Page 15 - FINAT Yearbook 2015

to open up new channels; to explore the markets around and outside of the self-adhesive business; and at the same time look after global concerns that are the subject of international discussion. After all, in the future, standards will be international, law will be at least European and not country-specific, work rules will be common across borders, and information will be more transparent. Somewhere all this has to find a central focus. This will certainly become FINAT’s role – to be the hub where all these common, global threads can be brought together in an understandable form for the label printer. And let’s say that FINAT will certainly try to open up new communication/information channels to make life easier for the members.
Q7: In today’s competitive and connected European market environment, technical excellence and state-of- the-art equipment are no longer the only requirements for label printers’ success. What do you see as key ‘added value’ factors for the future, and how can FINAT help the European label industry in this respect?
Thomas Hagmaier networking at the Euro-India labelling exchange 2006
right time – and in good time. Within the FINAT platform, we have a fantastic mix of visionaries, marketing people, and production people.
And I should add that, because of its extensive contacts at all
Being part of a group of peers such as FINAT’s YMC is
a great way to experience the potential and satisfaction of making one’s career in the label industry.
- Kurt Walker -
TH: The key factor for the future is knowledge... in-depth knowledge about the technologies we use at present and what we may expect in the future – and how to use that knowledge to the best effect, to delight both the brand owners and the consumer through product decoration. Such knowledge enables label businesses to make decisions for the future at the
levels of the product decoration industry, FINAT for sure has the power to present today what may happen tomorrow. KW: Information and knowledge combined with efficiency will make a successful label business. FINAT should be the source and platform for such information and knowledge, and is well-positioned to provide members with all the information needed for a successful future label business.
Q8: In this FINAT Yearbook, a member of the FINAT Young Managers Club observes a lack of young, highly- educated executives in the labels and packaging sector. In view of the imminent retirement of the successful baby-boom generation, the older generation in the industry should have a hand in picking the best young minds available. Do you share this view and, if so, what can FINAT do to facilitate the generation change?
KW: Young, highly-educated people are often short-term oriented, and view the production of labels as difficult and not very sexy. The majority of label converters are family businesses, and the older generation has to interest their kids in continuing the businesses they started. After all, managing a small company includes all the different disciplines of the business world and can be very satisfactory.
Kurt Walker
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FINAT YEARBOOK 2015 |