With market volatility, structural inefficiencies, increased costs, unfair competition, economic uncertainty and the likes, the printing industry stands at a critical juncture. But with initiatives by bodies such as PRINTINGUnited Alliance, the industry is set for future successes and excellence that can only be achieved through collaboration, continuous learning, and sustainable practices according to Ford Bowers, President and CEO of PRINTINGUnited Alliance. Find out more about PRINTINGUnited Alliance plans for the global printing industry in this SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW:
WHAT ARE PRINTINGUNITED ALLIANCE NEW OFFERINGS TO ITS MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BEYOND?
The last few years have seen remarkable growth, not just in the size of our association but in the depth and breadth of our services, resources, and impact across the entire printing community. It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolving industry, and we are committed to continuing our mission to support our members and the industry at every step.
“The more voices we bring together and aggregate…and the more members we have – the more power we have – the more influence we have.”
A primary focus this year continues to be on learning and workforce development. We recognize that the future of our industry depends on a well-equipped workforce, and that’s why our premier training platform, iLEARNING+, continues to grow and is always tailored to specifically meet the needs of today’s printing industry professionals. From technical skills to leadership development to industry certifications like G7+, our comprehensive courses are designed to help you and your teams stay ahead of the curve.
iLEARNING+ now has over two dozen courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, covering all industry segments, from commercial printing to packaging to screen printing and more. We also offer 20 industry-recognized certifications in iLEARNING+. With over 5000 learners from all over the world using iLEARNING+ (more than 35 countries!), the Alliance is adding 150-200 new learners each month.
The Alliance also continues to intensify our advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and countrywide to ensure the voices of print professionals are heard on key regulatory and legislative issues. From sustainability initiatives to workforce development, we are working tirelessly to protect and advance the interests of our industry. The continued guidance we provide on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance, safety standards, and workplace best practices is part of our unwavering commitment to keeping members informed and prepared for the challenges ahead.
“We recognize that the future of our industry depends on a well-equipped workforce”
We have also greatly expanded our Affinity Partnership Programmes, which provides exclusive members-only discounts on popular products and services that help keep printing business running efficiently.
HOW CAN PRINTINGUNITED ALLIANCE HELP DEVELOP THE INDUSTRY IN AFRICA IN TERMS OF COLLABORATIONS ON CAPACITY BUILDING, INDUSTRY ADVOCACY SUPPORT ETC AND HOW SOON CAN THIS START?
The Alliance is committed to supporting the global growth of the printing industry. We’ll be able to share more concrete information in 2025 regarding some ideas that are being discussed, but (we will) support industry development in Africa and always advocate for programming which enhances skills, infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing across the continent.
In terms of capacity building, we offer a wide range of educational programmes and resources, including online platforms like iLEARNING+, that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of printing professionals in Africa. These programmes focus on enhancing technical skills, leadership development, and operational efficiencies and are accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity.
“We are committed to continuing our mission to support our members and the industry at every step.”
WHAT IS THE UPDATE ON PRINTINGUNITED ALLIANCE AND DRUPA PARTNERSHIP?
We have several areas of common effort that we believe would be beneficial for each of our audiences and continue to work through those aspects. We will continue to keep you informed as updates are available.
(c) drupa – Ford Bowers with Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies – Sabine Geldermann
LAST WORDS:
The more voices we bring together and aggregate…and the more members we have – the more power we have – the more influence we have.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
About Ford Bowers
Ford Bowers is CEO of PRINTING United Alliance. Ford has been in the printing industry since 2004, having worked in the flexographic, screen, and offset segments in various capacities. He began as a flexo plate maker assembling colour keys and going on press checks. Just prior to becoming the CEO of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) in January 2016, he worked as Vice President and General Manager of the Graphic Center at Miller Zell in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since 2016, he has overseen the merger of SGIA with Printing Industries of America (PIA), Idealliance, and NAPCO Media to create the largest and most comprehensive member-based association in the graphics arts in North America. He continues to further the organization’s initiatives for all printing communities served by the Alliance through its unparalleled training, education and certification programs, government and regulatory affairs, health and safety, research and economics, leading publications, and events, including the most exciting three days in print each year for the industry’s number one trade show – the PRINTINGUnited Expo.
Under Bowers’ leadership, the Alliance has committed to creating an industry that is not only better but also progressively adaptive thus the initiatives set a benchmark for industry excellence, guiding stakeholders towards a future that is not only promising but achievable through collaboration, continuous learning, and sustainable practices. As the landscape evolves, the Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to lead the industry into a future where progress is synonymous with advancement and responsibility.