Fourteen Prent Flagstaffemployees and family membersparticipated in the annual Climbto Conquer Cancer fund raisingevent in August by hikingnearly seven miles up SnowbowlRoad. Prent Flagstaff is proud tocontribute to its community! Pictured L to R, kneeling: TiaBarraza, Jamie Shontz, AngelRamirez. L to R: standing in

first row are: Scott Negroni, Lula Johnson, Mark Rothlisberger, Shireene Higgins, Ian Higgins(family member), Linda Yubeta, Robin McCabe. L to R, standing in the back row are: MikeMauldin, Ian Higgins, Kristen Whitson, Ruth Naliborski.

To accommodate strongdemand in the Asia Pacificregion for Prent’sthermoformed packaging,we recently completedconstruction of a new90,000 sq. ft. facility locatedwithin a five minute drivefrom Senai InternationalAirport.

It’s equipped with the mostsophisticated Class 100Cleanroom innovations formedical packageproduction. The industry’snewest design advances are also incorporated into the robotic, computerized thermoformers, Tool Room, CMM Room, Workshop, Warehouseand Training Center. Plus, there’s plenty of space for facility expansion.

Both the exterior and interior design features are sleek and state-of-the-art, including all the latest technologies in energy systems, airfiltration, flooring, panelling, security, warehousing, safety and more. �

Corporation2225 Kennedy Rd.P.O. Box 471Janesville, WI 53547-0471

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PRE-SRT STDU.S. Postage Paid

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Permit No. 914

XLI Issue No. 47, 2012

PAGE 1

Prent Opens New ThermoformingFacility in Malaysia

Teachers Learn About CareerOpportunities at Prent Flagstaff

In an effort to help middle and high school students learn aboutand prepare for careers in manufacturing, Prent Flagstaff recentlyhosted a Chamber of Commerce initiative—connecting teacherswith local employers. The teachers spent time touring the Prentfacility and cleanroom, speaking at length with Plant ManagerMark Rothlisberger about how they can prepare their students forfuture jobs with Prent, including career options, hiring standards,workplace expectations, employee benefits and more. Prent islooking forward to future collaborations with local educators andfinding other ways to demonstrate Prent’s dedication to theFlagstaff community. �

Summer Student PaintsBuilding

Today Prent Flagstaff sports a great new paint job—inside and out—thanks to the efforts of summeremployee Derrick Strosnider. A senior at NorthernArizona University (NAU) majoring in EnglishSecondary Education, Derrick was Flagstaff’s newestsummer student hire. A NAU Police Departmentemployee during the school year, he said working atPrent was the perfect summer job. We hope to see himagain next summer! �

Turning Around the Lives ofSchool Dropouts

Helping to turnaround the lives ofarea Puerto Ricanhigh schoolstudents is PECES,a communityorganization

dedicated to helping give students who have droppedout a second chance at becoming productive and selfsufficient citizens. Prent is proud to have sponsored thegroup’s annual golf fund raising event for the secondyear. Pictured at the golf outing are L to R: JoelChacon (Prent PR Sales Manager), Michael Santana(Stryker Corporation) and Victor Nazario (Prent PRPlant Manager). �

FLAGSTAFF •

Raising Cancer Funds byClimbing Arizona Mountain

PUERTO RICO •

During recent Grand Opening ceremonies, BJ Nielsen, Prent EuroAsia CEO, thanked all employees for their dedication and hard work in helping successfully launch a new 90,000 sq. ft.state-of-the-art Prent Malaysia facility.

For 11 years, General Manager James Lai hasbeen the driving force behind the successful

day-to-day operations at Prent Malaysia. And,he credits that success to teamwork.

Teamwork is Part of Prent’sCulture“Working together is not only fun, butwhenever there are issues we all work as a teamto resolve them,” explains Lai. “Everyone istrying to support each other. There are no wallsbetween our individual departments. Everyoneis willing to help when needed. It’s one of themost important cultural practices across all ofPrent’s global facilities.”

