David Savastano, Editor05.20.19
For Dave Maternowski, VP of quality for INX International Ink Co., receiving the Pioneer Award will always be a special moment.
“Receiving the Pioneer Award was truly a wonderful night,” said Maternowski. “I will always enjoy the memory of watching my wife Kim’s face as she figured out that the person they were talking about was actually me. I think the words ‘Dunkirk New York’ was the final giveaway as she looked up – saying, ‘seriously? You?’ Kimberly, ‘it’s not far removed from the realm of possibility’, as I laughed to myself.
“Joking aside, it was a cool night for lack of a better adjective,” he continued. “Jumping in on a new career field in the early 1980s, learning to manage a large scale manufacturing operation, and working in a corporate environment may have helped me get nominated, but the truth is, it’s the people I worked with that put me on that stage. Without the guidance of those who have been in this industry I would have never achieved the Pioneer Award.
“Lastly, and just as important, I think it was noticed at the NAPIM Spring Convention that my wife Kimberly and I come as a team,” Maternowski concluded. “If not for her support, patience and lifetime guidance, I strongly believe that my career path would not have been as successful as it has been. Kimberly and I started dating in early high school and it was fantastic to have her share the evening with me during the Pioneer award presentations. Magic is the word I will end with.”
"I am extremely happy that the Pioneer Award was presented to David,” said John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co. “He has worked quietly for many years, challenging us at INX to push ourselves to a higher level in our Quality Systems and ISO certifications. He’s a great teacher and a strong member of our Operations Team. David’s knowledge can benefit not only INX but everyone in our industry."
After an internship with the Department of the U.S. Navy in 1985, Maternowski had come back to western New York, looking for a short term job in the area while his then-girlfriend Kimberly was finishing college.
“I had earned a bachelor degree in political science (pre-law segment) and was searching for employment in or around my hometown located in the Western New York area. I was 22 years old and ready to find something stable that offered a career route.
“As a racquetball enthusiast, I joined a league at our local fitness club. During a tournament and by complete chance, I met the HR director who represented a small local ink manufacturing company,” recalled Maternowski. “This newer ink manufacturing operation was attached to a large scale printing operation named Greater Buffalo Press. About nine GBP printing plants were located across North America and owned by the Koessler family until 1989. It eventually became American Color Graphics. I had no idea that ink manufacturing even occurred in our small blue collar town of Dunkirk, New York.
“The Chemical Process and Supply Process (known as Chem Process to the locals) human resource director, Mr. Bruce Stokes, informed me that the ink company was hiring folks who were willing to learn a new trade and handle some swing shift work,” he said. “His immediate warning? It doesn’t pay that well, especially when compared to the local steel mills, food plants or utility companies. The ink portion of the printing plant employed about 35-40 people. I had no clue as to what they really manufactured, how they made it or even if it offered a future. Nobody really comes out of college thinking they are going to make ink for a living.
“My intention in early 1985 was to find a job that allowed me to stay in the area where my girlfriend (and eventual wife, Kimberly Newman-Maternowski) continued to go to college,” Maternowski said. “So, I decided that for the short term, that ink manufacturing would be my next career step. I passed on a higher paying sales position that was offered to me and accepted a third shift Quality Control position in a tiny inner lab. The position paid a whopping $5.45 per hour. But with seemingly unlimited overtime, full benefits and the opportunity to work with so many young people that I graduated with from our local high schools, I felt I hit the lottery.”
“The president of Chem Process in the 1980s (soon to be named CPS Corporation in 1986) was an electrifying man named Tommy Asher,” said Maternowski. “Asher’s enthusiasm and vision were absolutely contagious and the workforce remained extremely positive. I felt I made a good decision. The job was absolutely non-stop learning. The people I worked with were fantastic and they truly made the company experience rewarding. I knew I found something special. The amazing thing is the fact that I still see those friends everyday as I enter the INX plant in 2019. We all grew up together, raised our families at the same time, and now we all seem to be moving towards retirement together.
“After a quick entry period, I could now afford a very small two room apartment, a car payment, most utilities, and had about $10 remaining for date night as long as I could get out of overtime for a Friday night,” he recalled. “My plan was to stay at CPS Corporation for a year or two, which would allow my wife the time to graduate from SUNY Fredonia at New York and we could possibly get married. Eventually we planned to move on to a larger city. Now, 35 years later, I’m still working for this same ink company (INX International), I’m happily married to Kimberly Maternowski for the past 30 years, and we continue to live in Western New York. I continue to enjoy a wonderful and rewarding career in the field of ink and coatings manufacturing. Being chosen to receive the NAPIM Pioneer Award was the absolute highlight of my career.”
