Board Converting News, October 9, 2023

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years October 9, 2023 VOL. 39, NO. 41

Stuckey's Comeback Offers Lessons In Change, Resilience BY SUSAN RILEY The values that contribute to the success and longevity of a fami- ly-owned business are the same whether you make pecan candies or corrugated boxes. Be willing to change when you need to but hold on to the virtues that made you great in the first place. Stephanie Stuckey, the granddaughter of W.S. Stuckey Sr., who founded the famous Stuckey’s roadside pecan stand in Eastman, Geor- gia, in 1937, knows a little something about that.

Green Bay 'Super Plant' In Fort Worth Nears Completion Green Bay Packaging announced on social media the near completion of its new “super plant” in Fort Worth, Texas this fall. The new 600,000-square-feet corrugator plant and will replace an older, smaller facility that was built in 1986. Machine operators at the new plant are training at their sister box plant in Tulsa, Okla- homa, a 555,000-square-feet box facility which opened in 2021 with many of the same converting assets. The new plant will be equipped with a new 110-inch Fosber corrugator and all new state- of-the-art, high-speed flexo folder gluers and die cutters. “We are excited to continue to invest in our employees and customers of Fort Worth,” said Will Kress, President and CEO of GBP. “The Fort Worth operation is an important part of GBP, and the leadership and employ- ees of this division are second to none. We believe in investing in our people and our loy- al customers, and we are looking forward to the next phase in Fort Worth.” GBP’s continued growth and expansions also include the startup and full production of

Stephanie Stuckey delivers the keynote at the AICC Annual Meeting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Speaking at the AICC Annual Meeting last month, Stuckey was will- ing to share her applicable and inspirational story that begins with a call she received from an investor in 2019. Was she interested in buying Stuckey’s? The Stuckey family had been out of the pecan business for decades and its surviving iteration was a mere relic of its glorious past. But Stuckey said she was flattered that someone thought she had what it took to run a company, albeit as one of seven grandchildren, she wasn’t the first choice. “They called every other grandchild before me,” she said. There were no takers, and normally she wouldn’t have been interested either. As a high-profile environmental advocacy attorney for more than 30 years, and a former Georgia state representative, she had a certain career path in mind, and it didn’t include pecans. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 AICC's Breaking Down Boxes Spotlights SMC Packaging SUN Automation Group Hails Success Of Its ESOP Joe Harris, Founder Of Harris Packaging, ACC, Passes Away 14 The Royal Group Announces New Leadership Roles

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'Super Plant' (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser.

the Green Bay Recycled Paper Mill, a 370,000-square-foot expansion of a state-of-the-art folding carton operation, and doubling the size of its newly acquired Third Dimen- sion sheet plant in Geneva, Ohio.

REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest

42# Kraft liner $955.00-960.00 $970.00-980.00 $970.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $1000.00-1010.00 $973.00-983.00

26# Semi-Chem. Medium

Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.

$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00

West Coast U.S. Average

SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets

E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.

200# 275#

$62.26

$72.05

$62.69 $82.80

$85.35 119.54

$73.13 101.29

97.32

99.89

90.86

113.65

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8.34

8.34

8.34

8.34

8.34

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107.46 118.45

114.69 129.32

116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56

141.08 148.46

122.76 131.80

Other significant expansions include their Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota box plants, and the building of a new sales, marketing and distribution center in Downers Grove, Illinois. “We are committed to this industry, our employees, and customers,” said Bryan Hollenbach, EVP of GBP. “We continue to invest at a high level and work hard to make GBP a great place to work and build a career. It is a fun time to be working for GBP.” For more information, visit gbp.com . A rendering of Green Bay Packaging's new 'Super Plant' in Fort Worth, Texas.

CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton.

