David Savastano, Editor05.15.17
In his 42 years in the ink industry, Ami Youhana has come a long way, from working on the second shift to make money to pay for college to earning the Printing Ink Pioneer Award for his contributions to the ink industry.
“In our industry, this award symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in one’s career,” said Youhana, technical manager sheetfed inks for Sun Chemical. “To have my peers and colleagues nominate me is amazing. To have received this award is priceless.”
Youhana’s journey in the industry began with Apollo Color in 1975.
“Right out of high school, I needed money for college and we had a friend that worked for Apollo Color,” said Youhana. “He got me a job working second shift so I could go to school during the day. That was 1975 and I’m still doing it today.”
After Apollo Colors, Youhana moved on to Multi-Color in 1980, where he picked up his knowledge of presses. His next move was to Zeneca in 1993, which was purchased by Sun Chemical in 1996. He has risen through the ranks at Sun Chemical.
“Appointment to the sheetfed national lab manager’s position was the first highlight of my career, and this award validates everything I have done ever since in this industry,” Youhana said.
Youhana credits two key influences in his career.
“There have been two major influences in my career, Les Watkins and Steve Miller,” said Youhana. “Without them this would not have happened.”
Youhana also brings his expertise to NAPIM, having served as chairman of the steering committee on SPC and TQM. Outside of work, Youhana enjoys golf and bowling.
Youhana’s experience and formulation knowledge has made him a critical part of the success of Sun Chemical’s conventional sheetfed product portfolio. The knowledge he has picked up along his career, from ink raw materials to the vast number of variables on press, allows him to analyze a customer’s issue and resolve problems quickly. His colleagues note that his expertise is a huge benefit to the industry.
“All of Ami’s experience and formulation knowledge that he has picked up along his career has made him a critical part of Sun Chemical’s sheetfed product portfolio and the global sheetfed community,” said Jeff Newton, technical manager - paste ink/varnish/coating, Sun Chemical. “He has a deep understanding of presses and is committed to the growth of the industry.”
“I have worked with Ami for a long time,” added Miller, who is commercial field marketing manager, commercial and Rycoline product management for Sun Chemical. “He is a very hard worker and he never complains about the work load or the hours that are sometimes required to get the job done in our industry. His work ethic and the way that he cares about the quality of the work, sets a good example for his co-workers. I have been blessed to work with so many great people in this industry through the years, and I count Ami as someone whom I’ve enjoyed working with and consider a friend.”
“In our industry, this award symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in one’s career,” said Youhana, technical manager sheetfed inks for Sun Chemical. “To have my peers and colleagues nominate me is amazing. To have received this award is priceless.”
Youhana’s journey in the industry began with Apollo Color in 1975.
“Right out of high school, I needed money for college and we had a friend that worked for Apollo Color,” said Youhana. “He got me a job working second shift so I could go to school during the day. That was 1975 and I’m still doing it today.”
After Apollo Colors, Youhana moved on to Multi-Color in 1980, where he picked up his knowledge of presses. His next move was to Zeneca in 1993, which was purchased by Sun Chemical in 1996. He has risen through the ranks at Sun Chemical.
“Appointment to the sheetfed national lab manager’s position was the first highlight of my career, and this award validates everything I have done ever since in this industry,” Youhana said.
Youhana credits two key influences in his career.
“There have been two major influences in my career, Les Watkins and Steve Miller,” said Youhana. “Without them this would not have happened.”
Youhana also brings his expertise to NAPIM, having served as chairman of the steering committee on SPC and TQM. Outside of work, Youhana enjoys golf and bowling.
Youhana’s experience and formulation knowledge has made him a critical part of the success of Sun Chemical’s conventional sheetfed product portfolio. The knowledge he has picked up along his career, from ink raw materials to the vast number of variables on press, allows him to analyze a customer’s issue and resolve problems quickly. His colleagues note that his expertise is a huge benefit to the industry.
“All of Ami’s experience and formulation knowledge that he has picked up along his career has made him a critical part of Sun Chemical’s sheetfed product portfolio and the global sheetfed community,” said Jeff Newton, technical manager - paste ink/varnish/coating, Sun Chemical. “He has a deep understanding of presses and is committed to the growth of the industry.”
“I have worked with Ami for a long time,” added Miller, who is commercial field marketing manager, commercial and Rycoline product management for Sun Chemical. “He is a very hard worker and he never complains about the work load or the hours that are sometimes required to get the job done in our industry. His work ethic and the way that he cares about the quality of the work, sets a good example for his co-workers. I have been blessed to work with so many great people in this industry through the years, and I count Ami as someone whom I’ve enjoyed working with and consider a friend.”
