BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years December 9, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 50
Menasha Corp. Celebrates 175 Years As An Independent BY STEVE YOUNG Anyone who’s been in the corrugated industry for 20, 30 years, or more can be forgiven for thinking of Menasha Corp. as an “integrated” for- est-products company. After all, it did own paper mill assets and timber- lands during much of its long history. But Mike Riegsecker, President of Menasha Packaging, is quick to set the record straight. “We’re a 175-year-old private company that’s owned by the same family that founded it,” he says. “We’re now in the seventh generation of family ownership.”
Max Valier Holdings Acquires Kolbus
Munich, Germany based Max Valier Holdings has recently acquired Kolbus GmbH & Co.KG, according to press reports. The acquisition of the Kolbus parent company and all global subsidiaries in the UK, USA, China and Eu- rope will be complete by January 1. Kolbus has been a family-owned business for 249 years and began the self-administra- tion process in July 2024. The restructuring and investment will ensure 340 jobs remain at the Rahden, Germany business. However, 155 immediate job losses were confirmed, along with the closure of the small satellite manu- facturing site in Krostitz near Leipzig and the relocation earlier in the year of the AutoBox machinery production from Houghton Regis, UK to Rahden. “Over the last six months, machine orders have continued to be fulfilled and new orders have also been taken, highlighting the trust and faith that remains for the Kolbus business and its high-quality products, ensuring stabil- ity throughout the process of securing a new investor,” said Greg Bird, Managing Director, Kolbus UK. “The announcement is excellent news, providing a perfect solution to ensure CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Menasha Corp., based in Neenah, Wisconsin, this year celebrated its 175th anniversary as an independent. Riegsecker recalls the com- pany’s legacy of entrepreneurial innovation and commitment to cus- tomers, employees, and their communities. “The industries we serve continue to evolve, and that has evolved the expectations our custom- ers have with their packaging and supply chain requirement,” he says. “These evolutions have taken place for 175 years, and as they do, we have remained focused and committed to growing and investing in the solutions we offer—always focused on helping our customers solve the challenges they are facing today while remaining out front and in tune with the challenges that are on the horizon where new solutions will be required.” The company was founded in 1849 in Menasha, Wisconsin, as the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Mike Riegsecker, President of Menasha Packaging, in Menasha’s Retail Inte- gration Institute, where the history of the company is displayed.
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 Containerboard Price Increases On The Horizon In 2025 5 UFP Packaging Opens New Packaging Facility In Georgia 6 Koenig & Bauer Plans For Leaner Business Structure 10 AICC Breaks It Down With Corrugated Candy Store
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companies. The commitment and support are long term, allowing the benefit of innovation and modernization of the businesses. Kolbus GmbH joins four existing engineer- ing companies within the Max Valier group, adding to over 1,000 current employees. Price Hikes For Containerboard, Linerboard Expected On January 1 Georgia-Pacific and International Paper are considering price increases for containerboard, set to take effect Jan- uary, according to financial press reports. Georgia-Pacific has suggested prices increases of $60 per ton for kraftliner and white top and additionally a $90 per ton increase for recycled liner and $90 per ton for medium in the eastern states. In western states, the company reports increases of $80 per ton for kraftliner, $90 per ton for recycled and white top liner and $90 per ton for medium. IP is pushing for $70 per ton increase for liner (including white top), and $90 per ton for medium. Packaging Corporation of America announced price increases of $70 per ton for linerboard and $90 per ton for medium on January 1. Smurfit Westrock announced a $60 per ton increase for unbleached kraft and recycled linerboard and an $80 per ton increase for corrugating medium as well as a $70 per ton increase for white top linerboard in its west region and $50 per ton in the east.
