David Savastano, Editor07.31.18
The idea of working closer to home was key to Mark Hill’s decision to joining the ink industry in 1991.
“During my job search post-college, I was looking to get back to the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin,” said Hill, VP and assistant director of R&D for INX International Ink Co. “I worked at a company in Madison, WI at the time called Marquip (Barry Wehmiller now). They made equipment that was used in the corrugated box industry. I saw my first flexo press working for this company. They were single color machines designed to print GCMI 90 Black on a completed box. However, I knew very little about them.
“There was a job posting in the local paper looking for a chemist for an ink company at that time,” Hill added. “The company was Acme Printing Ink in Appleton. I quickly interviewed and got the job.”
At Acme Printing Ink and INX, Hill has been a leader in solvent-based inks, developing new ink technologies for film lamination inks among other contributions.
“A few highlights from my career would include working on the bench developing solvent inks for film packaging, being able to watch them be made, visiting many customers to watch them run and learn to troubleshoot, and taking that knowledge back to the lab in order to make it better,” he added. “I worked endless hours wanting to make the best ink anyone has ever used. Seems like an odd highlight, but I learned so much, so fast at that time. I really enjoyed that part of my career.
“Traveling and the people I have met and got to work with are definitely highlights in my career,” Hill noted. “Besides the countless places in North America I have gotten to see, I have also been to Japan, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, Israel, England, Italy, France, just to name a few. My six-week stay in Japan for training was certainly a highlight in my early career. It greatly influenced how I treat our foreign visitors in the US because I understand how it feels to be out of your element in a foreign country.”
“When it comes to solvent packaging inks and all of the various applications, film structures and troubleshooting problems, I believe Mark Hill is one of the top experts in the field,” John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co., noted. “Mark has always been a strong asset for customers, technical and operations with his extensive experience.”
Hill said it is difficult to name every person that has been a key influence, because he has had so many. “Certainly, the current and former members of our upper management have all influenced me one way or another,” he added. “They have all really promoted a feeling of respect and trust in the employees of INX.”
Outside of work, Hill particularly enjoys outdoor activities.
“At one point in my life, I did do a lot of golfing,” said Hill. “Not so much anymore but I still enjoy it. I like to fish and hunt a little as well. I like to get out on the pontoon boat when the weather is nice and spend time with family and friends. I don’t really consider it a hobby but I do like to travel. Our US National Parks are amazing, I am trying to see as many as I can while I am still able.”
Hill said he is honored to receive the Pioneer Award.
“I think it was great, and such a nice feeling to get this recognition. I am generally the low-key quiet type, and not looking for that, so when you do get it, it’s a nice surprise. I am truly honored to receive it.”
“During my job search post-college, I was looking to get back to the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin,” said Hill, VP and assistant director of R&D for INX International Ink Co. “I worked at a company in Madison, WI at the time called Marquip (Barry Wehmiller now). They made equipment that was used in the corrugated box industry. I saw my first flexo press working for this company. They were single color machines designed to print GCMI 90 Black on a completed box. However, I knew very little about them.
“There was a job posting in the local paper looking for a chemist for an ink company at that time,” Hill added. “The company was Acme Printing Ink in Appleton. I quickly interviewed and got the job.”
At Acme Printing Ink and INX, Hill has been a leader in solvent-based inks, developing new ink technologies for film lamination inks among other contributions.
“A few highlights from my career would include working on the bench developing solvent inks for film packaging, being able to watch them be made, visiting many customers to watch them run and learn to troubleshoot, and taking that knowledge back to the lab in order to make it better,” he added. “I worked endless hours wanting to make the best ink anyone has ever used. Seems like an odd highlight, but I learned so much, so fast at that time. I really enjoyed that part of my career.
“Traveling and the people I have met and got to work with are definitely highlights in my career,” Hill noted. “Besides the countless places in North America I have gotten to see, I have also been to Japan, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, Israel, England, Italy, France, just to name a few. My six-week stay in Japan for training was certainly a highlight in my early career. It greatly influenced how I treat our foreign visitors in the US because I understand how it feels to be out of your element in a foreign country.”
“When it comes to solvent packaging inks and all of the various applications, film structures and troubleshooting problems, I believe Mark Hill is one of the top experts in the field,” John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co., noted. “Mark has always been a strong asset for customers, technical and operations with his extensive experience.”
Hill said it is difficult to name every person that has been a key influence, because he has had so many. “Certainly, the current and former members of our upper management have all influenced me one way or another,” he added. “They have all really promoted a feeling of respect and trust in the employees of INX.”
Outside of work, Hill particularly enjoys outdoor activities.
“At one point in my life, I did do a lot of golfing,” said Hill. “Not so much anymore but I still enjoy it. I like to fish and hunt a little as well. I like to get out on the pontoon boat when the weather is nice and spend time with family and friends. I don’t really consider it a hobby but I do like to travel. Our US National Parks are amazing, I am trying to see as many as I can while I am still able.”
Hill said he is honored to receive the Pioneer Award.
“I think it was great, and such a nice feeling to get this recognition. I am generally the low-key quiet type, and not looking for that, so when you do get it, it’s a nice surprise. I am truly honored to receive it.”