It begins

      I love how the working world collectively unwinds over the summer months. And I’m especially envious of how the Europeans do it. We North Americans should emulate what they do across the pond when it comes to “taking a holiday.” It…
      Steve Katz, Editor 07.10.19

    • Open season

      There’s a new trend being embraced by label industry suppliers. The concept itself isn’t new, but what is new is the current proliferation. What I’m talking about is what I’ll call the “Open House Event Trade Show Users…
      Steve Katz, Editor 05.31.19

    • Heating up

      There is something special about the month of March. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that once upon a time March was the first month of the year? In the oldest Roman calendars, one year was ten months long, beginning in March and ending in Dece…
      Steve Katz, Editor 03.14.19


    • Integrity Matters

      I love getting feedback from L&NW readers.  As the editor of this publication, what you have to say is one of the more valuable tools at my disposal that I use when planning content for both the short and long term. And in today’s onli…
      Steve Katz, Editor 02.01.19

    • Let’s toast

      I hope you’re ready, because there’s a lot going in this final issue of the year. There is so much to discuss I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll start with how I normally end these “letters from the editor,” with…
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.16.18

    • How was the show?

      I’m asking about Labelexpo, of course, although some folks extended their visit to Chicagoland in order to attend and exhibit at Print 18.  I can only imagine how exhausted these people were after back-to-back busy trade shows. To me, L…
      Steve Katz, Editor 10.12.18


    • Common thread

      Take a look at our Industry News section and notice what the several label company M&A stories have in common. There’s a consistent thread among the acquisitions for Resource Label Group, Inovar Packaging and Fortis Solutions Group –…
      Steve Katz, Editor 09.10.18

    • Getting Smart

      Forgive the hyberbole, but it seems our industry’s press OEMs are in something of an “arms race” when it comes to digital press development and launches. In particular, I’m seeing a specific focus on the entry-level press targ…
      Steve Katz, Editor 07.13.18

    • Independence

      Often in this space I refer to the many travels and adventures I embark on in the name of labels and narrow web printing. Spring has become our busiest time of year, as there are multiple events back-to-back-to-back. It seems our Associate Editor Gre…
      Steve Katz, Editor 05.25.18

    • Something Different

      I’ve been around this industry for a good 10 years. One of the perks of my job is to get on the road and visit different types of companies in different parts of the world. During my tenure, I’ve traveled extensively, from Israel and Indo…
      04.09.18

    • Back to the future

      For this issue’s flexo-focused feature, I ran out of room for a section on the “future of flexo.” I’d asked those whom I interviewed, “What does the future hold for flexo in general?” In addition to that question,…
      Steve Katz, Editor 03.09.18

    • The Need For Speed

      Those not familiar with the ins and outs of the label converting industry don’t realize how exciting it is. I know, because I was one of those people. The reality is, it’s a great business niche to cover because things are really changing…
      01.26.18


    Breaking News
    • GSE products provide quality assurance for Pharmalabel
    • Luminer promotes Heather Bookman to prepress manager
    • Materials Exchange launches to solve excess inventory issue
    • Mark Andy joins forces with UPM Raflatac
    • Omet India opens in New Delhi
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2019

    • THE 2019 TLMI AWARDS
    • Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet
    • Cannabis Labels
    • Digital Printers and Presses
    • Digital Printing Update
    • Narrow Web Profile: Adflex Corporation
    • View More >
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Deerland Obtains Certification from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration
    OptiMSM Shown to Improve Hair & Nail Appearance and Condition
    DCC Acquires Contract Manufacturer Ion Laboratories
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Arkema: Bostik Acquires Danish Company LIP
    Axalta Adds New Epoxy Primer to Tufcote Liquid Industrial Coatings Portfolio
    Chromaflo Technologies Promotes Sergio Duenas to Country Manager of Mexico
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Dr. Stephen Hahn Confirmed as New FDA Leader
    FDA OKs First Test to Help Screen for Newborn Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
    MedStar Health and Cleveland Clinic Innovations Awarded Grant
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Sanofi Awarded $226M by US Gov't for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
    Amgen Selects Location For R&D Facility
    Arctoris Opens Oxford R&D Facility
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Time Features 5 Best Beauty Inventions
    CES 2020 Preview - Innovation Award Honorees in Health & Wellness
    Prada & L’Oréal Sign Long-Term Licensing Deal
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Cosmetic Assessments Revealed at CIR Panel
    T-Boz Launches CBD Line
    DRF and Flowerkist Develop CBD Range
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Ripon Printers Adds Ricoh Pro C9210
    LogoJet Opens Bogota, Colombia Office
    Canon Solutions America Powers University of Notre Dame Athletics' Printing Capabilities
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    GSE products provide quality assurance for Pharmalabel
    Luminer promotes Heather Bookman to prepress manager
    Materials Exchange launches to solve excess inventory issue
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    DuPont to Acquire Osmosis Specialist
    Nice-Pak to Expand in Indiana
    Hospeco Launches Compact Fem Hy Dispenser
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    FDA OKs First Test to Help Screen for Newborn Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
    Europe, North America Comprise More Than 80 Percent of Global Bone Marrow Transplantation Demand
    TriMed Closes Out FDA Warning Letter
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    3D Printing Materials Market to Grow at 23.9% CAGR Through 2025: GVR
    Kyocera, TactoTek Collaborate on Injection Molded Structural Electronics Solutions
    Toray Opens R&D Innovation Center for the Future

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.