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. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average 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. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION
Max Valier Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Kolbus can continue to support all of our existing customer markets and we look forward to a future with accelerated innovation enabling the continuity of high-quality custom- er focused solutions.” Hannes Mahlknecht and Franco Nocera of Max Valier, said, “The acquisition of Kolbus is a valuable strategic ad- dition to our business portfolio, with high-quality mechan- ical engineering and foundry operations, we want to keep the company for the long term, long past its 250th anniver- sary next year.” Max Valier specializes in the acquisition and develop- ment of medium-sized engineering production and service
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UFP Packaging Opens New Packaging Facility In Georgia
Grand Rapids, Michigan based UFP Packaging announced the opening of a 10,000-square-foot Packaging Design and Development Center (DDC) at its Newnan, Georgia, facility. The DDC features expanded, customer-focused spaces that foster collaboration and innovation. Clients can engage directly in lab testing, participate in design reviews, and collaborate hands-on with packaging devel- opment, creating a more interactive and immersive expe- rience. “Many of our customers have unique products that re- quire more than an off-the-shelf packaging solution,” said Executive VP of Structural Packaging J.F. Granger. “Our
new design center will enhance our service capabilities, protect their products through rigorous testing and help our customers keep their customers happy.” The center includes a fully equipped prototyping shop and an ISTA-certified testing laboratory. The DDC will fo- cus on sustainability, saving customers money by refining designs, minimizing material waste, and maximizing pro- tection within the supply chain through rigorous testing. PalletOne, a company of UFP Packaging, will also use the center to host unit load design classes and to optimize pal- let solutions as a part of their Pallet Concierge service. Key testing services at the Design and Development Center include: • ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) Certified laboratory • 1 Series, 2C, 3ABEFK, 4AB, 6 Series • Specializes in 3B (Less Than Truckload) and 3E (Full Truckload) testing • Certified in Amazon 6 testing • ASTM and ISO package and pallet testing The facility’s strategic location near Atlanta will en- hance service, speed and product quality, making it easy for customers throughout the United States to access, the company said. UFP Packaging is an industrial packaging solutions pro- vider and one of the largest producers of wooden pallets and crates in the US with expertise in metal fabrication, corrugated conversion and labeling.
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Koenig & Bauer Announces New, Leaner Business Structure Germany based Koenig & Bauer announced a new and leaner segment structure that will remain focused on the high-growth packaging market: Paper & Packaging Sheet- fed Systems (P&P) and Special & New Technologies (S&T). The company said it is continuing on the path it adopted in 2014 to transition from a unitary to a divisional group and is positioning itself in 2025 with a new segment structure that is aligned even more closely to current and future cus- tomer needs and the relevant business model. All the previous activities of the Sheetfed segment will be consolidated within the new Paper & Packaging Sheet- fed Systems segment in the future. The corrugated card- board activities for the Chroma series bundled under the Celmacch joint venture will be allocated to this segment due to the close technological and customer overlap be- tween folding box and corrugated cardboard producers. The activities of the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture will continue to be based here. This segment will be specializing in end-to-end solu- tions for the high-growth folding box and corrugated card- board box markets, addressing all aspects such as the preprint stage, printing with an integrated digital workflow and post print processing. “The Group’s top priority is to align itself with its cus-
tomers and markets and to streamline decision-making paths within its business units,” said Andreas Pleßke, Chief Executive Officer of Koenig & Bauer. Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Offi- cer Stephen Kimmich added: “The bundling of folding car- ton and corrugated board activities in one segment is our response to customer needs due to the strong technologi- cal and cross-customer overlap of these groups.” The Special & New Technologies segment will consol- idate the previous activities of the Special segment for in- dustrial marking and coding and special systems for metal and glass/hollow container direct printing, as well as the remaining activities of the former Digital & Webfed seg- ment which includes web digital and flexo web printing. The restructuring of the Koenig & Bauer AG Group will result in changes to central responsibilities for operations as well as cross-sectional functions. As the previous role of a central Group COO will no longer be required, the com- pany and Michael Ulverich have mutually agreed that he will leave Koenig & Bauer and step down from the Execu- tive Board. Christian Steinmaßl, who brings with him over 25 years of experience in the paper and packaging indus- try, has joined the Group management and will report to the Executive Board. He will take on a key role in the new Special & New Technologies segment and be responsible for production, the Vision & Protection and Kyana (former- ly Digital Unit) business units and operational shared ser- vices within the Group.