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3

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October 9, 2023

PPC Fall Meeting Set For October 25-27 in San Diego

Core Competency

Registration remains open for the Paperboard Packaging Council’s 2023 Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference. This year’s event on October 25-27 will take place at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California. The three-day conference will help industry profession- als streamline the production of folding cartons, develop innovative paper box designs, and motivate teams to broaden their leadership skills. The event also celebrates the top honorees of the North American Paperboard Pack- aging Competition and the finalists of the Paperboard Packaging Alliance’s 2023 Student Design Challenge. Speakers include Arsen Kitch, President and CEO of the Clearwater Paper Corporation, who will talk about the pivotal role of innovation and sustainability in driving in- dustry growth. He will emphasize the case for indepen- dent suppliers and converters, highlighting their signifi- cance in shaping the industry’s future. Others presenting include Darryl Carlson, President of Royal Paper Box Company, and David Feber, Senior Part- ner at McKinsey & Company. Attractions in San Diego include 70 miles of beaches and family attractions including the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND California. To register, visit paperbox.org .

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October 9, 2023

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AICC Drops Latest Episode Of Breaking Down Boxes

After becoming a CPA, Kevin worked in Kansas City for several years before feeling the pull of a family business. His son, Matt, followed a similar path, earning a CPA and gaining experience outside of SMC before the prospect of new projects also pulled him in. The Ausburns will share how it feels to look back at working with their fathers and where they think SMC is heading. They will discuss the organic development of third-generation roles and how they handle the challenges that many family companies face in encouraging the new generation to grow within the company, while the previous generation learns to step back. “When Gene and Joe interview multi-generation own- ership, Kevin and Matt, at the same time it is really special,” says AICC President Mike D’Angelo. “You really feel like a part of the family in the way the story comes out conver- sationally. Great stuff.” To listen, visit AICCbox.org/Boxes .

Hosts Gene Marino, President, Akers Packaging Service Group, and Joe Morelli, Vice President of Sales & Mar- keting, Huston Patterson Printers and Lewisburg Printing

Co., speak with Kevin and Matt Ausburn of SMC Packaging Group, in “What It’s All About,” the latest episode of Breaking Down Boxes. While the Springfield, Mis- souri company faced a tough start, like all box plants, Kevin Ausburn’s father and his busi-

Kevin Ausburn, right, and his son, Matt Ausburn

ness partner, Chuck Bachus, worked through it.

Chicago TAPPI To Host Corrugated Boot Camp The Chicago TAPPI Local Section an- nounced it will host its annual Board Meet- ing and first-ever Corrugated Boot Camp Workshop on November 7, 2024 at the Oak Brook Marriott in Oak Brook, Illinois. It will consist of four, 45-minute work- shops for those who are new to the cor- rugated industry, including new machine operators and printers with minimal expe- rience, as well as individuals who need a refresher on some of today’s equipment. The workshops will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. following the Chicago TAPPI annual Board Meeting. Each of the four workshops (Corrugating Rolls/Splic- ers, Starch and Bonding/Print Plates and Ink Control/Cutting Dies and Anvil Care) focuses on a specific part of production. A tabletop exhibit and reception is also planned from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., fol- lowed by dinner and a “Troubleshooting Session and Q&A” presentation with the workshop hosts. Registration is $25 to attend the Boot Camp and an additional $75 to attend the dinner and Troubleshooting session. Those who attend both the workshops and the evening program will be entered to win the TVs used during the workshop presentations. Exhibitor registration is $150. Tabletop exhibit opportunities are available through the registration portal. For more informa- tion, visit tappi.org or contact Scott Bur- less by email or phone at (224) 325-9293.

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October 9, 2023

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SUN Hails Success Of Employee Stock Ownership Program Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation announced the 20th anniversary of its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), an employee benefit plan that enables em- ployees to own part or all of the company they work for. Since SUN established its ESOP in 2003, 100 percent of the company’s stock has been allocated to its employ- ees as a qualified retirement plan. As partial owners of the company, SUN’s employees have a vested interest in the success of the company. “With the ESOP, we are all working towards a mutu- al goal,” said David President, Eastern Region Territory Manager at SUN. “When the company does well, we all benefit.” To jumpstart the undertaking, SUN took on large loans which the company expected to pay off in 20 years. Due to the rapid growth and success of the company, SUN was able to clear its debt in 2013, just 10 years after es- tablishing the ESOP. “It was a huge achievement to pay off the loans so quickly,” said Steve Clarke, Vice President of Finance at SUN. “With the ESOP, payments that would have other- wise gone towards government taxes now go directly to our retired employees.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2023

