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 lauded for its contributions to the printing industry and community alike, receiving two of the competition's highest honours:
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
Media inquiries:
Scott Gray
Vice President, Branding, MET Fine Printers
T: 604 254 4201 C: 604 418 7705
E: [email protected]
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