Six SGS sites awarded FlexoExpert certification

Six SGS sites across North America have been awarded FlexoExpert certification from Flint Group, as part of a global implementation of the program to optimize workflow processes and ensure reliable and consistent platemaking.

SGS accepts its FlexoExpert award and certificate from Flint Group

When SGS expanded its global partnership with Flint Group last year, the company wanted to ensure, as a supplier of nyloflex printing plates, that it was providing consistent quality plates throughout the organization. This resulted in SGS going through Flint Group’s FlexoExpert certification program. After a rigorous review, training and audit process, SGS locations in McBee, (South Carolina), Marietta (Georgia), Appleton (Wisconsin), Brooklyn Park (Minnesota), Mississauga (Ontario) and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) have received the certification. The program is being implemented globally for SGS, and more sites are currently in the process of gaining certification.

Consisting of three main steps – evaluation and training, implementation and audit – the FlexoExpert certification program ensures that a company’s operations are consistently providing the finest quality printing plates.  With the FlexoExpert program, SGS and Flint Group jointly reviewed platemaking operating procedures, equipment performance and quality standards.  Training was provided at each SGS facility and a summary of the evaluation, providing both areas of strengths and opportunities for improvement, were provided to each location. After a six-month implementation phase, audits were conducted ensuring that all standards were being met.

Pat O’Connor, vice president responsible for flexo at SGS, commented: ‘We are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with Flint Group in executing a thorough evaluation of our plate making facilities. The FlexoExpert certification program provided an independent and objective review of our processes with the intention of ensuring consistently high-quality platemaking across the network, and is supportive of our ongoing objective to harmonize our operations.’

Rich Emmerling, Flint Group technical director, said: ‘We put a lot of effort into ensuring that our customers are providing the best possible product to their customers. With our FlexoExpert certification program, SGS customers should be confident that all flexo best practice standards are being met.’

Pictured: Rick Best (left), regional vice president, SGS; Jim Rogers (second from left), vice president and general manager, Flint Group Flexographic Products; Ron Hill (second from right), operations manager, SGS; Aryan Moelker (right), president, Flint Group Flexographic Products