Maternowski noted that he has enjoyed many highlights in his career.
“In the mid to late 1980s, environmental and safety issues were taking a forefront in the chemical industry,” he recalled. “It absolutely piqued my interest. In 1987-1988, I had the opportunity to join the Environmental Department at CPS Corporation. The introduction of Right to Know (MSDS Sheets) legislation, SARA Title III reporting, Haz Waste laws (including Superfund), and TSCA regulations were becoming a very important element affecting the ability of companies to survive in a new regulatory climate. The INX college reimbursement program was a key benefit to my personal growth within this department. I was able to complete a BS in chemistry and eventually a masters in environmental science.
INX developed a close association with the State of New York College at Fredonia, and the company was able to develop a fairly significant internship program with the Environmental Chemistry program.
“Over two decades we brought in chemistry – science students for about 15+ hours per week and provided real work experience while providing the student additional credit hours,” said Maternowski. “The best part of the program was the amount of interns that were hired by our company over that time period. Many previous interns took management roles at our corporate office or other INX manufacturing plants.
“The environmental field exploded, he added. “The very first Superfund site in the US occurred only 58 miles away – the famous Love Canal in Niagara Falls, NY. This provided a learning curve that we would eventually need as our small company got caught up in a Superfund site only a few short years later. Our parent company (GBP) sent waste drums to a disposal company that went out of business. Of course, all of the waste was never properly destroyed. The facility was a mix of toxic drums, tanks and soil. As department manager, we had a choice. Leave the clean-up in the expensive hands of the US EPA or help form a PRP Committee and clean up the mess ourselves with the use of approved contractors and under guidance of the USEPA and New York State DEC. We choose to form the committee, we developed an in-depth plan, collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from a list of participants, arrange for the clean-up and disposal of hundreds of drums and soil, and handled the entire Superfund clean-up ourselves.
“I accepted the chairmanship and project leader of the Superfund committee and with a talented group of environmental professionals, we took a primary role in the development of the project plan and overall clean up,” Maternowski continued. “This was a career defining moment because we were responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars and a high probability of things that could go wrong. Many companies were concerned about their community reputations along the potential of bankruptcy. Fortunately, we were able to pull off the clean-up successfully. Our team was awarded by the New York DEC as the first Superfund site successfully completed on-time and under budget. It was a proud moment. This experience was quite the challenge as there were a lot of people and companies truly depending on our small group to manage this costly situation. In addition, It saved our ink company many thousands of dollars. I’m proud of the job that we did and I still enjoy the friendships that were created during this process. I owe so many knowledgeable people that helped us throughout this entire process.
Maternowski pointed out that environmental systems go hand-in-hand with Quality System Management.
“In the mid 1990s, CPS Corporation received ISO 9001 Quality certification,” he noted. “The CPS Plant in Dunkirk was the first INX-owned company to achieve a certified 9001 Quality System. Our team blended the concepts of TQM and lean technologies to form new documented approaches that helped set-up work instructions, guidelines, management reviews, audits, and continuous improvement goals. I enjoyed leading this process and will never forget the camaraderie of our team. I knew systems management would remain in my career path.
“CPS Corporation (INX International-owned) moved forward and the next step was certifying the Dunkirk facility to the newer ISO 14001 Environmental Standard. In 1996, INX Dunkirk became the first ink company to achieve environmental certification (ISO 14001) in North America. This was an exciting time for our company and we enjoyed the process. The continuous improvement of our systems at INX International continues to push forward,” Maternowski added.
“Currently, INX is proud to say that we have an integrated system called a Business Management System (referred to as BMS). The BMS combines the three certifications (ISO 9001; ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) into a one integrated management system that guides the company’s business practices. At this time, we believe INX International is the very first ink manufacturing company to have achieved an officially certified BMS.
“In 1999, I was asked if I would be interested in becoming the GM of the entire CPS Corporation operation. I knew that this would be a challenge as my background in regulatory and systems management could only cover so much. Therefore, a quick study of milling, formulation, sales, production management, inventory, customer communication, and everything else would have to be instantly learned as OJT. I accepted the role, and if it were not for the excellent assistance of all our staff , personnel and senior INX management, I’m not sure my tenure as GM would have been as pleasant of an experience as it truly was. I am so appreciative of the people I work with at INX International and the guidance that I received throughout three and one-half decades. My role as GM lasted about 13 years and I am forever grateful for the experience.
