Cober

From shop floor trouble shooting to keeping systems running seamlessly – John’s journey is powered by a calm approach and connection 💻🔧

We’re excited to highlight John Osterling, IT Systems Analyst, and a key part of keeping Cober connected behind the scenes. Since joining in 2020, John has grown from a part-time intern position to a vital member of our full-time IT team, bringing a hands-on, problem-solving mindset to everything he does.

John’s journey with Cober started through an internship at tri-OS College, where he worked part-time in the Indigo room learning the presses firsthand. Drawn in by the energy and atmosphere, he transitioned into IT full-time, combining his passion for technology with real-world production experience.

In his role, no two days look the same. From troubleshooting technical issues and setting up new equipment to running network cabling across the facility, John plays a critical role in keeping operations running smoothly. He works closely with teams across the business and is always ready to jump in and help. As John puts it, “I like to be approachable; my door is always open.”

One of John’s favourite parts of the job is solving problems in real time. “I like being able to watch all the red flags turn green and everything starts flowing.” Whether it’s coordinating with technicians or supporting internal teams, he thrives on keeping things moving.

A standout moment for John was helping run over 1000 feet of network cable during Cober’s recent expansion, which was his first time working on a construction site and a true team effort to get the job done.

Outside of work, John enjoys gaming, watching anime, and taking on hands-on projects, most recently renovating and transforming a house into a duplex alongside his brother. He also hopes to one day travel to Japan and experience the culture firsthand.

John’s approachableness, adaptability, and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him an essential part of the Cober team.

Looking for your next opportunity in print production? ✂️

Cober is hiring an experienced Cutter Operator (Guillotine) to join our overnight production team in Kitchener.

We're looking for a skilled operator who takes pride in precision, quality, and helping drive production excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Know someone who would be a great fit for this role? Tag them in the comments or share this post with your network.

View the full job description here: https://na3.hubs.ly/y0vnlt0

To apply, please send your resume to [email protected].

We’re excited to welcome Ron Verbaas to Cober as our new Vice President of Operations 🚀

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Ron brings a strong track record in operational leadership, strategic growth, process improvement, and building high-performing teams. His expertise will help support Cober’s continued growth and operational excellence across the business.

Please join us in welcoming Ron to the team!

From shipping floor to digital press expert - Kat’s journey is built on curiosity and craft 🔍

We’re excited to highlight Kat Potter, Digital Print Technician, and a key member of our Digital Print team. With over 10 years at Cober and more than 20 years in the print industry, Kat brings experience, precision, and a strong team-first mindset to everything she does.

Kat’s journey with Cober began after hearing firsthand from her husband, Jordon Potter, who often spoke highly of the company’s atmosphere and strong sense of teamwork, sparked her interest in joining the team. Kat started in the shipping department before moving into the Indigo room, where she discovered her passion for digital print. After a brief time in customer support, she returned to the press floor and hasn’t looked back. Today, she operates and maintains our HP digital presses, ensuring every job runs smoothly and meets the highest quality standards.

A typical day for Kat involves preparing files, loading stock, running test prints to check quality, and keeping the presses in top condition through regular maintenance. Her attention to detail is critical, ensuring files are set up correctly before printing to prevent costly reprints and keep production moving efficiently.

What Kat enjoys most about her role is the energy of the Indigo room and the people she works alongside. The team’s humour and camaraderie help keep spirits high even during busy production days. As Kat puts it, “I really love the job I do.”

After two decades in the industry, Kat’s advice for anyone entering print is simple: teamwork and adaptability are everything. Being able to think on your feet, pay attention to detail, and support one another is key in a fast-paced environment.

Outside of work, Kat enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, fishing, visiting the cottage, walking along the river, and exploring nature with her two kids. Those moments of connection and fresh air are what help her recharge.

Kat’s dedication, skill, and positive attitude make her an essential part of the Cober team!

Big news at Cober 📣

We’ve added the HP Indigo 120K Digital Press, built to accelerate what matters most to our customers.

With industry-leading speed, AI-driven automation, and offset-matching quality, this investment means:
✔ Faster turnaround times
✔ Consistent, high-quality results
✔ Greater flexibility at scale

More speed. More productivity. Better outcomes.