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Spotlight: William Tait, ASA, CEA, Senior Appraiser

A Closer Look at the World of Printing and Converting with Senior Appraiser William Tait

Think about your last trip to the grocery store. Every single aisle you walked down was filled with products that have been through some kind of printing or converting process—from the labels on a can of soup to the plastic bags and pouches you bring home.

For William Tait, ASA, CEA, and a Senior Appraiser here at GA Group, these everyday items are at the heart of his specialization and sector expertise. We sat down with him to get a better understanding of what he does, why it's so important, and what's next for the industry.

High-speed industrial printer producing blurred images on paper in a printing press machine.
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The Expertise Behind the Products We Use Every Day

William's job is to appraise assets, primarily in the printing and converting industries. He explains that printing is, quite literally, everywhere. This ubiquitous nature is what drew him to the field in the first place. But he's quick to point out a common misconception: all printing is not the same. The processes and technologies involved are complex and varied, a fact he knows firsthand from his work with some of the largest printers in North America.

The industry is also constantly evolving and in recent years, the printing and converting industries have seen a rapid acceleration of the trends that began back with the digital revolution. This evolution is defined by an ongoing shift from mass production to on-demand, personalized, and sustainable solutions, all powered by advanced technology. William is particularly excited about the push for more environmentally friendly solutions and the increasing ability to personalize products. The personalization of printing is a complex challenge he's passionate about contributing to. It's about more than just a name on a product; it's about integrating unique printing capabilities into a wide range of goods.

The Power of Staying Current

To stay at the forefront of his field, William relies on a combination of resources. He keeps up with industry publications and talks to equipment dealers, but he stresses the importance of engaging with other experts. "Constantly talking to other industry experts to find out what is new regarding current trends" is his primary method for staying current. This collaborative approach helps him stay ahead of developments like the increase of digital printing, which is rapidly changing established processes.

William's deep understanding of the market is also shaped by his international experience, having worked with North American, South American, and European markets. This global perspective has taught him that each region has a different approach, a valuable insight that informs his appraisals.

Looking Ahead

It's clear that for William Tait, the world of printing and converting is a fascinating and dynamic space. In his work, he witnesses everyday how these industries sit at the intersection of manufacturing, technology, and art, and their evolution directly reflects major societal and economic shifts.

William plans to continue his dedication to keeping up with market trends. He hopes his work will lead to a better overall understanding of the market for both his company and the industry as a whole.

As for the personal side of things, his interests in travel and sports influence his professional perspective, allowing him to see things from a variety of angles.

The next time you're in the supermarket, take a moment to stop and take a longer, more thoughtful look at all the printed products around you. For that moment, you'll be seeing the world through William's lens.