What was your first job in the newspaper business?

I started out as an electrician at The Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., working on production equipment. 

What do you like most about your job?

The teamwork that is displayed between other departments and our sister sites while meeting deadlines, as well as putting out a quality product in the most efficient manner possible. All this while trying to improve on productivity. The teamwork among three sites keeps the job challenging as well as rewarding.

What do you like least?

That there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all the advancements, training and quality that this facility’s teams want to achieve. We have a bright and enthusiastic group of employees who champion change.

What was the Fond du Lac facility’s most recent purchase/installation?

Two Accraply 5203HS publication labelers and two Quipp 500W stackers. With the Accraply labelers, we found they were a more reliable and easy to use system. This has given our advertising departments at (our) three different publications a new venue for generating revenue. The Quipp stackers were purchased to replace older models due to potential safety concerns.

What is the biggest challenge the Fond du Lac facility is facing in production?

Trying to stay ahead of the curve in technology and equipment when printing and distributing three different daily newspapers at one site within a four-hour window on two presses. Consistent communications with all three sites is crucial to our success. We challenge, plan and execute.

What trend are you keeping your eye on?

Computer-to-plate is the trend we are monitoring closely as well as the workflow systems that are associated with the CTP process. We are also keeping our eye on alternative screening technologies including advanced AM, hybrid AM/FM and second-order stochastic.

If you know anyone you think should be featured in Short Run, please contact Tara McMeekin at 303.575.9595 or by e-mail at: tmcmeekin@newsandtech.com.