David Savastano05.20.19
The NPIRI Summer Course has been a major influence on many people in the industry. Brian Chwierut, category leader – functional additives and specialty chemicals at Sun Chemical, has been a fixture with the Summer Course for nearly 30 years, teaching attendees about the finer aspect of flexo and gravure printing, lamination, converting processes, composition, formulation and testing, as well as substrates for surface and reverse printing and lamination.
Chwierut began his career as a chemist at Inmont in 1978. When Sun Chemical acquired BASF, he was promoted to technical manager, and in 2007, was promoted to his present position. He also has been active in the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club, serving as its president.
“I joined knowing very little about the industry, but it quickly grew on me and like so many others, once I got involved, I was motivated by the continuous challenges and learning that I experienced,” he said. “Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work at various positions which provided opportunities for continuous learning.”
Not surprisingly, teaching the summer course is one of Chwierut’s highlights.
“There have been many highlights, but the opportunity to train various individuals at different levels of knowledge has been among the best,” he added. “This includes the NPIRI summer course as well as various customer, industry and internal training programs. The opportunity to work alongside several individuals over the years who have exhibited exceptional levels of professionalism and dedication to the industry and support for individuals they have worked with, has been another highlight. This has been emphasized by the recent Pioneer Award recognition.”
Chwierut added that he was surprised to be selected for a Pioneer Award.
“I’m both honored and surprised,” Chwierut said. “I appreciate the recognition from an industry that has played such a big and important part of my life.”
Chwierut noted that he has seen a lot of changes in the ink industry during his 40 years.
“The ink industry now is much more impacted by governmental regulations and global sourcing of raw materials,” said Chwierut. “This global sourcing has become more significant with recent regulatory changes in China. The economic pressures of the entire industry also continue to increase.”
Chwierut and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 44 years. Outside of work, Chwierut has numerous hobbies, including photography, travel, reading and the continued quest for knowledge.
“Life is a continuous learning process. Learning should never end,” Chwierut observed.
Chwierut began his career as a chemist at Inmont in 1978. When Sun Chemical acquired BASF, he was promoted to technical manager, and in 2007, was promoted to his present position. He also has been active in the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club, serving as its president.
“I joined knowing very little about the industry, but it quickly grew on me and like so many others, once I got involved, I was motivated by the continuous challenges and learning that I experienced,” he said. “Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work at various positions which provided opportunities for continuous learning.”
Not surprisingly, teaching the summer course is one of Chwierut’s highlights.
“There have been many highlights, but the opportunity to train various individuals at different levels of knowledge has been among the best,” he added. “This includes the NPIRI summer course as well as various customer, industry and internal training programs. The opportunity to work alongside several individuals over the years who have exhibited exceptional levels of professionalism and dedication to the industry and support for individuals they have worked with, has been another highlight. This has been emphasized by the recent Pioneer Award recognition.”
Chwierut added that he was surprised to be selected for a Pioneer Award.
“I’m both honored and surprised,” Chwierut said. “I appreciate the recognition from an industry that has played such a big and important part of my life.”
Chwierut noted that he has seen a lot of changes in the ink industry during his 40 years.
“The ink industry now is much more impacted by governmental regulations and global sourcing of raw materials,” said Chwierut. “This global sourcing has become more significant with recent regulatory changes in China. The economic pressures of the entire industry also continue to increase.”
Chwierut and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 44 years. Outside of work, Chwierut has numerous hobbies, including photography, travel, reading and the continued quest for knowledge.
“Life is a continuous learning process. Learning should never end,” Chwierut observed.
