June 13, 2023
Book Manufacturing Seminar
It’s been almost 4 years since our last in-person Book Manufacturing Seminars, and it was such a privilege to participate again – not once, but twice!
We hosted customers from PRH Canada, U of Manitoba Press, Two Page, New Society, UBC Press, Pajama Press, Greystone, House of Anansi and Heritage House.
During this three-day seminar, we studied all aspects of book production, from initial file preparation to the final bindery process. We were able to have a book printed together over the course of three days and were directly involved in every stage. The seminar started with an in-depth tour of all production facilities at Friesens, including the Book and Web Divisions. Next, a production manager came in for a classroom discussion on a particular stage of book production, after which we headed out as a group to the production area to work on that specific stage of producing our book.
Other educational opportunities such as learning paper, cover and binding options were interspersed while we waited for certain aspects of our book’s production to be completed. The managers provided the educational details and also joined us for meals for more one-on-one conversations with the participants.
Toronto and the West Coast are home to many of our guests, so we often heard how much they appreciated our wide-open prairie skies—the clouds, sunrises, and sunsets. It’s a unique beauty that we often take for granted, but it was commented on more than once.
Another fun treat was introducing our guests to our one-of-a-kind Mennonite cuisine! By the end of their stay, some learned what “Schmaunt Fat,” Vereneki, and Kielke were AND how to pronounce it!
The latter group also toured “Gallery at the Park.” which is a heritage home turned art gallery and sculpture garden in Altona, Manitoba. It is open seasonally from June through to the end of September. The exhibit works are by local, national, and international artists and the growing sculpture garden contains many permanent pieces by local and international artists.
The overall takeaway was how much work goes into printing a book and that our Friesens team show themselves to be friendly, helpful and kind. Our employee owners take to heart the words of our founder when he said: “Friesens will only be successful if our customers are successful.” Our Book Manufacturing Seminar and its contribution to our customers’ overall skill and knowledge is one of the many ways we try to fill that original mission statement.
Here are a few quotes from our customers:
“Seeing the book-creating process was truly amazing, and everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable. You and your team have created a really great community of people, and the sincere character of your employees was evident as we toured the facilities.” Quinn Baker, Pajama Press
“I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time I had last week. I can’t express to you enough how cared for and pleasurable the entire experience was. So much great knowledge and the added bonus of connecting in person with both Friesens staff and colleagues was such a blessing. It really felt like a publisher’s playground. You took such good care of us – it felt like a treat!”
Julie Raddysh, New Society
“I just wanted to send my thanks and gratitude to you for the seminar you so expertly arranged and hosted. I didn’t know what to expect going into it but now on the other side, it far exceeded anything I could’ve hoped for. Everything from the accommodation (the suites were amazing!) to each day’s activities to making sure we were always well taken care of, you handled everything with so much consideration and thought. You kept on us track but also allowed room for suggestions and wandering off course, which made the experience all the better.
I really enjoyed my time in Altona, and getting to know you, some Friesens members, and our seminar group. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.”
Best,Fiona Lee, Two Page
If you are interested in attending, contact your sales representative for information.
