Pittsburgh, Pa., July 12, 2001 — In today’s highly competitive print market, printers are under pressure to shorten turnaround production time, reduce costs, and still maintain quality. Customers have come to expect high quality. Therefore the key is to quicken turnaround time. To help printers accelerate plant production throughput GATFPress is pleased to present an updated edition of Total Production Maintenance: A Guide for the Printing Industry, Second Edition. Total Production Maintenance (TPM) is based on a series of common-sense measurement, operational, and continuous improvement systems used in most industries throughout the world. It aims to optimize and maintain the graphic arts technical system by identifying and systematically eliminating spoilage, waste, and productivity interruptions. The six predominant operational and mechanical losses that TPM focuses on eliminating include: (1) equipment failure and downtime, (2) equipment setup and adjustment (makeready), (3) equipment idling and minor stops (spoilage and speed losses), (4) reduced running speeds (speed losses), (5) defective products (spoilage and waste), and (6) reduced equipment yield (startup losses). This second edition of TPM also contains instructions on accessing an ftp site for updated and additional material and checklists. The site contains maintenance, calibration, and process control checklists that were previous unavailable or sold separately. Printers may use the materials as they are or choose to customize such forms for job planning and design, plate inspection, maintenance request, etc. for their particular company. "This book is designed to helps printers develop a TPM system to match their operational needs using the most effective analytical management, lean manufacturing, and maintenance tools available today," said Kenneth E. Rizzo. The author of TPM, Rizzo also developed a consulting and certification program to help printers implement this technical quality control program. He adapted and developed the TPM system from the philosophy of Seiichi Nakajima, a Japanese mechanical engineer, and refined it specifically for the needs of today’s printing industry. Since introducing the book in 1997, it has become a valuable part of GATF’s consulting and training programs. Rizzo is a former senior consultant, technical/quality systems, of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) where he specialized in sheetfed press operations, troubleshooting lean manufacturing, process control, and quality systems implementation. With over 30 years of experience, he is currently process improvement coordinator for Gulf States Paper Corporation. A 286-page hardcover book with full-color illustrations, Total Production Maintenance (ISBN 0-88362-298-X) is available for $75 ($55 for GATF/PIA members), not including shipping. Orders may be placed by contacting GATF by phone at 800/662-3916 (U.S. and Canada) or 412/741-5733 (all other countries); fax at 412/741-0609; or online from the GAIN Bookstore. Mail orders to GATF Products, P.O. Box 1020, Sewickley, PA 15143-1020. Indicate Order No. 15432.