Page 9 - BOSS Today Issue 2

Out of town
The RSMG

“Out-of-Town” Promoting the writing industry

Weekend Vital reading

The WIA Technical Committee Handbook
out the fraudulent use of stamps
on fake passports and identity
papers. The writing instruments industry has Pentel, Mike Williams ex Staedtler,
Ian Bradbeer and his team come under increasing pressure in Julian Head Shachihata (Europe) Ltd,
from Trotec revealed how laser recent years – and most of it has been and Les Bacon Mitsubishi Pencil Co
engraving can help stamp makers associated with product safety. UK Ltd. It’s chaired by Dave Ruderman
sell a wider range of products. This can be traced back to 1974 Newell Rubbermaid (Parker Pen). The
A demonstration proved that when SI.226 was introduced to team has well over a hundred years of
various materials – plastic, metal, control toxic heavy metals in pencils experience in the writing instrument
wood, glass and even 60gm and graphic instruments. Since then, industry.
paper – can be laser-engraved to we have experienced EC directives, The WIA handbook cannot cover
great effect. national and international legislation, everything and shouldn’t be seen
Andy Reiner from Reiner, British Standards, and voluntary codes as an authoritative document. But it
Germany and his U.K. distributor of practice adopted by the European lists pertinent requirements, defines
Chris Ludwig gave a slide Writing Manufacturers Association commonly used acronyms and
presentation on the history, (EWIMA) and the Writing Instruments provides an insight into a number of
current products and production Association (WIA). All of this has an key areas – all of which are helpful
facilities at the Reiner company. impact on everyone in our industry. and indeed essential.
Venue: Castle Green Hotel, This marked the 75th anniversary Keeping up with all this Hopefully, staff in the member
Kendal, the Lake District. of working together with Ludwig information can be a daunting task, companies will find the handbook
Date: 25-27 September 2009 Ltd in the UK. especially as people are joining the useful, not least in pointing out the
In the afternoon, the delegates industry all the time. For that reason, various laws and agreements they
Friday 25th were free to explore the the handbook was conceived by need to be aware of.
Stamp makers, partners and picturesque town of Kendal or the committee twenty years ago The handbook is revised
guests attended the President’s the wider Lake District area. In the to address the knowledge gap of biannually and was last updated early
Reception and Buffet Dinner, after evening was the Gala Dinner, with members. this year. It’s available to member
which they were entertained by superb food and wine enjoyed The committee comprises Geoff companies through the BOSS
stand-up comedian Rod Beech. by all. During the after-dinner Jackson ex Berol, Geoff Making ex website.
speeches, Malcolm Whitehead of
Saturday 26th EM Richford’s was presented with
A meeting of the RSMG board of a Lifetime Achievement Award
directors at 9:00am was followed for services to the rubber stamp fact
by a general meeting of RSMG industry. The evening concluded
members, and then a series of with live entertainment provided correction fluid
workshops between 10:30am and by rock band The White Keys. purchased so far this year
1:00pm. (Jan - September) is enough
Karen Kinger from Operation Sunday 27th to coat the whole of the Isle
Maxim gave a presentation on the After breakfast, guests had time of Wight, white!
Project Genesius anti-fraud work to enjoy the facilities of the
carried out by the Metropolitan hotel and take a last look at the Assumptions
Police in London. This covered the stunning Lake District scenery 1) Each litre of correction
valuable involvement of RSMG before travelling home. All in all, fluid covers approx. 15m 2
members in helping to stamp an unforgettable weekend! 2) This refers to Pens and
Bottle fluid, not correction tape

Data courtesy of GFK, www.gfkrt.com/uk, the providers of the BOSS Market Tracking service for further
information please visit www.bossfederation.co.uk and click on the Market Tracking Service page. November/December 2009 | BOSS TODAY 9

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