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Metsä Board Introduces Recycling QR Code On Delivery Packaging Metsä Board, a European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, announced the launch of a new solution to enhance and simplify the recycling process for packaging materials customers receive as part of Metsä Board prod- uct deliveries. Metsä Board has introduced QR codes on the pallet and reel labels of its products for all volumes delivered to its custom- ers. The QR code directs custom- ers to an intuitive app that provides detailed information on the various packaging materials used to pro- tect the paperboard during the lo- gistics chain. This information will assist customers in determining how each component of the delivery’s packaging should be recycled. By providing accessible and clear recycling informa- tion, the company aims to make it as easy as possible for customers to sort and recycle all the materials they re- ceive with the product deliveries. In addition, customers will be able to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and ensure the materials are recycled as part of the local circular economy loop. “The implementation of the new recycling QR codes
on our paperboard deliveries stems from a strong com- mitment to sustainability and customer convenience,” says Isto Hongisto, Product Safety Specialist at Metsä Board. “Recycling can sometimes be complex, and our goal is to
make it as seamless and straightforward as possible for our customers. This initiative will not only save them time, but it will also ensure that the materials used in our deliv- eries are recycled in an optimal way.” The new initiative is part of Metsä Board’s ongoing strategic commitment to sustainability and innovation in its operations. The company invites all customers to take advantage of this new feature and contribute to promoting efficient recycling practices within the packaging industry. The QR codes have been visible on all paperboard de- liveries as of November 2024.
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AICC Drops Podcast Episode: Corrugated Candy Store
shaped his career, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamics of the corrugated packaging industry and the resilience required to succeed. Pallini said, “It was a lot of fun learning about Mark’s 33-year journey to get back to Tennessee to run the family box business. What an incredible story. And I thought I’d done a lot of international travel. He’s a true road warrior.” Mark shares the evolution of Cumberland Container, highlighting its growth trajectory and the strategic invest- ments that have positioned the company for success. Throughout the discussion, Mark also delves into the in- valuable role of community support during tough times and the enduring loyalty of employees who have stood by the company through challenges and change. The episode sheds light on Mark’s personal journey and offers actionable insights for industry professionals navigating similar challenges. From the lessons learned
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced the latest episode of Breaking Down Boxes, “Corrugated Candy Store.” This installment features hosts Jeff Pallini, President of Fosber America, and George Per- reira, Vice President of Moyy, as they sit down with Mark Jared, Director and CEO of Cumberland Container in Mon- terey, Tennessee. Mark’s journey is anything but conventional. From leading tours in China during a period of political unrest to stepping into the helm of a box plant with little prior in- dustry experience, his story is a testament to adaptability, leadership, and the power of collaboration. In this episode, Mark reflects on the challenges and triumphs that have
in international business to the strategies driving Cumberland Container’s growth, Mark’s story is a source of inspiration for leaders in the independent packaging community. “Mark has likely logged the most miles in his journey to corrugated than anyone else that Breaking Down Boxes has inter- viewed,” said AICC President Mike D’An- gelo. “This episode is a travelogue, a man- agement lesson, and another example of the power of yes.” Listeners can tune in to Breaking Down Boxes on major podcast platforms or at www.AICCbox.org/Boxes . Independent Printing & Pkg Invests In HP Indigo Press Wisconsin based Independent Printing & Packaging has announced its acquisition of a new HP Indigo 100K Digital Press, to broaden its portfolio within its packaging applications. Specializing in premium pre- sentation folders, packaging solutions, and corporate image products, Independent Printing & Packaging serves clients nation- wide and offers advanced printing capabil- ities, including custom product designs, up to 8-color printing, critical color matching, as well as die-cutting and embossing. Installing the new HP Indigo 100K in June 2024, Independent Printing & Pack- aging meets rising demands for digital printers as the print and packaging market continues to move towards digital solu- tions that offer cost effectiveness and flex- ibility. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Independent Invests (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
Said Scott Archer, AMS HP Industrial Commercial Di- rector of Sales at HP: “We are thrilled that Independent Printing & Packaging has chosen to work with HP to install a new Indigo 100K.
The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press is a high-performance printing solution known for its ability to produce up to 6,000 sheets per hour. This throughput allows print ser- vice providers to handle greater volume of short run print jobs, making it a well-suited installation for production floors, maximizing efficiencies, and reducing turnaround times. Due to its proven ability to meet high productivity standards through automated technologies, the HP Indi- go 100K reduces the number of hours required to deliver print jobs, resulting in a speed to market for print service providers. Independent Printing & Packaging now offer custom- ers more versatility across packaging applications. Fitting seamlessly onto the production floor, the digital press is compatible with a wide range of substrates, from coated and uncoated to specialty and recycle materials. From competitive short runs to long term strategic gains, the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press allows Indepen- dent Printing & Packaging to maximize production with nonstop automated printing. “By installing a new HP Indi- go 100K, we are confident HP delivers unrivalled speed, efficiency and performance. The acquisition of the digital press allows us to offer a more robust range of products, at affordable prices, to our customers which allows them to enter new markets,” said Jim Gingle, General Manager, Independent Printing & Packaging.