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2023 2022

33.006 34.817

-5.2

7.501 7.913

-5.2

Industry Total

Year-to Date

June 2023

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2023 2022

189.149 206.082

-8.2

7.447 8.113

-8.2

Industry Total

Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)

Year

Month

Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change

2023 2022

2.7037 2.8541

-5.3

15.5017 16.9061

-8.3

Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)

Corrugator Plants Only

Date

Percent Change Weeks of Supply

Percent Change

June May

2.2422 2.3221

-3.4

3.6 3.9

-7.7

Shipping Days

Year

Month

Year-to-Date

2023 2022

22 22

127 127

SOURCE: Fibre Box Association

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October 9, 2023

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SUN Hails (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

vance. If it wasn’t for SUN’s ESOP, I wouldn't have had the great retirement I have now. So now I am a very strong ad- vocate for the plan and how it works to build your future.” SUN’s expansion is sustained by calculated invest- ments. In addition to the swift payment of its ESOP loans, SUN was debt free on its newest 183,000 square foot fa- cility in five years. The ESOP gives SUN’s employees a direct stake in the decisions made by the company.

Despite all of the upsides of ESOPs, it can be difficult for employees to realize the benefits. “You can’t see it or put your hands on it,” said Dawn Marmaras, Senior Sales Coordinator at SUN. “For some employees, it is just a piece of paper until it’s real. So, we work hard to help people understand our ESOP and how it affects them long-term.”

Ron Diedeman, who has a decade-long tenure with the company and served over three years as president of SUN, strives to inform current employees on what they can expect when they retire from SUN. “When I was young, I didn’t really worry about retire- ment,” he said. “A lot of young people don't understand or worry about retirement because they don't really think that far in ad-

SUN invites employee representatives to sit in on a portion of board meetings and implements a communica- tions committee to act as a liaison between executives, the board of directors, and those on the ground floor. For employees to fully reap its benefits, they must make long-term commitments to the company. Typically, ESOP participants are vested incrementally over a number of years.

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October 9, 2023

Industry Icon Joe Harris, Founder Of Harris Packaging & American Carton Company, Dies It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the pass- ing of a remarkable individual, Mr. Joe Harris, the beloved founder and visionary leader of Harris Packaging and American Carton Company. Joe Harris was a true pioneer in the world of packaging and entrepreneurship. Born with an innate drive for innovation and a genuine love for his craft, he estab- lished Harris Packaging in 1976 and Amer- ican Carton Company in 1992. Over the years, Joe tirelessly dedicated his life to building a legacy characterized by excellence, integrity, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Under Joe's expert guidance and steadfast determination, Harris Packaging and American Carton Company have flourished into industry leaders, setting high standards for quality, sustainability, and innovation.

His unwavering passion for providing impeccable solutions to customers' packaging needs was evident in every product his companies delivered. In 2010, Joe cemented his legacy as he transitioned ownership of both companies to his daughters, Jenise Cox and Jana Harris. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a compassionate and generous individual. He cared deeply for his employees and com- munity, always finding ways to give back and support those in need. Joe was not just a business leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. In addition to his impactful contributions to the packaging industry, Joe cherished his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather finding joy in the simple pleasures of life and cherishing the moments spent with his loved ones. As we bid farewell to this great man, we honor Joe's memory and pledge to contin- ue the vision he so passionately pursued throughout his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Joe Harris. Your legacy lives on, and you will forever be in our hearts. Joe Harris (center) with daughters Jenise (Harris) Cox (left), and Jana Harris.

