At the FORUM INFOFLEX Awards Banquet on April 26, 2026, the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) honored Garrett Taylor, Sales Director of SOMA North America, with its President’s Award, recognizing his contributions to industry education, collaboration, and technical advancement.
The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) presented its 2026 President’s Award to Garrett Taylor during the closing banquet of FORUM INFOFLEX. The accolade, one of the association’s highest honors, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate sustained leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to the growth of the flexographic printing sector.
Taylor’s nomination was anchored in three core areas:
Education and training – He has been a vocal supporter of hands‑on learning initiatives, most notably the partnership between FTA and the Flexo Xperience Center. The collaboration has expanded access to practical training modules that bridge the gap between classroom theory and shop‑floor application.
Industry collaboration – By fostering dialogue among equipment manufacturers, ink suppliers, and end‑users, Taylor helped shape programs such as the FIRST training curriculum, which aims to standardize skill development across the sector.
Technical programming – His involvement in FTA’s technical events and workshops has contributed to the dissemination of emerging best practices, from plate technology to sustainable ink formulations.
FTA President Nathan Ridnouer highlighted Taylor’s “tremendous partnership and advocacy” for the association, noting that his efforts have reinforced the organization’s role as a conduit for knowledge sharing. The president emphasized that the award reflects not only individual achievement but also the collective progress of the flexographic community.
The flexographic printing industry is navigating rapid change, driven by demands for higher quality, faster turnaround, and greener processes. Awards such as the President’s Award serve to spotlight leaders who can translate these pressures into actionable programs. Taylor’s focus on education and cross‑sector collaboration aligns with the industry’s current priorities: upskilling the workforce, integrating digital technologies, and reducing environmental impact.
While the award marks a career milestone, it also underscores ongoing challenges. Continued investment in training facilities like the Flexo Xperience Center, and the scaling of initiatives such as FIRST, will be essential to maintain momentum. Industry observers suggest that leaders who, like Taylor, blend commercial insight with a service‑oriented mindset will be pivotal in steering flexography through the next wave of technological and regulatory shifts.
The information in this article is based on the press release issued by the Flexographic Technical Association on April 29, 2026.