Lai believes this commitment to teamwork iswhat sets Prent apart from other globalcompanies. “Teamwork is not just aphilosophy,” he says “it’s standard practice andhelps ensure all Prent facilities produce parts

known for their excellence and uniformityaround the world.”

Success Stories“Why should each Prent facility re-invent thewheel? When needed, my team never hesitatesto ask for the input and support from our sisterfacilities. Likewise,” he points out, “when theyneed us, my team provides 110% support.”

This solid work ethic has resulted in manysuccess stories for Prent Malaysia.

�Today it’s recognized by one of our well-known global customers as its most reliableand preferred packaging supplier. “It was along process,” admits Lai. “However, withfocused teamwork from both Prent Janesvilleand Prent Malaysia we are now providingmillions of trays to this customer's facilitiesworldwide.”

�During his first year at Prent, Lai helpedrestructure manufacturing systems resultingin greater production efficiency, materialyield, employee discipline, internalorganization and a cleaner work environment.

�But his proudest achievement is helping buildseveral new Prent facilities in Asia, includinga new Malaysia plant. “My challenge was toget this factory completed on-time andincorporate all lessons learned from not onlyhere in Malaysia, but around the globe,” hereports.

Be SincereLai believes that individual commitment to agroup effort has helped make Prent successful.He tells employees that “being sincere, openand cooperative with colleagues is part of thatgroup effort. Work with energy, confidence and

be very specific about issues you encounter,” headvises. “Your hard work will be handsomelypaid off once you’ve proven your capabilities.”Finally, Lai wants to say what a great pleasure itis working for Prent. “I’ve learned so muchfrom my dear colleagues around the world whohave been so willing to share their know-howand experiences. I appreciate being given somany opportunities and want to especiallythank Prent EuroAsia CEO BJ Nielsen for hispatient, unselfish guidance in helping mebecome an effective leader.” �

PAGE 2

XLI Issue No. 47, 2012

As our customers’ medical device businesseshave grown, so has their demand for highquality Prent packages and rapid turnaround.

What’s Behind the Growth? “We’re seeing many manufacturers in a very,very aggressive growth mode,” explains DonHandrow, Prent Director of ProductDevelopment. “Some of those companies hadbeen running pretty lean for several years andnow they are ramping up. Plus, companies arefinding value in consolidating their packagingbusiness with just a handful of global suppliers.”

Pre-Planning is Key“Thanks to our strategic pre-planning over the

past decade, manufacturers are benefiting fromour global footprint and our ability to rapidlyrespond to their needs,” points out Handrow.

“This includes our uncompromisingcommitment to meet each customer’s timedemands, to continually improve all ourprocesses, to be hyper-responsive to their needsand to keep a laser focus on quality,” accordingto Chris Bladl, Prent Director of ProductDevelopment.

Additionally, as our ability to serve customershas grown, so have our facilities, staff andequipment. “This growth hasn’t been justoverseas,” notes Bladl. “At our world

headquarters in Wisconsin, the ProductDevelopment Department will grow nearly 40% by the end of this year. Domestic tool orders have seen a tremendous surge. Manufacturing jobs have grown by 30% and machine build operations are running night and day.”

There’s real value in Prent’s ability to rapidly respond to customer demands. And, global medical device manufacturers are reaping the rewards.�

James Lai’s Passion for Teamwork is a KeyReason for Prent’s Success in Malaysia

James Lai believes that individual commitment to a group effort hashelped make Prent successful. He tells employees that being sincere,

open and cooperative with colleagues is part of that group effort.

Meet James LaiBorn 52 years ago in a small Malaysian town, James Lai, GeneralManager of Prent Malaysia has a degree in Electrical Engineering fromNational Taiwan University in Taipei. Prior to working for Prent, he wasa factory manager for an EPS packaging business. He and his wifehave been married for 24 years and have four sons. The eldest isworking as Group Coordinator for a hotel chain, the 2nd son is studyingarchitecture in Australia, the 3rd son will soon graduate from highschool and his youngest is still in primary school. He and his familyrecently enjoyed a short vacation to China. In his free time, Jameslikes playing soccer and badminton.