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October 9, 2023

The Royal Group Announces New Leadership For Midwest Region Cicero, Illinois based The Royal Group, a provider of pack- aging and displays, announced the addition of three lead- ers in the Chicago and Wisconsin region. Katie Wilhelm will serve as Senior Vice President-Midwest, John Moulton as the General Manager of Innovative Fi- ber, and Billy Cozad will be the Regional Sales Manager for Wisconsin.

decades of experience in the packaging industry. She has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering inno- vation in various companies. Her deep knowledge of the region’s landscape and her strategic vision make her an invaluable addition to the TRG leadership team. Moulton has a wealth of experience in leadership roles spanning over 30 years, specifically in sales and opera- tions management. His background in managing teams and navigating diverse markets, including Beverage, and Food Packaging makes him highly qualified for the posi- tion of General Manager. His skills and demonstrated histo- ry of success in these domains greatly enhances the value he brings to the organization. After completing his Bachelor’s in Business Manage- ment from Western Governors University, Cozad has amassed expertise over a span of 17 years in the Chica- go and Milwaukee Markets. He has honed a distinct set of skills in the packaging and display industry, encompassing areas such as design, sales, and leadership roles. These competencies make him a highly valuable resource to the organization in his new position. “Katie, John, and Billy are valuable additions to our team,” said Kevin Miller, President and CEO. “Katie is a natural leader and brings a wealth of indus- try experience. John's extensive experience in leadership roles aligns well with our company's future direction. Ad- ditionally, Billy's outstanding track record in driving sales within our industry predicts his success in this area.”

Billy Cozad

Katie Wilhem John Moulton

The three new leaders contribute a valuable combina- tion of skills and expertise. Wilhelm’s extensive industry and market knowledge reinforce TRG's dedication to pro- viding excellent services and expanding its presence in the region. Additionally, Moulton and Cozad bring a com- bination of managerial skills and experience in the corru- gated industry to the team in Wisconsin. Wilhelm is an accomplished executive with over three

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October 9, 2023

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WestRock To Close Plants, Lay Off Workers In Four States

Atlanta, Georgia based WestRock will be laying off work- ers and closing operations in Kentucky, Minnesota, Illinois and New York, according to company officials and local media reports. Two operations will close in Louisville, Kentucky by the end of January 2024. Employees will be offered sever- ance packages and will be apply for positions elsewhere in the company. WestRock plans to permanently close its facility in Frid- ley, Minnesota, affecting some 70 employees. A plant closure in Chicago will result in 73 employees being laid off beginning at the end of November. The permanent closure of WestRock's plant in Pat- chogue, New York, will affect 70 employees who will be laid off in January. In other news reported last month, WestRock and Smurfit Kappa announced the signing of a business com- bination agreement that would create Smurfit WestRock, making it the largest global packaging partner by revenue. The CEO of Smurfit WestRock will be Tony Smurfit. The Boards of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock believe the combination will give them unparalleled geographic reach across 42 countries with a significant presence across both Europe and the Americas.

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October 9, 2023

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NAM Urges FTC To Withdraw Proposed Merger Rules

Be Social, Stay Current !

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is push- ing back on proposed changes by the Federal Trade Com- mission and the Department of Justice that would expand filing requirements for companies considering mergers. In June, the FTC — with the agreement of the Anti- trust Division of the DOJ — announced an overhaul of the premerger notification rules under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The HSR Act requires companies to provide notice to the FTC prior to consummating a merger, but the FTC’s proposed changes would lead to as much as a sevenfold increase in the time it takes to file the HSR form, according to the proposal. The NAM says that the proposed amendments would also necessitate complex and lengthy information report- ing, as well as significantly enhanced document produc- tion — resulting in disclosure overload for companies pur- suing mergers or acquisitions. M&A activity is critical to the manufacturing industry. Larger businesses use M&A for efficiency and expansion, while smaller companies benefit from opportunities for capital formation and growth. Earlier this month, the NAM urged the FTC to withdraw the proposed changes to protect businesses’ ability to grow and drive economic expansion in the United States.

Follow Board Converting News on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to get the most current news and information for the corrugated and folding carton industries.

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

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October 9, 2023

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Report Shows Substantial Reductions In Corrugated Environmental Impact The Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) announced a new lifle cycle assessment (LCA) showing that the corru- gated packaging industry has achieved substantial reduc- tions in the environmental impacts of a corrugated card- board box. The study shows a 50 percent per unit reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2020, tack- ling the most predominant causes of our changing climate. The LCA, conducted for the CPA by Anthesis and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement with third-party review by the Athena Institute, analyzed the cradle-to-grave circular life cycle of an average corrugated cardboard box made in the U.S. in 2020.

