Printing Industries of America Escorts Walsworth Publishing to G7 Qualification

Walsworth Publishing Company's manufacturing facility in Marceline, Miss., has been qualified as a G7 Master Printer. The company was assisted by Pittsburgh-based Printing Industries of America (PIA), who helped implement the G7 Methodology and facilitated the process of becoming qualified.

The G7 Methodology enables printers to improve the visual similarity between a proof and printed sheet as well as between printed sheets from different presses. The G7 Methodology depends primarily on defining and using gray balance to control images.

“G7 is already paying dividends; not only has it reminded customers that we are leaders in technologies and processes and will do what is necessary to ensure the best performance for them, but it is definitely helping our press efficiency metrics,” said chief executive officer Don Walsworth. “Printing Industries of America was a great help to us because they understand the technical process so well.”

The family-owned company employs more than 1,250 people, making it the largest company that PIA has guided through the qualification process to date. Walsworth is a leader in yearbook printing, also producing text books, catalogs, magazines and other specialty publications.

“The customer experience is truly improved by specifications and standards, and we are committed to helping printers implement these types of solutions. I am excited with the result at Walsworth,” said Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president of technology and research at PIA.

In addition to helping printers achieve G7 qualification, PIA assists printers in setting up procedures and methodology to meet the ISO 12647 print standards and GRACoL guidelines and print specifications. It also tests inks, ensuring they meet the ISO 2846 ink standard, a requirement for both ISO 12647 and G7. Certificates of compliance are provided to companies able to demonstrate that they meet G7 and ISO 12647 specific color management requirements.

Information on assistance with G7 qualification and the ISO 2846 and ISO 12647 validation programs is available at the print quality analysis page or by contacting Ken Rizzo, director of technical and lean services at (412) 259-1835.