Lai, Prent Malaysia General Manager

On the Grow! Enhancing Our Rapid Turnaround Abilities

Today, Prent has a stellar safetyrecord and reputation thanks to a

game-changing approach toworkplace safety.

Twelve years ago—when PrentJanesville averaged approximately 11recordable incidences per 100employees and 15 lost time accidentsper year—the company decided it wastime to embark on a whole new pathtowards a safe work environment. Itjettisoned the traditional workman’scomp system and enrolled in a self-funded “captive” insurance company,plus strongly encouraged employees tolook out for each other’s safety.

The results of this new approachyielded dramatic results. At the end ofthe program’s first year, lost timeaccidents had plummeted to just oneand have stayed very low ever sincethen.

Switching to CaptiveInsurance

“The “captive” insurance companyPrent belongs to is a co-op of 60unrelated companies (each is in a

different type of business) who havecome together to control theirinsurance costs, rather than beingsubject to the volatility of the generalinsurance industry,” explains SaraLemke, Prent CFO. “The members puta laser focus on loss control and usetheir buying power to obtain excellentloss control and safety advisory services.

“Each company essentially pays itsown losses. If our safety experience isfavorable, we receive a premiumrefund from the insurance group.Likewise,” points out Lemke, “if ourexperience is not favorable, we paymore. In this way, we control our owndestiny on our costs. The workerscomp claims we do incur are paidfrom Prent funds, not from anyinsurance company or governmentprogram as some might think. In thecase of major catastrophic incidents all

the companies share the loss. Becauseof this risk-sharing, members holdeach other accountable for their safetyresults. If you can’t control yourlosses, you can no longer be a memberof the captive.”

Similarly at Prent’s overseas facilities,safety is the very highest priority andfully ingrained in each facility’soperational rules, regulations andinternal policies. “While safety actionsin the USA are to a large extent drivenby INSURANCE regulations, that isnot the case in either Asia or most ofEurope,” points out BJ Nielsen, PrentEuroAsia President. “In thesecountries, safety rules are largelydriven by GOVERNMENT regulationsand the safety policies of individualcompanies.” �

Prent jettisoned the traditional workman’s comp system and enrolled in a self-funded “captive” insurance company, plus strongly

encouraged employees to look out for each other’s safety.

What’s Behind Prent’s Reputation for Safety?

‘‘

PAGE 3

SAFETY

In addition to safety vigilance by every employee, much ofthe success of Prent’s Safety program is the result of an

employee-run Safety Team that continuously inspects theplants, equipment and work procedures.

In Janesville, for example, the 11-member safety team ismade up of a cross section of hourly and salaried employeesfrom various shifts, who have the ear of their co-workers onsafety issues.

Fool Proofing Systems

The company has spent many years buttoning downpotential safety issues—such as installing fail-safe guardson equipment, using personal protective equipment anddesigning adaptive equipment to help lift and load. “Butjust when you think something is fool proof,” says JohnMelgard, Prent’s Maintenance Director and Safety TeamLeader, “new safety issues can arise.”

Several times a year, two rotating members of the SafetyTeam spend multiple days conducting thorough walk-throughs of all Prent buildings on the 300,000 sq. ft. campusof our World Headquarters talking with building employeesand looking for ways to make each facility safer .

Common Issues Today

“Today, the most frequent issues seen on walk-throughs arehousekeeping items, such as material or clutter in the aislesand work areas and skids or other objects standing on edgeinstead of laying flat,” according to Melgard.

“Most accidents can be chalked up to cuts, strains andsprains,” points out Cal Gutheridge, 2nd Shift LeadTechnician and Safety Team member. “The more serious

incidents often involve an employee stepping off somethingwrong or falling.”

Safety as a Recruitment Tool

“To do everything possible to create a safe workplace, allnew employees during orientation are schooled in specificsafety measures for their job and see a safety video,” saysSean Dill, Human Resource Generalist, and member of theSafety Team. “In addition, hospital workplace expertsvideotaped every Prent job and analyzed the physical skillsnecessary to do that job, such as flexibility, vision, lifting,squatting or reaching. Today, all new employees are testedfor their job’s particular abilities.”