“In 2013, INX management offered me the corporate position of VP of quality and business management systems,” said Maternowski. “This opportunity allowed greater exposure to the overall company. Working in many different areas provided an expanded view of the industry and the people that make it work. Our greatest challenge to this point was integrating three certifications throughout the INX North American facilities; ISO 9001-2015; ISO 14001-2015 and OHSAS 18001-2007 (now ISO 45001). The process is referred to as creating a complete certified Business Management System (ISO BMS). In retrospect, the process made complete sense as the areas of Quality Systems, Environmental Management and Safety initiatives are related. This is why the authors of the ISO requirements changed all three standards to ten basic elements that line up logically. ISO also utilized the tools and concepts of TPM (Total Productive Management-Maintenance) and lean manufacturing methods within the intent of the verbiage. The INX Edwardsville, Kansas facility achieved the first level TPM award and INX employees were already exposed to many of the concepts and pillars of the program so embracing those methods in the BMS was second nature to much of our workforce. The future challenge will be the continuous improvement of the INX Certified Business Management System and TPM philosophy. I look forward to auditing our progress.”
Maternowski has shared his expertise and experience with NAPIM, contributing to NAPIM by serving on the Environmental Health and Safety Committee for more than 10 years, and has made presentations to NPIRI on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Maternowski is thankful for all of the guidance he has received from his mentors.
“I think it’s safe to say that anyone enjoying a career in the ink industry was treated to an enormous amount of expertise from others in the field. The amount of knowledge that’s contained in people within this occupation is staggering. Just talking to someone on the floor or an ink technician in the lab allows you the opportunity to learn something from a quick conversation. Working in the ink industry for 35 years allowed me the opportunity to work with so many incredible folks which makes discussion about my key influences incredibly difficult as there are so many,” he said.
“First off, Tommy Asher and George Polasik come to mind. I must thank them for taking a young kid with a poly sci degree and allowing me to take the reins of the Environmental Department back in the mid-1980s,” added Maternowski. “We were manufacturing pigment back then and we were subject to an enormous amount of new regulations (OCPSF, TSCA, Haz Com, OSHA) and I remember them asking if we had a handle on all of this; my answer of course was – sure, I think so. It was an amazing time to learn a new field. Looking back, I’m sure they could have outsourced a consultant or hired a scientist to handle the duties, but they kept the position in-house. For that I will always be thankful.
“On the truly technical side and someone who always made me think in more detail than I ever wanted, is a gentleman named Joe Cichon. He is a wealth of knowledge and I will always appreciate his positive attitude and willingness to help others. Joe is a perfect example of grace and dignity even when the situation becomes stressful,” Maternowski noted.
“Without a doubt, two gentlemen that come to mind when describing my key influences are Rick Clendenning and John Hrdlick,” he concluded. “Once again, I appreciate their willingness to allow me the opportunity to install new programs and procedures throughout the INX organization with their solid guidance. They are the true role models of commitment to employees and a work ethic that is really is legendary.”
As the former GM of a primary heatset ink manufacturing facility, Maternowski observed that the change to the industry has been staggering to some ink operations.
“The advent of the internet and less reliance on newspapers for local news and advertising had a tremendous effect on ink operations. Retooling to meet newer ink demands is occurring and the learning curve continues to keep everyone on their toes. I believe the worst is over and the ink industry is reinventing itself to keep up with the demands of modern day printing needs,” he added.
“Additionally, lean thought processes are a dominant topic throughout the industry. The industry is learning to do more with less. Alongside most other industrial operations the ink industry is also struggling with human resources. A younger generation may not have the same interest as past generations. Entering the graphic arts industry is a life time commitment. It is up to all of us as managers (caretakers of the industry) to help gain the interest of a new generation. Manufacturing is cool again, we just need to advertise that with a little more vigor.”
Outside of work, Maternowski particularly enjoys family life.
“I think like most people, family takes precedence over the free time activities,” he said. “Having a 16- year-old son keeps my wife and I fairly busy. We continue to skate and ski throughout the winter and most definitely golf in the summer. Watersports on Lake Erie is a high priority for about five months per year. I enjoy being part of an active bowling and golf league and attending as many charity golf events as possible. I continue to serve a board president for STEL, a fairly large, not-for-profit agency and employer that serves New York State for housing and maintenance for those needing assistance (wounded warriors, addiction, elderly, mental issues, etc.). STEL currently has over 140 employees and has developed properties throughout New York housing and caring for hundreds of consumers.”
