Page 16 - FINAT Yearbook 2015

My vision is to waken up and motivate a lot more converters to join our forum
- Thomas Hagmaier -
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.
FINAT and the national associations should also promote our industry in technical schools and universities and encourage the study of the product decoration business. It’s a great industry, with enormous and ever-increasing relevance in the world of product branding and marketing.
TH: Yes, I share that view. FINAT recognised these needs many years ago. That is why we have a wonderful YMC for the under-40s generation, with its specially-tailored programme. The problems of generation change for the upcoming generation of leaders -- getting accepted, surviving the personal life crisis, developing a leadership profile, and much else -- are discussed and tested in various ways in the agenda. All the YMC members I interviewed after this meeting told me that it was really helpful to be there. And we should not forget that this is a unique opportunity for the upcoming generation of managers to make real business connections across the supply chain and talk to peers who have the same mindset.
Q9: Compared to other European trade associations, FINAT has always had an entrepreneurial mindset, bringing together business leaders across the value chain around a dynamic and innovative common niche technology. Now that this technology has matured, it is time to prepare the industry for the next level. We need to take into account European legislation, rules and regulations, industry and sustainability standards, crossovers between packaging sectors, alternative converting and decoration technologies, knowledge gaps between mature, developed markets and the emerging economies, (under-)capitalisation and private equity investors, etc. etc. What do you consider the most important challenges facing the European label industry over the next five years?
TH: That question is partly answered in the prior question. EDUCATION is the key. Our production systems are more complex than ever before. Machine operators are not only printers – their skills must now span many 21st-century technology arenas, so they need a broad education. I believe FINAT can and will offer them the tools they need. THE ENVIRONMENT is another challenging arena for our industry. This is something that will unquestionably have consequences for everyone in labels and packaging print. There are also many national standards. FINAT is working to achieve European/international harmonisation, both
through lobbying in Brussels and bringing together the people who can effect change. DATA AND NETWORKING – FINAT must be the source of unique, empowering information for its membership, and offer multiple possibilities for networking on all industry topics via an active FINAT website, web conferencing, and webinars.
KW: The label converting business is characterised on the supplier side by craftsmanship and relatively small companies – but they must increasingly serve large customer companies with an industrial mindset. Managing the generation change and coping with the technical and legal requirements will also be essential for the small and mid-sized companies that make up the label industry.
Q10: Finally, In view of these challenges, what do you see as the three main goals for your upcoming Presidency, Thomas?
Thomas Hagmaier
1. Label, packaging, product decoration are our love. FINAT must remain the European platform to support this vibrant product base with a platform of meetings, education, trend watching, and statistics.
2. Be inspired. Come and see, and play an active role. My vision is to waken up and motivate a lot more converters to join our forum, so that many more companies volunteer for the FINAT committees, explore with others the future of our products, and help to shape our industry. After all, effective networking is already a reality in FINAT.
3. Get information. Our FINAT RADAR makes visible what’s on the horizon for the future, and shows you whether the decisions you’ve made were the right ones.
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FINAT YEARBOOK 2015 |