Schaumburg, IL – John Hrdlick, Chief Operating Officer for INX International Ink Co., was honored with a Printing Ink Pioneer Award from the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers at NAPIM’s annual convention, which was held April 6-9 in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Hrdlick has spent 36 of his 39 years in the industry connected to INX and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer a year ago. 

“John’s career is full of accomplishments and he is very deserving of this award,” said Rick Clendenning, President & CEO of INX International.  “His hard work and dedication landed him a number of opportunities throughout the years and he responded by making the very best of each one.  I think John’s success is due to him being a quick study.  He learned our industry and the trade very well.”

John Hrdlick was honored with the NAPIM Printing Ink Pioneer Award at the annual convention held April 6-9 in Bonita Springs, Florida.  Celebrating the occasion were INX colleagues (from left to right): Kitty and Rick Clendenning; Dawn and John Hrdlick; and Rick and Peggy Westrom.

After starting in the industry in 1974 with Sinclair Valentine Ink Company, Mr. Hrdlick moved to  Acme Printing in Milwaukee in 1977 as a third shift worker.  Acme later became part of INX International when it was one of the first North American acquisitions made by Sakata INX.  John learned the business from the ground up, transferring from the laboratory in Milwaukee to Charlotte and later to South Hampton, Pennsylvania.

It was in Pennsylvania where Hrdlick first became a branch manager in the early 1990s.  In 1995, John was promoted to Southeast Region Manager before being named Vice President for the same region a year later.  Another promotion occurred in 1999, this time as Vice President of the Sheetfed division, before he was transferred to INX headquarters in suburban Chicago in 2000.

Over the last decade, Hrdlick has successfully handled each new challenge.  Selected as Vice President of the Field Operations division in 2002, he was elected to the INX Board of Directors in 2008 and was elevated to Senior Vice President of Field Operations a year later.  In 2010, he was handed the responsibility of overseeing INX operations in Canada.  In April 2012, John took over as Chief Operating Officer where he now oversees all INX operating facilities in North America.

“John has helped many people over the years and is one of the most respected executives at INX and in the industry.  His management skills and knowledge of our product lines and manufacturing techniques is tremendous,” remarked Clendenning.

“During his career, John has always attended industry conferences, supported the local trade associations and was involved in with the local Printing Ink Production and Litho Clubs in Milwaukee, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta.  His lifelong promotion of the graphic arts industry included participation in college career events where he encouraged involvement in the manufacturing trade.  He is a true pioneer and I’m happy to have NAPIM recognize him with this award.”