Harper Corporation of America brought its popular Roadshow to the Dupont Global Innovation Center in Wilmington, DE, where the company hosted a dynamic event on April 25.

The Harper Roadshow drew a crowd of more than 75 attendees for flexo education and networking. The day commenced with a warm welcome and insightful introductions from Harper’s own Juan Bermudez, VP of sales and technical services, alongside DuPont’s Alexa Dembek, chief technology and sustainability officer, Tucker Norton, general manager of Cyrel Solutions and Artistri Digital Inks, and Kirk Kraines, regional marketing manager for Cyrel Solutions.

For pictures of the event, click here for a slideshow.

DuPont’s PJ Fronczkiewicz led a discussion on “Evolving Plate Technology for an Evolving Industry,” tackling pressing issues such as sustainability challenges in both the plateroom and pressroom, the increasing demands for print quality, narrowing profit margins, and the scarcity of skilled labor.

Attendees gained valuable insights into how plate technology is adapting to meet these evolving demands and learned actionable steps to position themselves for success in a fiercely competitive market.

“It’s an honor for DuPont to be a part of the legendary Harper Roadshow and to open the doors of our Innovation Center to the flexo industry,” states Fronczkiewicz. “It’s been a valuable day spent networking and collaborating at the same site where the flexographic photopolymer plate was invented over 50 years ago. Our sincere thanks to all the attendees for sharing their time with us, and inspiring us to push the bar of innovation higher and higher.”

Harper’s Paul Teachout captivated the audience with an in-depth exploration of Harper’s XCAT engraving technology, a new innovation that redefines traditional 60-degree engraving by seamlessly integrating Channeled Application Technology. This presentation addressed common ink transfer challenges faced by industry professionals.

“Harper would like to extend a deep appreciation to the DuPont Global Innovation Center for hosting our Harper Roadshow,” states Eduardo Suarez, marketing specialist, Harper Corporation of America. “The day was filled with education and networking with speakers from DuPont, Esko, and Troika Systems. We also shared more on the latest innovations from Harper, including the revolutionary new XCAT Engraving technology and modern day care and maintenance of your anilox inventory.”

Julian Fernandez from Esko provided a comprehensive update on Esko’s Crystal Ecosystem, covering advancements in XPS, PCW, and Crystal Screening, offering attendees a glimpse into enhanced technologies shaping the future of the print and packaging industry.

Troika’s Richard Smuts emphasized the critical role of measurement and Six Sigma methodologies, particularly focusing on digital anilox measurement devices essential for optimizing pressroom efficiency.

Following a networking lunch, attendees enjoyed a tour of the DuPont Innovation Center, followed by a conference segment spotlighting DuPont Cyrel’s Technical Solutions, with a special focus on thermal processing advancements. Rob Barry of Harper underscored the significance of optimizing anilox care for peak press performance, rounding out an enriching and informative day of collaboration and learning.

“The day was topped off with a VIP tour of the DuPont Innovation Center for all our guests,” adds Suarez. “The next Harper Roadshow will be coming to the Midwest, so look for details soon and we look forward to seeing you there.”