The Brian Platte Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2007 and is given to an individual, or individuals, whose efforts and contributions have significantly changed the course and development of the digital document industry. This award is open to Xplor International members as well as non-members.

This year, two Brian Platte Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented.

One recipient is Harald Grumser, who founded Compart 25 years ago and has run the company like a family ever since. The innovation that the company was built upon gives users the ability to convert any kind of print format to any other kind of print format. The unique approach Harald took to accomplish this any-to-any conversion is called “Docponents®” and remains an idea well ahead of its time that has proven to be a uniquely prescient approach.

In addition to Harald’s contributions to the industry, he has shown his deep social consciousness by sponsoring giving campaigns for victims of earthquakes, floods, famine and the tsunami caused by the Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004. His sense of humanity has been touched by the plight of Syrian refugees streaming into Europe and Germany. Sensing that money was not enough, he initiated a program to teach refugees German, using Compart’s office space, volunteers, and facilities. Volunteers were granted time off from their usual assignments in order to teach both adults and children the language skills they will need in order to thrive in Germany and adapt to their new country.

“I’d like to congratulate Harald for his achievement, it is well deserved.” says Skip Henk, EDP, President/CEO of Xplor International. “Our industry as a whole and the world around us are better places due to his efforts.”

For journalists

Background information on Compart