Kohler's In-plant Manager Gets 'Reality Check' at PRINT 17

Christopher Donlon, manager of Kohler's in-plant.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is a global leader in the manufacture of a wide range of products, from kitchen and bath products and accessories, to engines and power systems, to premier cabinetry and tile. Kohler is also the owner and operator of two five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, and St Andrews, Scotland.

Christopher Donlon runs an in-plant printing department for Kohler, serving as manager as well as buyer for those items that need to be outsourced. The department has two Xerox iGen 4 Diamond machines, two C60s, and a Docutech 180. The three-person team produces a variety of marketing materials and financial reports for Kohler’s Hospitality, Plumbing, and Global Power Group brands, as well as supplies for Kohler’s manufacturing teams, tag cards, material movement cards, inspection forms, and much more.

“The PRINT show is the place that I see all the new technology firsthand, and get to talk with engineers as well as reps,” said Donlon. “You don’t get to have engineers meet with you on sales visits.”

PRINT, as well as GRAPH EXPO, is also where Donlon gets a “reality check” about how the industry is doing (“Still strong,” he said) as well as networking connections and firsthand product knowledge.

“‘Kick the tires’ is a good way to put it,” he said.

Attendees to shows like PRINT 17 very often have a specific product in mind that they are looking for, or want to see live and experience it directly. At this year’s show, Donlon is looking for a hard case book binder. “I’ve been in talks with a brand, but still have many questions,” he said. “I have set up a day that I’ll be visiting their booth and will bring a sample of the case wrap material that I want to use with the system. So, firsthand operating the machine is what I am looking for. “

I attend drupa every four years as well,” he added. “It just renews my enthusiasm for this industry."