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Toys For Tots: Welch Packaging Group Among Many Who Support A Worthy Cause BY STEVE YOUNG They pop up seemingly everywhere this time of year: Large corrugated collection boxes for the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots toy drive for underprivileged kids. I saw my first one of the Christmas Season recent- ly at my local Ford dealership in Front Royal, Virginia, as I was waiting for my truck to be serviced. Mottled-white, printed two colors, 32 ECT C-flute, and manufactured by Welch Packaging Group of Elkhart, Indiana. Scott Welch, President of Welch Packaging, says his company’s in- volvement in the national Toys for Tots drive began nearly 30 years ago, when one of his designers, Norm Heaton, an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, volunteered for the local Toys for Tots chapter in Elkhart. “He elevated our involvement in the early 2000s to a national level,” Scott explained, “and we have donated this work now for almost 30 consec- utive years.”
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Toys for Tots began in 1947 as the brainchild of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. Hendricks’s wife Diane had a few handcrafted dolls and asked Bill to deliver them to an agency that supports children in need. When Bill reported back to his wife that he could not find such an organization, she instructed him to “start one!” That year, Major Hen- dricks and the Marines in his reserve unit in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys. Seeing such a successful community engagement, the Commandant of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1948 directed all Marine Reserve Sites to implement a TFT campaign, transforming it into a national community action program. Today, the Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) char- ity, oversees the annual drive. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Triangle, Virginia, the Foundation’s primary goal is to help bring the joy of Christmas to America’s economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy. The Foundation supports nearly 800 local Toys for Tots Coordinators and their related community groups. According to the Foundation’s website, there are today nearly 40,000 Marines, Ma- rine Corps League members, veteran Marines and volunteers involved in the annual toy drive campaign. In 2023, the Foundation delivered a record-breaking 25.5 million toys, books and games to 10.3 million eco- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Toys For Tots (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
From all of us at Alliance:
nomically disadvantaged children. In addition to this annu- al toy drive, the Foundation has programs for the advance- ment of Native Americans, promotion of literacy, disaster recovery and response, a youth ambassador program and foster care initiatives. The Toys for Tots Foundation is supported by sponsor- ship from national and regional corporate and individual donors. Major consumer brands, OEM manufacturers, nat- ural resource companies, transportation and other sectors of the Fortune 100 are listed as long-time supporters. The corrugated industry is represented by Welch Packaging, WestRock, and WestRock’s antecedent, RockTenn. For Welch, it’s an annual run of 100,000 boxes, facilitated by the company’s 21 manufacturing sites in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. “It’s a lot of logistics,” Scott says of the manufacture and distribution, but it is a core value of the company’s mission. “This work,” he said, “is core to our ‘cause’ at Welch: To make a differ- ence in our customers’ business, our associates’ lives and in our communities.” For more information about the Toys for Tots Foun- dation, visit www.toysfortots.org . For more information about Welch Packaging Group, visit www.welchpkg.com . NAPCO Expands Capabilities To Meet Evolving Customer Needs Sparta, North Carolina based NAPCO announced expan- sions to its service offerings, designed to better meet the diverse and evolving needs of its customers. These en- hancements focus on three key areas: advanced prototyp- ing capabilities, a new short run program, and expanded private label opportunities. NAPCO’s product development and engineering team now offers prototyping services, turning packaging visions into reality. With expertise in a wide range of materials and decorating methods, NAPCO ensures efficient, cost-effec- tive production. “Our enhanced prototyping process guides custom- ers through every step,” said Dylon Wooten, Customer Service Manager at NAPCO. “From initial concepts and ‘white samples’ for size and functionality testing, to pro- duction-quality prototypes, we’re committed to our clients’ total satisfaction.” Recognizing the growing demand for smaller volume, high-quality packaging, NAPCO has launched a unique Short Run Program. This cost-efficient approach caters to orders ranging from individual prototypes to full produc- tion runs, featuring:
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NAPCO Expands (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.
