Books for School Exceeds Expectations
A consortium of industry leaders that took part in the Books For School program at the Graph Expo and Converting Show, held in Chicago, Oct. 10-15, exceeded the production goal of classic titles that were donated to the Chicago Public Schools.
The group of companies consisted of Delphax Technologies, Glatfelter, Keene Technology Inc., Stalfors Inc., MBO America, Palamides, Shuttleworth Inc., Muller-Martini Corp., Xeikon America Inc. and GBC. Together, their technology produced over 5,000 books during the first day and a half of Graph Expo, which was the target goal for the entire show, says Bob VandenBoom, marketing director of Delphax Technologies.
"This performance is particularly impressive and gratifying since we're running this production line, not in a pressroom environment, but in the middle of a trade show as we simultaneously demonstrate the system and its components to prospects, and produce complete books to meet the high demand for samples," VandenBoom says.
The consortium produced over 12,000 books during the four-day exposition.
At a press briefing held during the show, Dr. Tariq Butt of the Chicago Board of Education said the books donated to the system would be used in a variety of programs.
"Providing students with exposure to great classic literature helps achieve our goal of providing the kind of rich and intellectually stimulating educational experience that makes a difference in the lives and potentially longer-term educational and career goals of these students," said Butt.
Approximately 475 students enrolled in the Chicago school system visited the "Books For Schools" exhibit at Graph Expo as part of the career day activities offered by the show's owner, Graphic Arts Show Company.