Dino Fiocchi does electronic assembly. He outputs a digital file that goes to a digital proofer or to film, then back to the client for approval or alteration instructions.

Schawkgraphics, a Chicago 458M shop in Des Plaines, Ill., is a state-of-the-art, 100 percent digital shop that specializes in high quality imaging for flexography and offset markets.

Because of its focus on digital solutions for printing, Schawkgraphics demonstrates for GCIU members that knowledge is the most required skill for the future. The 65 Local 458M members at the shop have relied on training to keep them in demand and well respected for their quality products.

Schawk Inc. was founded in 1953 by Clarence Schawk, who was a platemaker. Legend has it, according to Plant Manager John Olson and Project Manager Dan Fisher, that Schawk started the company in his basement and used a converted record player to manufacture plates. Clarence still serves as chairman of the board, while his son David is the chief executive officer and president.

From left are Chicago 458M Business Rep. Bill Ruby and John Olson, Schawkgraphics plant manager and a former four-color stripper.

The company, with headquarters in Des Plaines, now has 41 plants in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Asia that provide advanced technology services for food, beverage, and consumer products packaging, point of sale, and advertising markets. The group specializes in high resolution color imaging, database management, and on-site facility management. It also provides imaging and digital archiving and distribution services.

Because it deals with food and beverage packaging, Schawk must deliver images and plates fast, and fast means high tech equipment. Fisher said the company invested some $12 million in new equipment in 1998 alone.

High tech in printing begins with Macintosh computers. Schawkgraphics has eight Mac operators in its color department, all working on G3s and G4s.

Mac operator Randy Susick said color management is crucial for packaging. "There's a lot of interpretation of color, and each job is specific for color," depending on whether it's headed for a flexo, gravure, or offset press, he said.

Local 458M members at Schawkgraphics keep up with new equipment through training. Chicago 458M Business Rep. Bill Ruby explained that the local has an affiliation with Triton College, where members can train. Employees who are approved to attend classes are reimbursed if they keep a B average or above, he said.

Digital output technician Russ Baker, right, loads a plate on a Creo Trendsetter 5067. Desktop assembly manager Bob Burke, left, explains that the Creo uses a laser head to burn the image on a thermal plate, which then goes through pre-bake, developing, rinse, post-bake, and gum cycles before printing. Despite the complexity, the process takes only 10 minutes, he said.

Working on a six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster are, from left, feeder Harry Sehon, second pressman Mike Madro, and Kevin Kellerman, general worker.

A good example of how the company keeps valuable employees through training and promotion is Jeff Koch. In the trade for 20 years, he's been a pressman, camera operator, and stripper. Koch now works on a color Mac and does scanning after training at Triton and Scitex. "Since I've been in this business, I've always done two jobs," he noted.

Olson is another example of how the company values its employees. Olson, who served as a Local 458M shop steward, was a four-color stripper who worked his way up to plant manager.

Also a former stripper, shop steward Philip Weber has worked in the trade for 20 years. He took classes at Triton to train on computers and now works on a Mac in the assembly department.

"I was scared to make the change," Weber said. "But now strippers are gone, and I'm glad I did."

Dan Newberry, who works in the proofing department, said he has only been with the company for about a year. "It's my first job in the trade. I love it. It's good to get into something where you can work your way up."

In the quality control department, Kevin Sheridan began working at Schawkgraphics in 1975. He said he stays because "it's a good company to work for."