ity, allowing brands of all sizes to access premium pack- aging solutions,” explained Joe DeBoy, Vice President of Sales at NAPCO. NAPCO is expanding its private label manufacturing services, allowing brands to focus on creativity and mar- keting while NAPCO handles production. “We’re proud to offer our manufacturing expertise to support brands that prefer to keep production behind the scenes,” said Rob Proffit, President. “This service allows our clients to maintain full creative control and brand iden- tity.” For more information, visit NapcoUSA.com or contact Joe DeBoy, jdeboy@napcousa.com. BW Converting Launches e-Learning Platform For Enhanced Training Green Bay, Wisconsin based BW Converting announced the launch of an e-learning platform aimed at transform- ing customer training across its entire brand portfolio. Designed to provide flexibility and support operational ef- ficiency, this online resource allows customers to access machine overview courses, enhancing on-site training and enabling easier adaptation to workforce changes. The platform spans all BW Converting brands, includ- ing Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Hud- son-Sharp, Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D), Baldwin Technolo- gy Company, STAX Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. The company said the launch marks a signif- icant investment in helping its customers achieve greater productivity and operational efficiency. The e-learning platform offers flexible, on-demand train- ing options that supplement on-site instruction, equipping employees with foundational knowledge while addressing challenges like employee turnover and onboarding. Key benefits of the platform include the flexibility for employees to learn at their own pace, the ability to main- tain productivity despite staff turnover and the chance to reduce on-site training downtime. With versatile purchasing options, including a la carte courses, subscription plans and real-time payment via credit card, the platform also integrates seamlessly into broader training and service programs. For customers with unique needs, BW Converting’s training team can create tailored e-learning content specific to their equipment and requirements. “This digital solution allows customers to save on costs related to extended on-site training, minimize production interruptions and access a consistent knowledge base for improved workforce competency,” said Scott Kupsky, Technical Training Leader at BW Converting. “By stream- lining training processes and offering custom content, BW Converting is setting a new benchmark in customer edu- cation within the converting and packaging industry.”
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Manufacturing PMI Shows Economic Growth For 55th Straight Month The U.S. manufacturing sector contracted for the eighth consecutive month in November, as the Manufacturing PMI registered 48.4 percent, 1.9 percentage points high- er compared to the 46.5 percent reported in October, ac- cording to the latest Manufacturing Institute For Supply Management’s Report On Business. “After breaking a 16-month streak of contraction by ex- panding in March, the manufacturing sector has contract- ed for the last eight months. Of the five subindexes that directly factor into the Manufacturing PMI, only one was in expansion territory, the same number of indexes as in October,” says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manu- facturing sector is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting. A Manufacturing PMI above 42.5 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. The No- vember Manufacturing PMI indicates the overall economy grew for the 55th straight month after last contracting in April 2020. “The past relationship between the Manufac- turing PMI and the overall economy indicates that the No- vember reading (48.4 percent) corresponds to a change of plus-1.7 percent in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Fiore.
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December 9, 2024
JUMBO FLEXO
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.
K1X Jumbo Flexo The Jumbo series of KL were designed to withstand the rigorous needs of Jumbo box making. This series is available as a Flexo Folder Gluer or a Printer Slotter/Die Cutter. • Extremely rugged construction • Triple wall capable • Speeds up to 4,800 SPH • Full width die cutting and stacker • Non-stop downstacker w/post compression section Sizes Available: 86” X 210” to 98” X 210”
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com
SINCE 1955
Menasha Corp. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Pail Factory, a maker of wooden buckets, barrels, and kegs. It floundered in its early years, however, and in 1852, a young transplant from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Eli- sha D. Smith, seeing an opportunity to exploit the growing volume of trade in the newly admitted state of Wisconsin, acquired it for $1,200—money borrowed from his father- in-law in Rhode Island. In 1872, the firm reorganized under the name Menasha Wooden Ware Co. Though the privately held Menasha of today lacks ver- tical integration in timber resources and paper mill assets, its founder recognized the need to secure his sources of raw material supply. In the early days of the Wisconsin territory, canal and rail transportation made possible the
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.
