EDMONTON—NorQuest College has a new mandate for its educational programming for printers, moving away from the tech focus of its Centre for Excellence in Print Media (CEPM) and selling its equipment.

The college will now focus on helping print media companies improve productivity and implement leaner processes.


Former CEPM principal Josh Ramsbottom speaks at Print World 2012

The CEPM was developed in 2008 to provide an opportunity for small- and medium-sized print media companies to test new technology, develop tech integration and transition plans, enter new markets with new products, and also attract new entrants to the industry and help companies improve productivity.

According to the college, Josh Ramsbottom, former CEPM principal, delivered a series of successful workshops last year in Western Canada on lean manufacturing and business process improvement; since higher demand in this area was clear, NorQuest decided in September to begin curtailing its print technology activities.

Ramsbottom will continue to offer consultation services and training in process improvement. Activities related to process improvement have been moved to the college's Landmark Group Centre for Value Improvement, established last year, which NorQuest calls a "natural alignment."

In keeping with its original mandate and the requirements of its various funders, the CEPM's equipment was first offered to Canadian schools with print media programs. Two institutions will receive the bulk of the cache. The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology is adopting a number of workflow pieces, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology is receiving a load of digital, finishing, and colour management tech.

NorQuest is retaining a few pieces to supplement its Fort Saskatchewan lab, and a Heidelberg Stahlfolder TH 56-4/4P, plus accessories, is available via sealed bid for purchase (bid #2013-08-08). NorQuest expects all CEPM equipment to be relocated by October.