It’s Proper Champion
in the Premier League
(of Seals & Gaskets)
 There’s a sure-fire recipe for conference success: a magical venue, a packed agenda,
superb facilities, a plethora of keynote speakers and international cooperation.
The bi-annual autumn forum of EUSGA (European Seals & Gaskets Association) was
hosted by John Kirk, Managing Director of J-Flex Rubber Products who inspirationally
booked The Theatre of Dreams - the legendary home of Manchester United Football Club.
Though the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo were nowhere to be seen, another winning team
of international players were out in force. Thirty-six delegates from sixteen leading
companies in twelve countries gathered to discuss new products, new markets, new
technologies and to hear interesting and challenging keynote speeches from leading
professionals in their fields.
Of particular interest was the presence of Max Rowland, Sales Chief of Novus and
Chairman of the GCA (Gasket Cutters Association). Max was both passionate and
positive about the future for the industry and called for close links between the GCA
and EUSGA. ‘There is room for both competition and cooperation’ was his message;
one that was enthusiastically endorsed by the conference.
As a member of both GCA and EUSGA, John Kirk was delighted with the outcome.
“I’m grateful to Max for his upbeat message”,
he said, “and delighted that the delegates got so
much from the formal and informal networking.
As for the Theatre of Dreams – wow! I think we
all stood on the hallowed turf and imagined ourselves
playing at the highest level of football – that was
the dream. But the reality is not so different. Members
of GCA and EUSGA consistently perform in the premier
division of our industry; indeed, we met three of our
objectives at our conference: cross-fertilisation of ideas
shared amongst members, increasing the prestige of the
seals & gaskets industry and establishing a communications
network between members & manufacturers. To continue the
soccer analogy I think we scored 3 fantastic goals!”
Footnotes:
Conference Chairman / Chairman of EUSGA – Marc Van Oost (Eriks of Belgium)
Chair of GCA / Sales Chief of Novus – Max Rowland
Other Keynote Speakers: 
Paul Short – Northern Engineering Supplies
Steve Hadlington – Silicone Engineering
Alison Stewart
& John Kerwin – Precision Polymer Elastomers
John Howe
& David Meen – Atom UK Presentation
Lance Bradley
& Michelle Croft – J-Flex Rubber Products
Conference hosted by John Kirk – Managing Director J-Flex Rubber Products
The next EUSGA meeting will be held on 5th/6th June 2008 in Helsinki, Finland .
Delegate Feedback & Comments
January 2008
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© 2008 J-Flex Rubber Products 