“Receiving the Pioneer Award was truly a wonderful night,” said Maternowski. “I will always enjoy the memory of watching my wife Kim’s face as she figured out that the person they were talking about was actually me. I think the words ‘Dunkirk New York’ was the final giveaway as she looked up – saying, ‘seriously? You?’ Kimberly, ‘it’s not far removed from the realm of possibility’, as I laughed to myself.
“Joking aside, it was a cool night for lack of a better adjective,” he continued. “Jumping in on a new career field in the early 1980s, learning to manage a large scale manufacturing operation, and working in a corporate environment may have helped me get nominated, but the truth is, it’s the people I worked with that put me on that stage. Without the guidance of those who have been in this industry I would have never achieved the Pioneer Award.
“Lastly, and just as important, I think it was noticed at the NAPIM Spring Convention that my wife Kimberly and I come as a team,” Maternowski concluded. “If not for her support, patience and lifetime guidance, I strongly believe that my career path would not have been as successful as it has been. Kimberly and I started dating in early high school and it was fantastic to have her share the evening with me during the Pioneer award presentations. Magic is the word I will end with.”
"I am extremely happy that the Pioneer Award was presented to David,” said John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co. “He has worked quietly for many years, challenging us at INX to push ourselves to a higher level in our Quality Systems and ISO certifications. He’s a great teacher and a strong member of our Operations Team. David’s knowledge can benefit not only INX but everyone in our industry."
After an internship with the Department of the U.S. Navy in 1985, Maternowski had come back to western New York, looking for a short term job in the area while his then-girlfriend Kimberly was finishing college.
“I had earned a bachelor degree in political science (pre-law segment) and was searching for employment in or around my hometown located in the Western New York area. I was 22 years old and ready to find something stable that offered a career route.
“As a racquetball enthusiast, I joined a league at our local fitness club. During a tournament and by complete chance, I met the HR director who represented a small local ink manufacturing company,” recalled Maternowski. “This newer ink manufacturing operation was attached to a large scale printing operation named Greater Buffalo Press. About nine GBP printing plants were located across North America and owned by the Koessler family until 1989. It eventually became American Color Graphics. I had no idea that ink manufacturing even occurred in our small blue collar town of Dunkirk, New York.
“The Chemical Process and Supply Process (known as Chem Process to the locals) human resource director, Mr. Bruce Stokes, informed me that the ink company was hiring folks who were willing to learn a new trade and handle some swing shift work,” he said. “His immediate warning? It doesn’t pay that well, especially when compared to the local steel mills, food plants or utility companies. The ink portion of the printing plant employed about 35-40 people. I had no clue as to what they really manufactured, how they made it or even if it offered a future. Nobody really comes out of college thinking they are going to make ink for a living.
“My intention in early 1985 was to find a job that allowed me to stay in the area where my girlfriend (and eventual wife, Kimberly Newman-Maternowski) continued to go to college,” Maternowski said. “So, I decided that for the short term, that ink manufacturing would be my next career step. I passed on a higher paying sales position that was offered to me and accepted a third shift Quality Control position in a tiny inner lab. The position paid a whopping $5.45 per hour. But with seemingly unlimited overtime, full benefits and the opportunity to work with so many young people that I graduated with from our local high schools, I felt I hit the lottery.”
“The president of Chem Process in the 1980s (soon to be named CPS Corporation in 1986) was an electrifying man named Tommy Asher,” said Maternowski. “Asher’s enthusiasm and vision were absolutely contagious and the workforce remained extremely positive. I felt I made a good decision. The job was absolutely non-stop learning. The people I worked with were fantastic and they truly made the company experience rewarding. I knew I found something special. The amazing thing is the fact that I still see those friends everyday as I enter the INX plant in 2019. We all grew up together, raised our families at the same time, and now we all seem to be moving towards retirement together.
“After a quick entry period, I could now afford a very small two room apartment, a car payment, most utilities, and had about $10 remaining for date night as long as I could get out of overtime for a Friday night,” he recalled. “My plan was to stay at CPS Corporation for a year or two, which would allow my wife the time to graduate from SUNY Fredonia at New York and we could possibly get married. Eventually we planned to move on to a larger city. Now, 35 years later, I’m still working for this same ink company (INX International), I’m happily married to Kimberly Maternowski for the past 30 years, and we continue to live in Western New York. I continue to enjoy a wonderful and rewarding career in the field of ink and coatings manufacturing. Being chosen to receive the NAPIM Pioneer Award was the absolute highlight of my career.”
