At Heaford, we believe that the long-term strength of the flexographic printing industry depends on the quality of the people within it as much as the technology that supports it.

This is why we continue to invest in our people and safeguard the future of our business and the flexo industry at large.

Whether the latest generation of the Heaford family (Gwilim) or our Mechatronics apprentices (Jake and Ali), we are investing for the future.

This is also why we are immensely proud to celebrate our own Krisztian Sasala, who was recently named Student of the Year 2026 at the FIA UK Awards.

It is a recognition that speaks not only to Krisztian’s personal dedication but to a wider commitment to nurturing the next generation of flexo talent and equipping them with the skills to shape the industry for decades to come.

From the workshop to the winner’s podium

Krisztian joined us less than a year ago as an Electro Mechanical Design Engineer.

As an MEng (Master of Engineering) who had recently graduated from the University of Huddersfield, Krisztian has already demonstrated his commitment to mastering the art of engineering.  

Looking to build on his education and on-the-job experience give a strong technical foundation, he enrolled on the FIA UK Academy full course, which provides a comprehensive professional development programme that is widely regarded as one of the most thorough and respected training pathways available to those working in flexo today.

The FIA UK Academy programme is designed to give participants a deep, structured understanding of flexographic print processes, from press mechanics and ink technology to colour management and quality control. For a young engineer like Krisztian, it provided an opportunity to not only develop technical knowledge but to place his day-to-day work in a broader industry context.

Hacer una diferencia

When asked what he enjoys most about the FIAUK Academy programme, Krisztian is clear: “The presentation is great and the content really engaging.

“The quality of the course content keeps me motivated. It doesn’t just deliver information, it provides inspiration.”

That has translated from the classroom to the factory floor, where he is turning theory into practice and forging a career within the Heaford engineering team.

“What I enjoy most is the chance to see my projects come to life,” he says. “There’s something really satisfying about working on something and then watching it become a reality.”

It is a sentiment that resonates deeply with the culture and ethos of our business. As a leading manufacturer of flexo plate mounting and proofing equipment, the work we do is inherently practical and outcomes-driven.

Our engineering team build machines that go out into flexo printing facilities around the world and make a tangible difference to how labels, flexible packaging, and corrugated materials are produced.

For someone with Krisztian’s drive and curiosity, that environment is the ideal proving ground.

Ambition and direction

Krisztian is not content to rest on this achievement. With the FIA UK Student of the Year award fresh on his CV, he has his sights firmly set on continued growth.

“I’d like to keep improving and extending my skills to become a well-rounded engineer,” he explains. “A genuine and broad-based skillset will allow me to be the best engineer I can possibly be.”

He goes on: “In five years, I’d like to be a Senior Engineer with a few successful designs to my name.”

That goal to contribute original, proven engineering work to the Heaford product portfolio says everything about how seriously he takes his role and his future within the business.

Why this matters

Krisztian’s success is a source of immense pride for everyone at Heaford, but it is also something more than that. It is proof of the success of long-term strategic planning.

As Managing Director David Muncaster explains: “The flexographic printing industry is evolving rapidly. As sustainability pressures, digital integration, and increasingly complex substrate demands continue to reshape what flexo printing professionals need from their equipment, the importance of well-trained, forward-thinking engineers has never been greater.

“Our ability to continue innovating and keep designing and manufacturing the high-precision plate mounting and proofing systems that our customers rely on, depends on bringing through the next generation of engineering talent.

“Supporting team members like Krisztian in accessing world-class professional development through programmes like the FIA UK Academy is central to our long-term strategy.

“The engineers we invest in today are the Senior Engineers, the Lead Designers, and the technical leaders of tomorrow.”

Congratulations, Krisztian

This award is thoroughly deserved by Krisztian. His commitment to his studies, his enthusiasm for his work, and his ambition are an example to us all and make you a fantastic representative of everything Heaford stands for.

We look forward to watching you continue to grow and flourish.

We are delighted to be a long-standing partner of FIA UK. Find out more about the flexo industry association’s training programmes at fiauk.co.uk.

Then discover our range of flexo plate mounting y Prueba flexográfica solutions.