Chris Illa, Director of Operations at Japs-Olson, and Expert of Lean Manufacturing, Passes

MINNETRISTA, MN—August 13, 2014—Chris Illa of Minnetrista, MN, died July 27, 2014, after a long illness with cancer. He was a dedicated and well respected employee of Japs-Olson Co. in St. Louis Park, MN, for 24 years.

Illa started his career at Japs-Olson in the prepress department. He went on to manage several production departments including: prepress, data processing, workflow systems, operations and continuous improvement and lastly director of operations. He was instrumental in the implementation of the company’s Lean initiatives and workflow improvement. Illa's leadership within the printing industry on both the technical and the people side have had a lasting impact.

He was active in several printing industry associations and boards including: Printing Industries of America (PIA), Printing Industry Midwest (PIM), Kodak’s User Group and advisory board member for Hennepin Technical & Dakota County College in MN. His articles on Lean manufacturing and process improvement have been featured in many industry trade publications including Graphic Arts Monthly, American Printer and Kodak’s One magazine.

Illa was a talented manager and leader who had a love for the graphic arts industry. But what he’ll be remembered for most was his passion for helping employees and co-workers improve and reach their highest potential.

Source: Japs-Olson Co.