A&V Advances Flexo Education with FIRST Certification of All Employees

Being FIRST is good for flexo, which is why Anderson & Vreeland requires FIRST certification of its employees. FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) is the FTA’s training and certification program designed to provide technical information needed to produce high-quality and consistent print results.

Company-wide FIRST certification translates into faster processing of customer inquiries as A&V employees have a better overall understanding of the printing process. This is true with Customer Service Representatives handling initial inquiries and Technologies Specialists addressing more sophisticated problems. Everyone has the same understanding of proper procedures and tools that can help printers be more successful.

All of Anderson & Vreeland’s 170-plus employees are now FIRST certified. In addition, over 40 salespeople and managers have attained Level III certification, the highest FIRST certification level that recognizes proficiency throughout the entire flexographic workflow.

This has been a big commitment by A&V employees but it has been worth it. “We support FIRST because advanced training for our employees helps us provide the best possible service and solutions to our customers,” said Darin Lyon, President & CEO of Anderson & Vreeland. “Our team uses practices learned thru the certification process to interact with a higher degree of efficiency internally, along with improved understanding and engagement with our customers,” added Lyon.

Anderson & Vreeland has supported the FTA’s FIRST certification and training program since its inception in 2006. A&V has a long-standing commitment to advancing flexo education. This includes training employees, customers and supporting educational institutions including the Phoenix Challenge Foundation and colleges offering flexographic studies.

“Many of our customers now have a higher expectation of what our sales people can offer due to their advanced training,” explained Lee Zerfass, Digital Business Manager for Anderson & Vreeland. “They expect more from us as a result of our extensive knowledge and experience,” added Zerfass.

Being FIRST is a good thing. Check out FIRST certification on the Flexographic Technical Association’s website.