Additionally, Prent has well-stocked First Aid Rooms,conducts first aid classes, regularly tests fire and emergencysystems and has defibrillators in every work area withtrained employees to utilize them.

The result of Prent’s safety vigilance has had an enormousimpact on current employees, and has been an enormousrecruitment tool, according to Dill. “Our reputation forsafety has gotten around. New applicants comment abouthow they hear Prent is a safe and clean work environment.And” he says, “that’s what employees are looking for inmanufacturing jobs today. Safety.” �

Safety Team Keeps an Eye Out forPossible Hazards

As a safety precaution, Prent employees wear Arc Flash Suits when working in high voltageenvironments. Here, Maintenance MechanicRandy Koegel is dressed in an arc flash resistantheavy duty coat, 5,000 volt electrical safetygloves, a Nomex flame resistant knit hood, archelmet with tinted visor flash shield, safetyglasses and a cotton uniform.

Prent Janesville Safety Team members include: Standing L to R: CalGutheridge, Curt Nyhus, Sean Dill and Gregg Peckham. Seated L to R: KathyBruegger, Joanne Quinn and John Melgard. Missing are: Diane Parr, ChrisParmer, Troy McCann and Jeff Hertz.

MEDTEC CHINA September 26-27, 2012Shanghai, CHINA

MEDICAL DEVICEPUERTO RICOOctober 4-5, 2012

San Juan, PUERTO RICO

PACK EXPO 2012October 28-31, 2012Chicago, IL, USA

MD&M MINNEAPOLISOctober 31-November 1, 2012

Minneapolis, MN, USA

CMEF CHINA MEDICALEQUIPMENT FAIR

October 31-November 3, 2012Fuzhou, CHINA

COMPAMEDNovember 14-17, 2012Dusseldorf, GERMANY

BIOMEDeviceDecember 4-5, 2012San Jose, CA, USA

MD&M WEST 2013February 12-14, 2013Anaheim, CA, USA

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW

“To do everything possible to create a safeenvironment, hospital workplace experts

videotaped every Prent job and analyzed thephysical skills necessary to do that job, such asflexibility, vision, lifting, squatting or reaching.

Today, all new employees are tested for their job’sparticular abilities.”

‘‘

PLANT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

PAGE 4

Barbara KlamrowskiAn Inspector/Packer on C shift for nearly five years,Barbara is moving to Las Vegas to be closer to her son,grandchildren and great grandchildren. To keep hermind occupied she may find a part-time job. Otherwise,she’s looking forward to NO snow and enjoying life!

Gerald RobertsonFor nearly 12 years, Gerald was an Inspector/Packeron C shift. In retirement he plans on fishing,swimming, spending more time with grandchildrenand doing some traveling.

Bonnie KarlenFor 38 years, Bonnie was an Inspector/Packer on A shift.When she started at Prent, the company was only acouple years old, making her one of our longest servingemployees. “On A shift we only had 10 Mini-Shifters andjust a handful of thermoformers,” she recalled in a 2011Newsprent interview. “It was a relaxed atmosphere. Thegirls would even go to a lunch or show together!”

Meet Janesville’s Fall Co-Op StudentsMATT STINGLE of Black Creek, WI, is a senior at the University ofWisconsin-Platteville majoring in Manufacturing TechnologyManagement. He’s a co-op student in Prent’s Engineering Departmentand says the experience is terrific and thinks Prent is a great place towork! He enjoys hanging with friends and outdoor sports such ashunting, fishing and snowboarding.

MATT BABCOCK of Chaska, MN is a senior at the University ofWisconsin-Stout majoring in Packaging and minoring in Business.

Although he’s been a co-op student inthe Product Development Departmentfor just a couple of weeks, he reportshe’s already learned so much. In his freetime he enjoys golfing, running andgoing out on the lake.

TENG YANG of Oshkosh, WI, isattending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville majoring in IndustrialTechnology Management with a minorin Drafting and Plastics. As a co-opstudent in both the ProductDevelopment and Tool EngineeringDepartments, he’s really getting into thedaily routine now. In his free time, heenjoys spending time with family andoutdoor activities.