It estimated impacts to land, air and water based upon the new materials, manufacturing of those materials into products, the distribution/transportation and use of the products, and the end-of-life. “Reducing carbon emissions is the most important thing we can do for a more sustainable future,” said CPA Executive Director Bob McIlvaine. “Additional improve- ments in land, air and water indicators highlight the indus- try’s progress and reaffirm our long-standing commitment to sustainable manufacturing across operations.” Meaningful reductions were also achieved in ozone de- pletion (13 percent), energy usage (13 percent), water us- age (18 percent), acid rain (41 percent), smog (44 percent), respiratory effects (54 percent) and eutrophication which leads to algae blooms and dead zones in bodies of water (30 percent). The industry’s progress was attained through energy

improvements, strong recycling infrastruc- ture, sustainably managed forests, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. The industry continues to shift to cleaner-burn- ing fuel, has increased its participation in a greener U.S. electric grid and made invest- ments in energy efficiency. The introduction of new, fresh fibers from sustainably managed forests drives the removal of carbon dioxide from the at- mosphere. The use of old corrugated con- tainers (OCC) has also contributed to the avoidance of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from landfills. This combination of both new, fresh fibers, and recycled fi- bers maximizes fiber reuse and enables circularity. Much of this progress is also driven by the sustainability commitments of companies in the industry. “Sustainable practices are at the foun- dation of the paper and wood products industry,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA Presi- dent & CEO. “Our industry has a long track record of sustainability leadership, and we are committed to making continued prog- ress on quantifiable sustainability goals as part of the Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 initiative. This life cycle assessment reflects a longstanding commitment to sustainable manufacturing furthering the circular nature of our industry.​” The corrugated industry continues to prioritize sustainability through sci- ence-based goals and innovation. As soci- ety faces increasingly urgent environmen- tal challenges, the corrugated industry remains committed to making positive changes for our world. For more information, visit fibrebox. org/life-cycle-assessments .

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Koenig & Bauer To Present At Printing United Expo In Atlanta, GA Koenig & Bauer announced it will be showcasing its sheet- fed offset presses and more during PRINTING United Expo on October 18-20, 2023 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Guests will be welcomed with traditional German bratwurst and a special beer brewed to honor the firm’s 206 years in business. “We are proud to be a strong industry supporter at PRINTING United Expo in Atlanta,” says Kilian Renschler, president and CEO of Koenig & Bauer. “It’s the perfect show that focuses on our belief that convergence and diversification brings about new oppor- tunities.” Products will include the flagship Rapida 106 X and its high board line rotary die cutters that serve the corrugat- ed board industry. Its die cutter product line includes the ChromaCut X Pro, ChromaCUT High Tech, and Chroma- CUT Smart with dual die cutting capabilities and two-sided print capabilities. Koenig & Bauer will also promote the new VariJET 106, a modular single pass sheetfed digital printing press for the folding carton market as well as the firm’s expanded role and format capabilities of the RotaJET digital web press across all market segments.

Producing Quality Leads

Read the articles in Board Converting News every week to learn about the people, places and machinery that will open the doors to new or repeat business. Making New Customers

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.

For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com

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SHINKO SUPER ALPHA

MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.

SHINKO Super Alpha High Speed Quick Set Flexo Folder Gluer

• Fast 2 minute set up • Fast run speeds up to 450 SPM • Fixed frame architecture • Fully servo driven • Set-up while running • Extremely accurate registration • Energy efficient Sizes Available: 23” X 71” to 47” X 106” Available for immediate shipment.

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SINCE 1955

Stuckey's (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

The Perfect Combo Get Peak Performance From Your Equipment with Matched Component Sets

Besides, she wasn’t accustomed to change, and at 53, it didn’t seem like an ideal time in her life to take such a risk. “But I said yes, and that made all the difference,” she said.

A Stuckey's store on the interstate.

