UB Assistance for Quebecor Earns National Award

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The National Association of Management and Technical Assistance Centers has selected the former University at Buffalo Business Alliance (now part of the UB Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach) to receive its Project of the Year Award for its longstanding relationship with Quebecor World Buffalo, located in Depew.

Quebecor World Buffalo is the world's largest mass-market printer, producing paperback novels, AAA tour guides and advertising supplements.

Through The Center of Industrial Effectiveness in its Services and Commercialization Division, the UB Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, works closely with service, manufacturing and industrial businesses across Western New York.

Since 1997, TCIE has been partnering with Quebecor World Buffalo to conduct a range of plant process improvements and training programs. The relationship strengthened the Buffalo plant's commitment to workforce development and continuous productivity enhancement. Following an October 1999 merger with World Color Press, the Buffalo plant was chosen by corporate leaders to receive $20 million of new investment in equipment and other improvements, thanks largely to the TCIE projects.

"Our partnership with TCIE has enabled our company to mine the vast and enormously rich resources of the University at Buffalo," said Kevin J. Clarke, Quebecor World Buffalo vice president and general manager.

Through relationships brokered and managed by TCIE, UB faculty and graduate students have helped Quebecor World Buffalo:

o Develop custom scheduling software

o Improve the adhesive performance of glues used in its bindery operations

o Identify improvements to process flows on the plant floor

These advancements have helped create 206 new positions at the plant.

TCIE fosters partnerships between the university and the business community and provides access to university resources to enhance and promote economic growth.