PIA/GATF Names Industry Veteran Ken Rizzo as Director of Consulting
PITTSBURGH, PA—November 13, 2006—PIA/GATF announced today that Kenneth Rizzo has rejoined the organization as director of consulting. Rizzo will be responsible for managing PIA/GATF’s consulting activities and its staff of full-time, auxiliary, and external consultants. As a consultant, his work will focus on helping PIA/GATF members through technical plant assessments, equipment analysis, and the use of Lean Manufacturing concepts and applications.
Rizzo brings a substantial set of skills to the position. A certified green belt in the Six Sigma methodology and a Certified Quality Systems Auditor for ISO 9000, he has over 32 years of industry experience, including various production management positions. He is a best-selling author, has written dozens of articles for leading industry publications, and has been a frequent speaker at major industry events.
“Ken not only has terrific insight into what is needed for today’s companies to be successful, he is experienced at doing it at the highest level. His leadership skills will be a great addition to our staff, and his knowledge of production trends and implementing Lean Manufacturing will be a huge benefit for our members,” said Michael Makin, president and CEO of PIA/GATF.
Most recently Rizzo served as process engineer for Rock-Tenn, a leading producer of packaging products and recycled paperboard. In this position, he was instrumental in helping Rock-Tenn’s 25 folding carton plants maintain high productivity and quality printing standards. He also led the folding carton division’s Performance Excellence initiative by planning and facilitating numerous 5S, setup reduction, and total productive maintenance projects. Prior to its purchase by Rock-Tenn, Rizzo was process improvement manager for Gulf States Paper Corporation.
From 1990–2000 Rizzo was a senior GATF consultant for technical/quality systems. While at GATF he developed the Foundation’s Quick Response Makeready program. He also authored the book, Total Production Maintenance: A Guide to the Printing Industry, a resource for printing managers seeking to implement effective equipment maintenance, solve production bottlenecks, and eliminate common causes of productivity losses.
As director of consulting, he will return to PIA/GATF’s instructional faculty, serving as workshop leader for a new multi-day workshop for advanced press operators, as well as teaching seminars and custom programs. His speaking credits include presentations at dozens of trade shows, conferences, and other industry gatherings.
PIA/GATF has long been the premier consulting resource for production, management, and strategic solutions. It’s consulting assignments range from helping member companies optimize prepress workflow and install process controls to obtaining air permits and assisting with business acquisitions. Additional information on PIA/GATF Consulting Services is available at www.gain.net (“Programs and Services”) or by calling Chris Riederer at 1-800-910-4283 ext. 796.
About PIA/GATF
PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information.
