Ada, Michigan

 

 

I became interested in printing after taking a graphic arts class in junior high school. At age 14 I purchased a Kelsey 5x8 and 10 cases of type. I was in the printing business! This was followed a year later with a 10x15 C&P OS, and of course more type. Little did I know that this small business would evolve into a lifelong career. I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1969 with a degree in Printing Management. My first job was with the Folding Carton Division Continental Can Company in Los Angeles, and in 1973 I was transferred to the Elkhart,IN, plant as manager of printing. The workhorses of these plants were 60” and 77” six color presses; Harris and Miehle. The big iron!

 

In 1976 I went to work for Amway Corporation in Ada, MI, as Manager of Paper Products. I would stay with them until I retired in 1999. Early in my career I was responsible for all commercial printing, folding carton and corrugated case production, and sales kit assembly. In 1979 I managed the purchase and startup of Amway’s first heatset commercial web press, a Harris M-200. This was to be followed in 1982 with a second machine, a Harris M-1000. The M-200 was replaced in 1999 with a Heidelberg “Sunday” web press.

 

The last 10 years of my career with Amway, I was Director of Manufacturing and Engineering, responsible for all production activities, including not only the printing related plants, but core-line production as well, including aerosol, detergent, liquids, plastics, and cosmetics products. The engineering group headed plant construction and process equipment purchase and installation for all Amway facilities worldwide. 24 great years, of which I do not regret one single minute.

 

Now, I am just a hobby printer, going back to my early days of letterpress where it all started for me. I have collected a wonderful assortment of equipment, including 2  Intertype C-4s, 2 Ludlow Ms, 2 Elrods, and 2 Miehle Verticals, a V-50 and a V-50X. Everything is installed in the basement of my home in Grand Rapids, MI. My primary printing activity is the monthly production of Letterpress Green Sheet; and Print shop Wallpaper twice a year. During the past four years I have met so many friendly and interesting folks in the letterpress printing hobby. I am a member of APA (#736), AAPA, NAPA, and ATF.

 

I am still married to my bride of 35 years, and have three grown daughters, and two granddaughters. Life is good . . .