Malaysia Intern StudiesElectrical EngineeringJASON CHONG KIN CHIN , an electrical engineering studentfrom the University of Technology Malaysia, was a recent Intern atPrent Malaysia. During his tenure, he set-up a Lost-Time Study andcreated a video for Standard Steps in Former Set-Ups. Prent MalaysiaGeneral Manager James Lai reports, “Jason was a committed teammember and solved problems with cool firmness. We wish him allsuccess in the future. I also want to thank our employees for unselfishlytaking so much time to share their knowledge with Jason.”

BRITTANY SCHOEDER • Brittany is a senior at Silver Lake Collegemajoring in Theology and Psychology. This Fall she starts her career asDirector of Faith Formation at a Reedsburg, WI church. She spent the pastthree summers working at Prent as a Mini. “It’s been wonderful having asummer job here. But the reason I come back every year is the rapport Ihave with other Minis. They taught me how to go that extra mile. I’velearned respect, tolerance and patience, as well as how to look at thingsfrom a different perspective.”

BEN ROHR • Ben is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewatermajoring in Geography and hopes to pursue a Masters Degree in UrbanPlanning. He’s worked at Prent the past two summers in the MaintenanceDepartment. “I wasn't really a handy-man-type of person before I startedat Prent,” confesses Ben, “but I’ve learned how to do things differentlythat are faster and more efficient. I’ve also learned that it takes disciplineand hard work to get things done right.”

BEN YAUCHER • Ben is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stoutmajoring in Science Education. “I spent my first two summers in Mod 3and was in Mod 6 this summer, along with many of those I worked within Mod 3. We’ve been pretty busy so we’ve been working every Friday. I also come in two hours early and work 12-hour days…60-hour workweeks, I don’t mind it because I enjoy the people!”

MARY KATE O’LEARY • Mary Kate is a sophomore at the Universityof Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology. This was her first summer atPrent doing double shifts as a Mini. “I had no idea what I was getting intowhen I started at Prent. It was a whole new experience and 10-hour daysare hard. But, I’ve learned a lot from my fellow Minis and also learnedabout teamwork and balancing everyone’s needs including MOs andmaterial handlers. It’s been really neat. Each week I’m still learning moreabout Prent,” she says.

CLAYTON SHAW • Clay is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh majoring in Business. He has spent the past three summersdoing double Mini-Shifts. “One of the first things I learned was how tomake a box. It sounds funny,” he says, “but there’s a right way and wrongway to make a box. Although the people I work with at Prent are olderthan I am, it’s good to understand how others think so I can work with avariety of people in the future.” �

Prent Has Given SummerWork Experiences toHundreds of Students

JANESVILLE •

Best Wishes in Retirement

Prent has been committed to helping studentstrain for careers in science and industry fornearly 25 years. Pictured above are threestudents getting a co-op experience inJanesville this fall: Standing is Matt Babcock.Seated L to R: Teng Yang and Matt Stingle.

After work every Wednesday andFriday, you can spot PrentMalaysia employees heading downto Stadium Indah Pure for a gameof badminton. Apart frompromoting a healthy life style,playing badminton also promotesa strong team spirit and fostersclose relationships among thestaff, thus improving individualsocial lives. Top Row L to R: NgCheng Wei (CAM Engineer), BruceHu (PS Design Engineer), JasonChong (Student Intern), Tan KhengHin (Senior Design Engineer).Bottom Row L to R: Felicia Looi(Production Administrator), JoyceKho (HR Officer), Jayne Hoo(Account Officer), Thye Zhi Lei(Asst. IT Developer).

Pictured with Jason Chon Kin Chin,Prent Malaysia recent intern(circled) is L to R: Hasri binJumaat (Process Engineer), NorAdid Anuar bin Nor (ApplicationEngineer), Dhan Bahadur Darlami(Technician), Ng Kiang Seng (Asst.Production Manager), Jason ChongKin Chin (Intern Student), Nazribin Sait (Production Supervisor),Purna Prasad Roka (ApplicationEngineer), Sanjib Shrestha (ToolingController).

