Workhorse Industries of Jacksonville, Florida, has graciously offered to consider building a miniature corrugated flexo printing press for placement in colleges and high schools throughout the U.S., according to Bettylyn Krafft. Glynn Wilson, Managing Director of WI, and his family donated a three-color graphics WORKHORSE® rotary die cutter to Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin, in May of 2000, to further corrugated education. Upon learning of the extensive education outreach of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation, Wilson saw another opportunity for a huge resource of young talent so needed by his industry.
Wilson made his donation to FVTC through the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF). ICPF—supporting the industry’s independent and the integrated boxmakers—is the foundation arm of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters and the Fibre Box Association.
Bettylyn added that she has also had discussions with Robin Jackson, president of the ICPF, and both her and Wilson are enthusiastic and optimistic about moving forward with the proposed project, following a presentation that Bettylyn gave to the ICPF contributors last year.
Wilson is anticipating a “Colt” design that would reduce the normal press size to 12 ft. X 6 ft., to enable the more easily adaptable press to fit limited space in school labs. The first press would be placed at the Harper Campus at CPCC, Charlotte, N.C., to allow local Phoenix Challenge Foundation volunteers to work with the instructors and students in establishing an innovative and comprehensive curriculum for the corrugated flexo program.
For more information or to offer assistance with this important program contact Bettylyn Krafft, chairman Phoenix Challenge Foundation, telephone 704-309-3748 or email bkrafft@carolina.rr.com.