RotoMetrics’ Mr Line Prime discusses industry progression

2012 Avery Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award winner Steve Lee of RotoMetrics discusses industry progression

In the tag and label world, there are few today that have contributed to the industry at such depth and global breadth as Steve Lee, vice president of technology with RotoMetrics.

Over his 35-year career in the design and manufacturing of rotary tooling, his passion and love for the industry has led him to achieve numerous and remarkable accomplishments. He helped RotoMetrics grow from a tiny regional die supplier to a global, full-service manufacturer and provider of a broad portfolio of products.

He has played a leading role in industry associations, including TLMI, where, in addition to his continued service to the board, he currently serves as chairman of the TLMI annual label awards competition, where he is well-known for announcing winners in a favorable fashion – ‘Line Prime’. 

In September 2012, Lee was honored with the Stan Avery Lifetime Achievement Award. Mike Fairley, international publishing director of Labels & Labeling, during the 2012 awards ceremony, praised Lee for both his industry contributions and generosity.  

‘Steve’s guidance in developing new solutions has maximized the ability for converters to develop world-class products for their end users,’ says Fairley.

‘More recently, Steve is credited for his role in spreading and adapting the use of pressure sensitive materials worldwide. Steve also started the practice of donating tooling to trade schools dedicated to training the next generation of press operators.’

But to ask Lee of his accomplishments, he insists on crediting RotoMetrics for his ability to achieve great things. He says: ‘My involvement in the industry is RotoMetrics’ involvement. I’ve spent a lifetime with a company that has provided me with opportunity to thrive and flourish in an industry I’m proud to serve.’

Lee has promoted environmental stewardship by driving RotoMetrics to be one of the first in the industry to obtain ISO 14001 certification. Yet, to continually set sights above and beyond, Lee is working with RotoMetrics to review its entire manufacturing process to find opportunities to institute further Lean manufacturing practices as well as Kaizen and ISO quality programs.

‘We’re paying critical attention to each of our manufacturing facilities worldwide in order to manage the quality system. We’re getting leaner, meaner and better. It’s important so we have the utmost consistency in delivering quality to the customer.’

Lee also helped RotoMetrics become among the first to machine-finish solid dies. Machine finishing offers better first pass yield, provides a more consistent edge, and generates more predictable die life as it is re-sharpened three to four times over its life.

According to Lee, ‘RotoMetrics is currently machine finishing over half the solid dies we manufacture.

‘We continue to press and move forward with such advancement.’

When asked what Lee sees as having been the biggest technological breakthroughs in the label world so far, he is quick to respond: ‘The entire digital processing market, from pre-press to digital plates to digital printing, has significantly turned the industry on its head.

‘Servo controlled machines offer the next level of efficiency, productivity, and quality. The flexographic inks and anilox rolls in today’s market are at the top of their game. Of course, in the rotary die business, I would have to say that advancements in flexible die tooling has progressed tremendously, achieving performance levels quite comparable to their solid rotary die competition.

‘In the overall packaging and label world there is clearly a place for growth, I believe, in flexible packaging. I’ve given many presentations in the past year discussing the advancements not only in liners and face stocks, but the tools and requirements needed to support converting of these advanced materials, from flexible and solid dies to magnetic cylinders and die station components.

‘PET liner material is getting thinner and thinner. It’s a win-win for the converter, offering the potential for both less waste and increased productivity. But the use of these face stocks and liners can be challenging to accurately cut without absolute control and precision tolerance tooling.’

The industry has progressed significantly since Lee entered the scene some years ago,  and no doubt it will change even faster as advancements in technology continue to set pace in the future.

Pictured, left to right: Don Nolan, Steve Lee, Mike Fairley and Clive Smith at the 2012 Global Label Awards

This article first appeared in the Labels & Labeling Yearbook 2013