Nothing’s more rewarding

Stuckey’s memory of Stuckey’s was nostalgic. She was just a kid in the ‘60s and ‘70s when the roadside oasis op- erated in 368 stores in more than 30 states. There was a manufacturing facility where the famous pecan candy and log rolls were made. There were more than 4,000 Stuck- ey’s billboards splashed across the nation’s highways. “That’s what I remembered. That’s what I thought I was buying,” she said. That wasn’t the reality, though. Only 13 of the 368 stores, once a popular respite on family road trips, were still in operation. Most were long shuttered or inhabited by a not-so-wholesome establishment. All the candy mak- ing was outsourced, much of the inventory was dated and caked in dust, plus the company was six figures in debt.

than a couple made for each other. That’s why the engineers at ARC International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect

matches between the components that must work in tandem on your exo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers • Anilox and Wiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue and Meter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to ll your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo. Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of exo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or

reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and prots.

There were two employees and an office in a double-wide trailer. Hers was not the story of a fortunate heiress. “This wasn’t really my inheritance,” she said. “What I inherited was my grandfather’s grit, my grandfather’s resil- ience, my grandfather’s ability to pivot and change.

The ARChitects of exo

ARCInternational.com 800-526-4569

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3/31/21 6:09 PM

The best of

two worlds

Two companies team up for your success!

Koenig & Bauer Celmacch’s expertise with converters have enabled us to develop machines for you with the highest technological standards in the industry. This supports maximum reliability, quality and flexibility. Our range of products meet different investment strategies and productivity requirements, ranging from entry-level models to machines that are equipped with the highest levels of automation, sophistication and the highest throughput.

Contact us for information on how you can become the next success story.

tom.fitzgerald@koenig-bauer.com

Stuckey's (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

“Buying the company, I learned the story behind the brand and how my grandfather built this company from nothing, and this story is complete with lessons of change.” Hard Times Fuel Resilience Like Stuckey’s, most of the great companies — Micro- soft, IBM, Target, Airbnb — were founded during economic hard times, Stuckey said. For her grandfather, it was the Great Depression. He didn’t have money, there wasn’t any work, but one thing that was plentiful in Georgia was pe- cans, so he started selling them on the side of the road. One day a family pulled over and asked if there was a re- stroom or anything to eat. He had nothing to offer them, but it sparked an idea that would change his life. “What do entrepreneurs do? They solve problems that people have, and he was an entrepreneur. We all need to

Most of the Stuckey's were shuttered decades ago.

think like an entrepreneur,” she said. In a few years, he was able to put some money togeth- er to open his first Stuckey’s store and the seed was plant- ed for what would become the world’s first roadside retail chain. Embrace Change

Then there was a new crisis that gripped the nation — World War II. By that time, Mr. Stuckey had several stores and they were doing well, but with food rations, he couldn’t buy sugar and he could no lon- ger make candy. He was forced to close his stores and file bankruptcy. “So, what did he do? He evolved, he pivoted,” she said, by securing a contract with Department of Defense to make can- dy for the troops. “The lesson I learned from that is when times are hard, embrace change, you have to,” she said. “And see it as an opportunity.” In his new role, he picked up some skills that would be useful down the road. He learned how to scale and mass produce; he learned about food safety and preser- vation, and how to package and ship his product. He completely reinvented his business. When the war ended, life in American had changed as well. It was a better econ- omy, and everyone was driving and going on vacations. The era of the road trip had begun, so Stuckey’s was back on the road again and thriving on the Jefferson High- way, the Lincoln Highway, and Route 66. Crisis Strikes Again Things were going well until the Inter- state Highway System of 1956 was passed with backing from President Dwight D. Ei- senhower. Its construction would provide jobs to former soldiers looking for work, serve the national defense during the Cold War, support population growth and pro-

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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Stuckey's (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

vide quicker, direct transportation routes, but would also bypass cities and devastate mom and pop stores and the roadside attractions that gave the highways their charac- ter.

Once again, W.S. Stuckey had to shutter all his stores, but instead of giving up he saw it as an amazing opportuni- ty. He partnered with gas stations and moved to the super highways, breaking the monotony of long, lonely stretches of asphalt. With this rebrand, he bounced back even stron- ger. This would be the Stuckey’s that Stephanie Stuckey remembers. Have A Purpose As Stuckey was going through her grandfather’s pa- pers, she came across an oft repeated motto. “Every traveler is a friend.” It wasn’t just something written on a plaque, she said her grandfather lived it. A Stuckey's candy maker is thrilled over a new Hobart mixer.

