MEET THE EXPERT - DAN LOMBARDO

Track & Trace™ allows both consumers and brand inspectors to verify authenticity with their smartphones.

invisible pigments into product labels, or by embedding them into the product itself at the point of manufacture, they are impossible to identify and remove. The inks also don’t fade easily, making them appropriate for covert applications.” Since the secure mark can be printed either covertly or overtly, and in either a static or dynamic (variable) code, brand owners would determine what level of brand protection they require, as well as their data capture and track-and-trace needs before engaging with their printer/ converter partner, Brice emphasizes. “INX would then supply the ink based on their needs and the type of printing process used. Brand owners would use detection equipment supplied by VerifyMe to ensure product security and integrity. That could simply be a matter of detecting the presence of the taggant or full track-andtrace: detection, decoding and authenticating.” INX maintains a global footprint with world-class research and development and manufacturing capabilities. “We also maintain a commitment to consistent quality, sustainability, safety and employee welfare,” Brice continues. “INX is the only ink manufacturer in North America to achieve a certified Business Management System accreditation by the ABS Group’s Quality Evaluations Assessment Organization. The certification includes three integrated standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018. All were key factors for VerifyMe in choosing an ink supplier.” “If a product is produced, it’s counterfeited somewhere, sometime,” adds Dave Sandello, VerifyMe’s Director of Sales & Business Development. “Counterfeiting costs brands more than $30 billion in 2020 sales. And depending upon the product being counterfeited or diverted, there can be serious health and safety concerns for consumers.”

All of this is why INX is enthusiastic about the collaboration. “We are very excited to bring VerifyMe’s proprietary technology to brand owners and manufacturers around the world,” notes John Hrdlick, INX president and CEO, “With the huge demand for brand protection and anticounterfeiting, we are pleased to work with VerifyMe’s team to bring new solutions to market.”

“By integrating our highly secure, invisible pigments into product labels, or by embedding them into the product itself at the point of manufacture, they are impossible to identify and remove."

Keith Goldstein, COO for VerifyMe

To learn more on how INX can help your business or security, contact your local rep or visit INXinternational.com

Dan Lombardo, Vice President of Operations, is a rarity in business. He has been a devoted member of the INX family for an incredible 50 years. Throughout this extensive career, Dan has faced many challenges head-on, and has seen it all. After high school, he began his technical path by spending time at Michigan State University and Chicago Graphic Arts School. He joined Acme Printing Ink in Chicago in 1970, where he worked in Quality Control and color matching through 1975. From 1976 through March of 1993, Dan began flourishing in Acme’s Carroll Ave. lab while holding in-plant and production manager positions. During that time, Acme became part of INX International Ink Co.

“My career started with a summer job while waiting for my low draft number to be called,” Dan remembers. “I never got the call, so I stayed, learned about the business, and here I am 51 years later!” Dan recalls back in the late 70’s being deeply involved in the introduction of graphics for two-piece cans. “Cans were printed at about 400 per minute, so we thought changing colors on the fly during a production run was an art,” he says. “Today, the canmakers can complete three label changes in the time it took to get Quality Control to approve one color back then. Now, can lines exceed 3,000 per minute. To see how that product line has evolved to where it is today is amazing.” MOVING UP THE LADDER

In April, 1997 Dan went from a Corporate Technical Sales Representative to Metal Division Manager, and the following year was promoted to Vice President Metal Decorating. In March of 1999, he added the responsibility for all Metal Operations. In December of 1999, Dan’s position became Vice President of Metal Decorating Operations. Dan didn’t stop at metal decorating operations. In 2005, he added ultraviolet and electron beam ink operations to his responsibilities, and was given the additional role of Technical Director for INX Metal Decorating product lines the next year. “With INX, you always have the opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge,” he points out. “And you can wear a lot of hats. Presently, I oversee metal operations, which includes two- and three-piece metal decorating, along with our rigid container line. That keeps me involved in corporate sales and day to day plant issues, from contingency plans to overall production and equipment needs. This also includes the technical responsibility for each metal product line and the plants that manufacture them.”

Each time Dan was tasked with tackling more responsibility and bigger roles, he succeeded, notes John Hrdlick, INX International’s President and CEO. “Dan has a high capacity for managing multiple responsibilities, and we are very grateful for his service and dedication.”

An especially proud moment for Dan was in 2010 when he received the Printing Ink Pioneer award from the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM). The award recognized his achievements and service in the ink industry and the association, among his peers. “This award was most satisfying because it was chosen by my peers,” he says.

With an outstanding career spanning 50 years, Dan Lombardo leaves a legacy of leadership and innovation.

DAN LOMBARDO, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

CHASING THE SUN

After a long and productive career, Dan has decided to retire at the end of 2021, which will open the door to new experiences for Dan and his family. There are plenty of home improvements to keep him busy, at least for a while, and after that, he wants to chase the sun. “We want to be snowbirds for a few years until my wife and I find what we are looking for,” he says. From everyone at INX International, congratulations, Dan, and best wishes in this new chapter in your life. You will be missed. Adds Hrdlick, “Dan and his wife, Joanie, have both worked very hard for a long time, and now deserve to move into a time where they can enjoy retirement.”

INX International Ink Co. 150 North Martingale Road, Suite 700 Schaumburg, IL 60173 800-631-7956 inxcolorperfection.com

GET YOUR CAN LABELS TO MARKET QUICKER

The INX 2-Piece Metal Color Catalog is the industry’s only true color standard for 2-piece metal can design.

The Advanced Color Communication tool contains over 600 removable color swatches printed on metal; not paper. Brand owners, designers, and metal decorators have a true representation of color, and can select, communicate, and approve color efficiently—reducing lead times getting labels to market quicker.

WWW.INXCATALOG.COM

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