This is my final issue as Editor of Converting Today: after nearly 18 years with the magazine, and having recently reached my 60th birthday, I have decided to take 'semi retirement'. Associate Editor Sonali Advani will now take over the Editor's chair, and I will continue to work with her on a part-time basis as Consultant Editor.
So it's 'goodbye' from me as Editor and 'hello' to Sonali. I will still be here in my new supporting role - just taking more time to enjoy the rest of my life, my family and my many other interests.
I want to say a big thank-you to everybody I have known and worked with during my time in the converting industry, especially Pauline Covell, my predecessor as Editor, who set such a fine example for me to follow. I know that Sonali will be more than able to continue the tradition.
This month's issue takes a close look at the latest developments in drive technology, with a number of individual articles that focus on particular systems and technologies. Drives may not be the most exciting elements of a converting machine, but as with so many of the less 'glamorous' products, they play an important part in ensuring that everything runs as efficiently as possible.
We also have a round-up of what's been happening on the coating and laminating front recently.
Another feature this month - Flexo Express - includes the latest news from UK based flexo industry association EFTA, which has launched an innovative online training academy. Next month sees the presentation of the 2008 EFTA Print Awards and, in addition to sponsoring the Cash in Waste environmental category, Converting Today will again produce the souvenir brochure for this prestigious event.
Next month's issue will have features on Digital Printing, Carton and Corrugated Converting, and a special report on the Italian industry. It will be the first issue to be edited by Sonali and I look forward to working with her as she brings a fresh, younger approach to ensuring that Converting Today continues to give you the best possible coverage of the news, views and trends from around the European converting industry.
Over to you, Sonali!
Mike Taylor
Editor
mike
