This 1980s film by Countryman-Klang “Hot Line to Profit” promotes the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), a member-driven organization dedicated to supporting the graphic communications industry. Through real-life troubleshooting examples, member testimonials, and detailed explanations, the film demonstrates how GATF helps solve technical printing problems, improve productivity, and increase profitability. Members gain access to expert researchers, custom training programs, technical audits, and one of the most advanced graphic arts research centers in the world. GATF also provides ongoing education through workshops, seminars, and monthly digests summarizing key insights from hundreds of publications. With over 1,200 members, the foundation emphasizes a collaborative, people-helping-people approach. Ultimately, the message is clear: GATF equips businesses—large and small—with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to stay competitive and thrive in a complex industry.
00:00: Opens with music as Harvey Levenson from the Technical Services Department discusses a printing issue involving excessive dot gain. He suggests checking the plate-to-blanket squeeze using a packing gauge. By 0:56, another operator brings up a separate problem related to face makeup, calling on Don for assistance. Shortly after, from 1:09, the team identifies color doubling in cyan ink, which is impacting tone reproduction. A potential solution of changing the ink sequence is proposed.
From 2:05: Need to consider alternative problem-solving methods and encourages sharing the results of any changes. At 2:28, a seasoned printer with 20 years of experience shares how GATF has helped him find solutions, ultimately saving time, money, and improving customer satisfaction.
3:02:GATF (Graphic Arts Technical Foundation) an organization with over 1,200 members, driven by and for its members. GATF’s core areas include scientific research, education, technical services, and disseminating critical information to support the graphic communications industry. From 4:45: it’s explained that membership gives printers access to an expert team and state-of-the-art research center that supports both immediate problem resolution and long-term planning.
Between 5:18: the emphasis shifts to the value of community within GATF—members work on committees, share knowledge, and support each other, highlighting a “people helping people” philosophy. Then, from 6:14: we learn that GATF filters information from over 300 industry publications and provides monthly digests and bulletins, saving members time and ensuring they stay current with industry trends.
At 7:16: GATF’s publishing arm is showcased. The foundation produces textbooks widely used across the industry, including the Lithographer’s Manual. The organization also maintains a vast reference library. From 8:13: GATF’s cutting-edge pressroom and research staff are highlighted—they offer unbiased testing and support tailored to specific company needs.
A case study between 9:02: illustrates how a GATF plant audit helped a company revise internal procedures, resulting in significantly improved productivity and profitability. From 10:02–11:01, details how GATF responds to over 2,500 technical inquiries a year and offers services like press tests, material testing, and environmental support.
The timeframe 11:01: focuses on GATF’s educational impact. It hosts more than 30 workshops and several seminars annually, along with a 5-day orientation program for new employees. 12:30: GATF is referred to as “the answer place,” and the only complete service organization of its kind in the industry. 13:00: GATF built its current facility in 1965 near research institutions in Pittsburgh.
From 14:01: services summarized: direct hotline to technical experts, custom training, visual systems for quality control, and early access to new research. 15:03: Conclusion.
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