Maternowski noted that he has enjoyed many highlights in his career.
“In the mid to late 1980s, environmental and safety issues were taking a forefront in the chemical industry,” he recalled. “It absolutely piqued my interest. In 1987-1988, I had the opportunity to join the Environmental Department at CPS Corporation. The introduction of Right to Know (MSDS Sheets) legislation, SARA Title III reporting, Haz Waste laws (including Superfund), and TSCA regulations were becoming a very important element affecting the ability of companies to survive in a new regulatory climate. The INX college reimbursement program was a key benefit to my personal growth within this department. I was able to complete a BS in chemistry and eventually a masters in environmental science.
INX developed a close association with the State of New York College at Fredonia, and the company was able to develop a fairly significant internship program with the Environmental Chemistry program.
“Over two decades we brought in chemistry – science students for about 15+ hours per week and provided real work experience while providing the student additional credit hours,” said Maternowski. “The best part of the program was the amount of interns that were hired by our company over that time period. Many previous interns took management roles at our corporate office or other INX manufacturing plants.
“The environmental field exploded, he added. “The very first Superfund site in the US occurred only 58 miles away – the famous Love Canal in Niagara Falls, NY. This provided a learning curve that we would eventually need as our small company got caught up in a Superfund site only a few short years later. Our parent company (GBP) sent waste drums to a disposal company that went out of business. Of course, all of the waste was never properly destroyed. The facility was a mix of toxic drums, tanks and soil. As department manager, we had a choice. Leave the clean-up in the expensive hands of the US EPA or help form a PRP Committee and clean up the mess ourselves with the use of approved contractors and under guidance of the USEPA and New York State DEC. We choose to form the committee, we developed an in-depth plan, collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from a list of participants, arrange for the clean-up and disposal of hundreds of drums and soil, and handled the entire Superfund clean-up ourselves.
“I accepted the chairmanship and project leader of the Superfund committee and with a talented group of environmental professionals, we took a primary role in the development of the project plan and overall clean up,” Maternowski continued. “This was a career defining moment because we were responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars and a high probability of things that could go wrong. Many companies were concerned about their community reputations along the potential of bankruptcy. Fortunately, we were able to pull off the clean-up successfully. Our team was awarded by the New York DEC as the first Superfund site successfully completed on-time and under budget. It was a proud moment. This experience was quite the challenge as there were a lot of people and companies truly depending on our small group to manage this costly situation. In addition, It saved our ink company many thousands of dollars. I’m proud of the job that we did and I still enjoy the friendships that were created during this process. I owe so many knowledgeable people that helped us throughout this entire process.
Maternowski pointed out that environmental systems go hand-in-hand with Quality System Management.
“In the mid 1990s, CPS Corporation received ISO 9001 Quality certification,” he noted. “The CPS Plant in Dunkirk was the first INX-owned company to achieve a certified 9001 Quality System. Our team blended the concepts of TQM and lean technologies to form new documented approaches that helped set-up work instructions, guidelines, management reviews, audits, and continuous improvement goals. I enjoyed leading this process and will never forget the camaraderie of our team. I knew systems management would remain in my career path.
“CPS Corporation (INX International-owned) moved forward and the next step was certifying the Dunkirk facility to the newer ISO 14001 Environmental Standard. In 1996, INX Dunkirk became the first ink company to achieve environmental certification (ISO 14001) in North America. This was an exciting time for our company and we enjoyed the process. The continuous improvement of our systems at INX International continues to push forward,” Maternowski added.
“Currently, INX is proud to say that we have an integrated system called a Business Management System (referred to as BMS). The BMS combines the three certifications (ISO 9001; ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) into a one integrated management system that guides the company’s business practices. At this time, we believe INX International is the very first ink manufacturing company to have achieved an officially certified BMS.
“In 1999, I was asked if I would be interested in becoming the GM of the entire CPS Corporation operation. I knew that this would be a challenge as my background in regulatory and systems management could only cover so much. Therefore, a quick study of milling, formulation, sales, production management, inventory, customer communication, and everything else would have to be instantly learned as OJT. I accepted the role, and if it were not for the excellent assistance of all our staff , personnel and senior INX management, I’m not sure my tenure as GM would have been as pleasant of an experience as it truly was. I am so appreciative of the people I work with at INX International and the guidance that I received throughout three and one-half decades. My role as GM lasted about 13 years and I am forever grateful for the experience.
