DiTrolio Flexographic Institute Establishes The Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab

CHICAGO, Ill.—The DiTrolio Flexographic Institute (DFI) is about to begin a dynamic new era. Having built a successful flexographic training concept during the past 10 years, the school will now expand its reach and curriculum to provide educational opportunities for more young people interested in a career in flexography. This action will enable DFI to respond in a positive manner to the growing number of inquiries from the industry for skilled workers with an in-depth knowledge of the flexographic process. And that takes money. With government funding options increasingly limited, owner Vince DiTrolio called his friends Ron and Katherine Harper to solicit their advice and to assess alternative methods to increase revenues to fund a more comprehensive program.

The Harpers, known for their passion for flexographic education, responded with a $50,000 grant to kick-off an aggressive fundraising campaign for the school. DiTrolio then decided on the naming of “The Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab” to honor the Harper’s commitment to flexographic education. He hopes to attract other major donor-partners, both converters and suppliers, to contribute to the ongoing education of future flexographers for the industry—primarily through scholarship programs. A naming dedication and celebration date for the flexo lab will be announced soon.

DFI’s highly acclaimed 2,700 square-foot flexographic training facility is located about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The lab includes an impressive range of flexographic equipment including, but not limited to, an 830 Mark Andy three-color press, a four-color Webtron and a five-color 13˝ Propheteer with DMS Hot Stamping and Prime UV’s on four print stations; plus Anderson & Vreeland plate-making equipment, an Air Trim waste removal system, a BST Promark web inspection system, Rotometric dies, Action rotary dies, a Harper proofing system and Harper XLT Platinum anilox rolls.