Charlotte, NC – Nearly a dozen team members at global anilox supplier Harper Corporation soon will begin an intensive half-year program of instruction leading to their certification as Implementation Specialists.

That designation, along with Press and Pre-Press certifications, make up the Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances or FIRST Program. This year's courses are the fourth edition to be offered by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) to production workers, supervisory personnel and supplier staff.

Like other FIRST enrollees, staff from the Harper GraphicSolutions division will take part in on-line instruction and examinations via FTA's sponsored virtual campus. The Implementation Specialist program is geared to benefit suppliers of flexographic products and services and non-production personnel.

Primary focus of LEVEL III Implementation Certification – the highest available – is the recognition of those demonstrating proficiency in executing FIRST principles throughout the entire flexographic workflow. A scientific approach to data use is integral to the course.

In the last three months, Harper showed support for FIRST programs by donating a fully portable Phanton Proofing System and four narrow web base anilox rolls to an online auction. Auction proceeds will fund scholarships for deserving certification candidates.

"Certification, training and educational opportunities all add to the knowledge and professionalism that is so essential to growth in our industry," said Peter Hartman, Harper Vice President, Sales. "These are initiatives we support as much and as frequently as we can."