VANCOUVER, Dec. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - What do stellar printing, innovative
technology and corporate philanthropy have in common? They are but
three of the winning attributes recognized in MET Fine Printers (MET)
by PrintAction Magazine for the publication's seventh annual Canadian
Print Awards this November 29th in Toronto. MET was laudedfor its contributions to the printing industry and community alike,
receiving two of the competition's highest honours:
-
the prestigious John A. Young Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to
MET Founder and Chairman George Kallas, and
-
the Best Community Program Award for Canstruction Vancouver, an annual
design/build competition aimed at defeating hunger, one can at a time.
Kallas was on hand at the sold out Canadian Print Awards' gala to accept
these honours, as well as 2 additional awards presented to MET for
excellence in printing.
The John A. Young Lifetime Achievement Award - Pushing the Printing
Envelope
The John A. Young Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed annually to an
individual who has made significant, pioneering contributions to the
North American printing industry over the course of his/her career.
MET Founder and Chairman Kallas has been actively involved in the
graphic arts industry for more than 35 years. Inspired by his longtime
interest in technology and passion for art, in 1977 he founded MET in
Vancouver. Within two decades, the entrepreneurial company had built an
international reputation for its stellar craftsmanship, environmental
excellence, customer service and uncanny ability to handle the most
difficult projects.
MET also became known for its pioneering spirit, forging new technology
and sustainability solutions:
- MET is one of the first printers in North America to utilize
Computer-to-Plate technology
- MET produced a Record Setting 1,697 Line-Screen Poster to test the
limits of the system
- MET is one of Canada's first FSC Certified Printers
- MET is one of Canada's first completely Carbon Neutral Printers
- MET becomes the first printer in North America to offer UV printing in
combination with 10 Micron Staccato™ technology as a house standard.
- MET remains the primary R+D facility for Enviro Image Solutions revolutionary blanket renewal program.
"This is an amazing honour that I share with our entire organization,"
said Kallas. "For 35 years, I've been fortunate to work in an industry
that I love and to be surrounded by smart, talented people, who
continually come up with great ideas."
Best Community Program - Creating a 'Can-do' community
From Day One, Kallas' vision for MET was much bigger than pushing the
printing envelope: giving back to the community was integral to the
company culture. In 2002, MET founded Canstruction Vancouver, a local chapter of an international design/build competition created
to defeat hunger.
Multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, designers and students
get together to create fantastical giant sculptures made entirely from
canned food, which are subsequently donated to local food banks. MET's
staff works with volunteers on the event and create a
multi-disciplinary marketing program, including the highly anticipated
annual Canstruction Calendar. Since its start, Canstruction Vancouver
has raised more than 1.15 million cans of food valued at more than $2.3
million for donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
"My dad instilled a great sense of community responsibility in MET's
culture," said MET President Nikos Kallas. "Canstruction Vancouver is
just one example of his creative vision and social conscience. It
enables us to bring our clients together to not only build an amazing
art show, but to also work together towards building a stronger
community."
Founded by PrintAction Magazine and now in its 7th year, the Canadian
Printing Awards aims to recognize excellence in quality printing,
environmental initiatives and industry contribution.
The Canadian Printing Awards
Metropolitan Fine Printers (MET) is one of North America's most
sought-after commercial printing partners. Founded in 1977 and based in
Vancouver, the family-owned company continues to serve the design,
business and environmental communities of the Pacific Northwest with
unparalleled craftsmanship and technology alongside an unquenchable
commitment to service and innovation. MET is the PIA's (Print Industry
of America's) most awarded printer in Canada with 31 Benjamin Franklin
Awards for Excellence.
Image with caption: "Dragons' Den's Dianne Buckner and Lifetime Achievement Award winner George Kallas at PrintAction Magazines 7th Canadian Print Awards. (CNW Group/MET Fine Printers)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121204_C6302_PHOTO_EN_21537.jpg
SOURCE: MET Fine Printers