For over 40 years, Prent has givensummer jobs to hundreds of collegestudents. This summer Prent Janesvillehired 41 students. Here’s a look at fiveof this year’s students. Standing L to R:Ben Yaucher, Ben Rohr and ClaytonShaw. Seated L to R: Mary Kate O’Learyand Brittany Schoeder.

MALAYSIA •

Badminton Brings Malaysia Employees Together

Fourteen Prent Flagstaffemployees and family membersparticipated in the annual Climbto Conquer Cancer fund raisingevent in August by hikingnearly seven miles up SnowbowlRoad. Prent Flagstaff is proud tocontribute to its community! Pictured L to R, kneeling: TiaBarraza, Jamie Shontz, AngelRamirez. L to R: standing in

first row are: Scott Negroni, Lula Johnson, Mark Rothlisberger, Shireene Higgins, Ian Higgins(family member), Linda Yubeta, Robin McCabe. L to R, standing in the back row are: MikeMauldin, Ian Higgins, Kristen Whitson, Ruth Naliborski.

To accommodate strongdemand in the Asia Pacificregion for Prent’sthermoformed packaging,we recently completedconstruction of a new90,000 sq. ft. facility locatedwithin a five minute drivefrom Senai InternationalAirport.

It’s equipped with the mostsophisticated Class 100Cleanroom innovations formedical packageproduction. The industry’snewest design advances are also incorporated into the robotic, computerized thermoformers, Tool Room, CMM Room, Workshop, Warehouseand Training Center. Plus, there’s plenty of space for facility expansion.

Both the exterior and interior design features are sleek and state-of-the-art, including all the latest technologies in energy systems, airfiltration, flooring, panelling, security, warehousing, safety and more. �

Corporation2225 Kennedy Rd.P.O. Box 471Janesville, WI 53547-0471

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PRE-SRT STDU.S. Postage Paid

PAIDJanesville, WI

Permit No. 914

XLI Issue No. 47, 2012

PAGE 1

Prent Opens New ThermoformingFacility in Malaysia

Teachers Learn About CareerOpportunities at Prent Flagstaff

In an effort to help middle and high school students learn aboutand prepare for careers in manufacturing, Prent Flagstaff recentlyhosted a Chamber of Commerce initiative—connecting teacherswith local employers. The teachers spent time touring the Prentfacility and cleanroom, speaking at length with Plant ManagerMark Rothlisberger about how they can prepare their students forfuture jobs with Prent, including career options, hiring standards,workplace expectations, employee benefits and more. Prent islooking forward to future collaborations with local educators andfinding other ways to demonstrate Prent’s dedication to theFlagstaff community. �

Summer Student PaintsBuilding

Today Prent Flagstaff sports a great new paint job—inside and out—thanks to the efforts of summeremployee Derrick Strosnider. A senior at NorthernArizona University (NAU) majoring in EnglishSecondary Education, Derrick was Flagstaff’s newestsummer student hire. A NAU Police Departmentemployee during the school year, he said working atPrent was the perfect summer job. We hope to see himagain next summer! �

Turning Around the Lives ofSchool Dropouts

Helping to turnaround the lives ofarea Puerto Ricanhigh schoolstudents is PECES,a communityorganization

dedicated to helping give students who have droppedout a second chance at becoming productive and selfsufficient citizens. Prent is proud to have sponsored thegroup’s annual golf fund raising event for the secondyear. Pictured at the golf outing are L to R: JoelChacon (Prent PR Sales Manager), Michael Santana(Stryker Corporation) and Victor Nazario (Prent PRPlant Manager). �

FLAGSTAFF •

Raising Cancer Funds byClimbing Arizona Mountain

PUERTO RICO •

During recent Grand Opening ceremonies, BJ Nielsen, Prent EuroAsia CEO, thanked all employees for their dedication and hard work in helping successfully launch a new 90,000 sq. ft.state-of-the-art Prent Malaysia facility.