“In 2013, INX management offered me the corporate position of VP of quality and business management systems,” said Maternowski. “This opportunity allowed greater exposure to the overall company. Working in many different areas provided an expanded view of the industry and the people that make it work. Our greatest challenge to this point was integrating three certifications throughout the INX North American facilities; ISO 9001-2015; ISO 14001-2015 and OHSAS 18001-2007 (now ISO 45001). The process is referred to as creating a complete certified Business Management System (ISO BMS). In retrospect, the process made complete sense as the areas of Quality Systems, Environmental Management and Safety initiatives are related. This is why the authors of the ISO requirements changed all three standards to ten basic elements that line up logically. ISO also utilized the tools and concepts of TPM (Total Productive Management-Maintenance) and lean manufacturing methods within the intent of the verbiage. The INX Edwardsville, Kansas facility achieved the first level TPM award and INX employees were already exposed to many of the concepts and pillars of the program so embracing those methods in the BMS was second nature to much of our workforce. The future challenge will be the continuous improvement of the INX Certified Business Management System and TPM philosophy. I look forward to auditing our progress.”
Maternowski has shared his expertise and experience with NAPIM, contributing to NAPIM by serving on the Environmental Health and Safety Committee for more than 10 years, and has made presentations to NPIRI on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Maternowski is thankful for all of the guidance he has received from his mentors.
“I think it’s safe to say that anyone enjoying a career in the ink industry was treated to an enormous amount of expertise from others in the field. The amount of knowledge that’s contained in people within this occupation is staggering. Just talking to someone on the floor or an ink technician in the lab allows you the opportunity to learn something from a quick conversation. Working in the ink industry for 35 years allowed me the opportunity to work with so many incredible folks which makes discussion about my key influences incredibly difficult as there are so many,” he said.
“First off, Tommy Asher and George Polasik come to mind. I must thank them for taking a young kid with a poly sci degree and allowing me to take the reins of the Environmental Department back in the mid-1980s,” added Maternowski. “We were manufacturing pigment back then and we were subject to an enormous amount of new regulations (OCPSF, TSCA, Haz Com, OSHA) and I remember them asking if we had a handle on all of this; my answer of course was – sure, I think so. It was an amazing time to learn a new field. Looking back, I’m sure they could have outsourced a consultant or hired a scientist to handle the duties, but they kept the position in-house. For that I will always be thankful.
“On the truly technical side and someone who always made me think in more detail than I ever wanted, is a gentleman named Joe Cichon. He is a wealth of knowledge and I will always appreciate his positive attitude and willingness to help others. Joe is a perfect example of grace and dignity even when the situation becomes stressful,” Maternowski noted.
“Without a doubt, two gentlemen that come to mind when describing my key influences are Rick Clendenning and John Hrdlick,” he concluded. “Once again, I appreciate their willingness to allow me the opportunity to install new programs and procedures throughout the INX organization with their solid guidance. They are the true role models of commitment to employees and a work ethic that is really is legendary.”
As the former GM of a primary heatset ink manufacturing facility, Maternowski observed that the change to the industry has been staggering to some ink operations.
“The advent of the internet and less reliance on newspapers for local news and advertising had a tremendous effect on ink operations. Retooling to meet newer ink demands is occurring and the learning curve continues to keep everyone on their toes. I believe the worst is over and the ink industry is reinventing itself to keep up with the demands of modern day printing needs,” he added.
“Additionally, lean thought processes are a dominant topic throughout the industry. The industry is learning to do more with less. Alongside most other industrial operations the ink industry is also struggling with human resources. A younger generation may not have the same interest as past generations. Entering the graphic arts industry is a life time commitment. It is up to all of us as managers (caretakers of the industry) to help gain the interest of a new generation. Manufacturing is cool again, we just need to advertise that with a little more vigor.”
Outside of work, Maternowski particularly enjoys family life.
“I think like most people, family takes precedence over the free time activities,” he said. “Having a 16- year-old son keeps my wife and I fairly busy. We continue to skate and ski throughout the winter and most definitely golf in the summer. Watersports on Lake Erie is a high priority for about five months per year. I enjoy being part of an active bowling and golf league and attending as many charity golf events as possible. I continue to serve a board president for STEL, a fairly large, not-for-profit agency and employer that serves New York State for housing and maintenance for those needing assistance (wounded warriors, addiction, elderly, mental issues, etc.). STEL currently has over 140 employees and has developed properties throughout New York housing and caring for hundreds of consumers.”
