As the holiday season fast approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership. It is stakeholders like you who make our jobs a pleasure and keep our company successful. I would also like to take a few minutes and reflect on some of the exciting things that have taken place here at Advanced Web in 2011.

  

Technology Investments

In February, we added a new Mark Andy Performance Series 13", ten-color UV flexo press to our equipment list. This quick make-ready press with individual label defect detection has been a remarkable piece of equipment for us. With our commitment to Lean Manufacturing and Sustainability, this press has helped us to reduce the set up time and materials needed for each job, therefore reducing waste.

 

In October, we added a second digital press, a new HP Indigo 6000. This new digital press has enhanced color management, a broader spectral range and supports a larger array of substrates.

 

We will continue to invest in the technology that brings the highest value to our customers.

  

Lean Culture

In 2008, Advanced Web made the commitment to become a Lean Manufacturer. The foundation of this culture was build around Seven Wastes, 5S and Standard Work to manage our projects and key initiatives.

 

Since beginning our lean journey, we have completed 17 Kaizen Events and logged more than 6,300 hours of training. In 2011, we have averaged 12 hours of training per employee.

 

This fall we welcomed Justin Thompson to our team as Lean Project Manager.  Justin is not only focused internally on improvement and lean projects but will be working with our customers in helping to deliver a lowest total applied cost for labeling/packaging.  Justin brings great experience and passion to our team.

 

Quality Overview

With our dedication to Lean Manufacturing and the continuous improvement process, we have strengthened our relationships not only with our customers, but also with our suppliers. Through customer audits, monthly monitoring, and improvement teams we have worked to improve our quality and delivery standards to meet our customers' requests. In 2011 alone, we were able to reduce our external CARs by 43% and have an overall quality rating of 99.41%.

 

Advanced Web is currently Great Printer and ISO 9001-2008 Certified and we are working on introducing ISO 14000 standards into our system.

 

US Converting Acquisition

On October 24th, Advanced Web acquired the assets of US Converting, Inc. of South Elgin, IL.  US Converting helps us to expand our footprint in the flexible packaging markets. 

 

USC provides innovative solutions for customers primarily in the food packaged goods industry but also supports the medical, pet, sporting goods and industrial product markets.  US Converting is a wide web flexible packaging converter that was established in 1985 and we look forward to helping them expand and grow. 

  

TLMI Award

We are excited to share with you that Advanced Web has received the First Place Award in Flexography Color Process - Non-Prime from the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI). This award was presented to us at the 34th Annual TLMI Awards Competition in Scottsdale, Arizona.  

May your holiday season and the New Year be filled with much joy, happiness and success. We look forward to working with you in the coming year and hope our business relationship continues for many years to come.

Happy holidays!

Kip Colwell  

CEO

Advanced Web