Teamwork at Stuckey's.

“It meant to him that anybody that comes into contact with his brand is a friend. It can be a customer, a vendor, a supplier, a manufacturer — anyone you come in contact with is treated with respect and they are welcome.” The best example of how he lived it was in how he ran his business, she said. Based in the Deep South during the Jim Crow era when many stores were “whites only,”

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Stuckey's (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Stuckey’s was never segregated. It was listed in the “Green-Book,” a guidebook that was considered “the bible of black travel” at the time. Some 30 years later, when Stuckey was running for the Georgia House, she didn’t think her chances were good. The district was more than 70 percent African American, and any successful candidate had to have the blessing of the most influential African American preacher in the district to lock down the black vote.

ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com

Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.

To her surprise, the reverend gave her his support and she won the election. “I said that I must have done a good job in the pul- pit, but he said, ‘It was your grandfather. I’m endorsing you because your grandfather always welcomed peo- ple like me into your stores. He welcomed my family, he welcomed my parishioners, we always felt like we had a safe place to pull over and that’s why I’m en- dorsing you,’” Stuckey said. “That is purpose. That is values. My grandfather had been dead for 30 years, but that value of treating everyone with respect, that’s why our company is still around today.” The Rebirth Of Stuckey’s As the new owner, Stuckey went on a road trip during the Covid pandemic to see the remaining 13 stores. Tears were shed as the self-described over-50, single mom, who had invested her life savings to bring the stores back to life, saw what she was up against. But her “aha” moment would come in Marion, Ar- kansas. The store was dilapidated, it had a hole in the roof, and all she could do was be “intensely present” to get through the moment, she said. Her first social media post was an honest one from the seat of her car — a dashboard Jesus with the store and its glory days behind it. “It truly became my ‘Come to Jesus’ moment,” she said. As she got out and ventured inside, she saw people and they were buying things. She had to approach a Stuckey's CEO Stephanie Stuckey at a pecan farm.

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com

Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.

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Stuckey's (CONT’D FROM PAGE 30)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

man in line and simply ask him, “Why are you here? This store looks awful.” “He preceded to tell me how much he liked to road trip as a kid and, in his mind, he still remembered that won- derful, special place where he felt welcome, where he felt safe.” A photo was snapped of them together and Stuckey decided then and there that maybe Stuckey’s was a fix- er-upper, but so was she and she would do what her grand- father before her did — embrace change and innovation. Stuckey’s would be about product, not place. She brought the candy making in-house, she built a team, formed good partnerships, and surrounded herself with smart people. Today, Stuckey’s may not have stand-alone stores on the interstate, but more than 200 retailers sell Stuckey’s pralines and log rolls at several thousand stores and on- line. Sales have gone from $2 million to $14 million in two years, and pecans, sourced 100 percent from local farm- ers, is the lifeblood. But the most important thing about change is to recog- nize what shouldn't change, Stuckey said. “Your values should not change, what really matters to you does not change, staying true to your roots does not change. At Stuckey’s, we’re literally staying true to our roots.” DS Smith Invests In AWS As Cloud Provider To Drive Innovation London, England based DS Smith, a sustainable pack- aging provider, announced it has selected Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider to drive effi- ciencies, and support sustainable solutions. The company will focus on leveraging data to help drive growth and efficiency across its business, including real time monitoring of manufacturing capacity and supply chain management in support of key sustainability targets. DS Smith will use AWS’s global infrastructure, advanced analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies — including AWS’s generative AI services — to help derive deeper business intelligence and drive automation across its supply chain. A Data Factory will be built using AWS, to bring to- gether data from across its business including machinery, facilities, logistics, processes and products. By applying machine learning algorithms and analytics to the data, DS Smith says it will gain insights and make faster, more in- formed decisions to optimize operations, anticipate cus- tomer demand, and reduce waste and carbon emissions. “Our journey to the future is already underway,” said Claire Dickson, Group Chief Information Officer, DS Smith. “Digital and data solutions are going to revolutionize the way we grow, delight and support our customers and tack- le some of our planet’s biggest sustainability challenges.”

ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com

ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.

AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net

AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.

CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com

Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.

CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com

Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.

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