William Curtin wins Printing Ink Pioneer award

William Curtin, president of Press Color Inc of Appleton and Glendale, Wisconsin, has been awarded the Printing Ink Pioneer Award. Presented by NAPIM, the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, the award goes out to a select few who have made a strong impact in the printing industry. It was presented to Curtin at the Association's Annual Convention in Bermuda March 24.

In making the award, NAPIM noted Curtin's developments in ink formulations, patented products and strong printer support. He has been an active advocate for improving printed products for more than 25 years.

Dennis Curtin, company vice president, said that ‘Bill's achievements include his technical work on inks for all types of printing which have improved customers' processes.’

Curtin and Press Color introduced concentrated flexographic inks for a full range of printing types. On the sheet-fed printing side, Bill and his team recently introduced LEXA ink systems which offer ‘high color strength, excellent press stability, quick setting, fast drying and excellent rub resistance’ according to a statement.

Environmentally friendly ingredients are part of Curtin’s contributions to the industry. An invention, which he patented, of a zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) fountain concentrate called FC3 is a one-step system with attributes that include environmental and printing quality benefits. This fountain concentrate allows printers to enhance ink drying, start up faster, reduce waste and realize sharper dot print results.

Curtin was the inaugural president of the Print Suppliers Group for its first two years, beginning in 2001. Total ink sales and other supplies provided by the group's members are now well beyond $50 million annually. Curtin is also a member of GATF, FTA and PIW (Printing Industries of Wisconsin).

Curtin began his career at the Milwaukee branch of Consolidated Printing Ink in 1954. ‘Back then my duties included weighing ink batches and operating blending mills,’ he said.

In 1973 he became a partner with Jack Green in Press Color Inc. and became sole owner in 1978.  He also partnered in a varnish company during the same timeframe. And just three years ago Curtin purchased a press blanket converting business now known as Chemprint North.  Press Color has grown to encompass three divisions housed in three buildings and has fulfilled Curtin’s goal of being a full line company that can serve the total needs of printing customers.