December 3rd, 2015, by Megan Cooper

The Gravure Industry is at a crossroads. Its place in the industry is changing now more than ever with the introduction of new packaging technology and media outlets. On November 11th, 2015 RIT’s School of Media Sciences hosted Gravure Day, which was an opportunity for students, professors, and industry experts to discuss these changes. Speakers included three professionals from the industry and was a great networking opportunity for students.

This event was organized by the School of Media Sciences’ Gravure Endowed Professor, Robert Eller. Professor Eller opened the event with a presentation called, “Gravure at a Crossroads Exploring Options for the Future.” His presentation introduced the topic of understanding the future of the Gravure Industry by demonstrating two paths that it might take. These two paths involve Gravure retreating to a niche technology or reinventing itself to better fulfill needs in the industry it already serves. In retreating to a niche, Gravure has the opportunity to find areas where its technology is unique and will be advantaged. Retreat has the possibility of making Gravure applications more profitable. Another option is the idea of a reinvention of the Gravure business model. One of the aspects of Gravure that differentiates it from other printing technologies is the use of engraved cylinders. The benefits of using cylinders include better consistency, higher speed, and better color quality and saturation. By exploiting these benefits and addressing current weaknesses, the Gravure industry has the opportunity to reinvent its business model to better satisfy the needs of the industry.

The talk consisted of a discussion about these two paths for Gravure and how students could prepare themselves for a career in the industry. The attendees heard a presentation from David Haslam on the opportunity in sleeve technology for the industry as well as a discussion from Eric Haapakoski on cylinder inventory management.

The last part of the event consisted of information on scholarship and career opportunities within the industry. Rod Sosa presented an overview of the Gravure Education Foundation, which supports educational development in the Gravure industry. Over $3.6 million have been awarded in scholarships to students with nine corporate and three memorial scholarships available through their website for students to apply. Sosa also hinted that relatively few people take advantage of these awards, so students who apply have a good chance to win an award. Awards range from $1,000-$5,000 and there are opportunities to win multiple scholarships. Applications for next year’s awards will be available early 2016 and information can be found on the GAA Scholarship website.

In additions to scholarships, the speakers discussed job applications and interviewing. Their advice for those job hunting was to “attack what side of the industry you want to work in.” They also emphasized how the vendors are currently growing and where would be the best place to look for jobs.

“Become an expert in branding and marketing yourself…When you are in an interview, you are actually interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure it is a two-way conversation.”

– Rod Sosa, Plant Manager, Fresco Systems

Each speaker stressed the importance of doing research about the company and coming to the interview with questions as well as having physical experience with the presses.

The event allowed for open discussion between the students and speakers, which was a great networking opportunity for both. The School of Media Sciences is looking forward to how the students will play a role in the future of the Gravure industry and how their roles will impact the path this industry takes.