Printing's Alive

Welcome to Printing's Alive—the podcast that explores everything print and beyond! From traditional techniques to modern innovations, we dive into how print shapes industries, businesses, and our everyday lives

Erik Norman on swissQprint, Sustainability, and Innovation in Large Format Printing

S1 E74 • Jun 16, 2026 • 56 mins

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Erik Norman from swissQprint to discuss the company's new facility and their decision to expand amid economic challenges. They delve into the importance of sustainability, critiquing FSC certification and emphasizing LEED certification. The conversation covers managing costs, delivering client value, and enhancing printing with textures and varnish. Erik shares insights on overcoming legacy thinking, engaging young employees, and the impact of young leadership. They also explore building a positive work culture, managing tariffs, and addressing mental health in the industry. The episode concludes with a call for open dialogue and empathy among printers.

Key Points

SwissQ Print is moving to a new, custom-designed facility in West Dundee, Illinois, to better support their growth and operations.
Eric Norman emphasizes the importance of looking beyond just the acquisition cost when buying large format equipment, considering factors like service, reliability, and human impact.
SwissQ Print differentiates itself by not selling service contracts and focusing on building robust, reliable machines that minimize downtime and maintenance.

Speakers

Warren Werbitt

Host • 44%

Eric Norman

Guest • 56%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and overview with Eric Norman from SwissQ Print
1:14	SwissQ Print’s new facility and building decisions
2:57	Economic challenges and choosing to expand
4:39	LEED certification and sustainability focus
5:02	Critique of FSC certification in printing
6:44	Managing costs in the print industry
8:22	Delivering value to clients
10:08	Enhancing large format printing with textures and varnish
13:20	SwissQ Print’s reliability and service approach
19:26	Notable client projects and applications
24:44	Overcoming legacy thinking in print
25:48	Listening to and learning from younger generations
27:02	Engaging young employees, especially on social media
28:58	Impact of young leadership in the print sector
30:20	Building a supportive and positive work culture
31:57	Starting meetings with positive stories
34:39	Eric Norman’s career path and joining SwissQ Print
36:22	Managing the North American subsidiary
40:25	Navigating tariffs and inventory management
41:59	Identifying the right customers for SwissQ Print
44:04	Common mistakes print buyers make
45:09	Cost-saving measures and productivity impacts
49:47	Addressing mental health in the print industry
51:22	Closing thoughts and upcoming events
52:15	Encouraging open dialogue among printers
53:03	The importance of empathy and OEM support
55:24	Final remarks and call to action

Transcript

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