bulk-shipment of products such as vinegar, sauerkraut, beer, and sausage from the interior of the territory to the Great Lakes ports of Green Bay and Milwaukee. Abundant timber resources there provided the hardwoods needed to produce the barrels and kegs to support this trade, so Smith acquired timberlands in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota to supply the company. Later, after these sourc- es grew thin—reforestation was little practiced at that time—he bought lands in Washington, Oregon, and north- ern Idaho. Downstream timber processing facilities such as lumber mills, stave-making plants, cooper shops, and painting facilities completed Menasha Wooden Ware’s supply chain and drove much of the company’s success in the last decades of the 19th century. With the passing of Smith in 1899, his son Charles Rob- inson Smith took the reins of the company. But it was his son Mowry Smith Sr. who, as a new member of the compa- ny’s board of directors in the 1920s, recognized the value of a new, nascent industry: corrugated paper. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the develop- ment of corrugated paper and fiberboard shipping boxes provided an alternative to heavy wooden crates. Shippers, impressed with the lightweight durability of corrugated paper, saw it as a viable alternative. Gina Shaw, writing in Living Our Values: The Story of Menasha Corporation, named the Lawrence Paper Co. in Lawrence, Kansas, and Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper Co., as two of the earliest entrants into this market, calling CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 The Menasha RII displays retail solutions for a wide range of packaging and point-of-purchase markets.
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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December 9, 2024
Eliminate Warp at the Speed of Light! Laser Warp Correction
Monitor It — Identify It — Eliminate It
Immediately identify and correct warp without operator intervention Continually measure 1200 points across the full web width with laser precision Produce high quality sheets sooner by utilizing Machine Learning algorithms (AI) Fully integrates and communicates with CoparSolutions’ QualityMaster™ System Laser Warp Correction brings the latest AI technology to corrugator process control. This next generation of automation combines the precision of laser measurement with closed-loop process control to enhance sheet quality, improve consistency, eliminate operator error, and maximize productivity and profitability!
+1.708.496.1859 Info@CoparSolutions.com | coparsolutions.com
Menasha Corp. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
them “the first mass corrugated box producers in the Unit- ed States.” However, the railroads, the predominant carriers of freight in that era, objected to the introduction of pa- per-based packaging and began charging a tariff on prod- ucts packaged in it. A landmark decision for the future of the corrugated box as a shipping container came in 1914 with the Pridham case in which the Interstate Commerce Commission ruled that there were no differences between the movement of commodities in fiber and wood boxes and thereby removed the added tariff. This decision paved the way for the young corrugated box industry to compete with its wooden counterparts. It was thus, in 1927, that Menasha Wooden Ware, seeing shrinking demand for its wood-based packaging, converted a four-story butter-tub warehouse into its first corrugated box plant. The corru- gator installed was from the Samuel M. Langston Co., and its principal linerboard supplier at the time was the John Strange Paper Co. of Menasha. According to author Shaw, the company struggled in its early years but recovered even as the Great Depression gripped the nation. Although the company grew into prof- itability, Menasha was dependent on outside suppliers of linerboard and corrugating medium. Lacking the capital to build its own mill but seeking more control over its sources of supply, Menasha in 1939 acquired a stake in the Otsego Falls Paper Mill, a manufacturer of linerboard and medium located in Otsego, Michigan. Then, beginning in the 1940s, the company expanded its converting capacity through box plant acquisition, starting with Durham Container Co. in North Carolina. And in what could have been the pro- totype for today’s sheet-supplier or joint mill-ownership consortia, Menasha and four local box companies in 1946 purchased the John Strange Paper Co., the original suppli- er to its flagship plant in Menasha. The corrugated box industry was propelled by a post- war economic boom, and vertical integration was a prin- cipal driver of the industry’s capital investment decisions. Shaw, in Living Our Values, writes that during this time, Menasha expanded west, with the 1954 construction of a greenfield corrugated box plant in Anaheim, California. Concurrently, the company parleyed its timberland hold- ings in the Pacific Northwest into lumber and building prod- ucts for the postwar housing boom as well as constructing a corrugating medium mill in North Bend, Oregon, to serve the expanding West Coast box market. The company still operated under the name Menasha Wooden Ware Corp., until 1957, when Menasha shipped its last wooden product and closed its wooden products arm. In 1962, the compa- ny changed its name to Menasha Corp. Today, Menasha Corp. consists of two principal di- visions: Menasha Packaging and ORBIS (see sidebar below). Overall, it has nine corrugated printing and con- verting sites across North America. Each of these sites
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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December 9, 2024
Upsize your output
EMBA 295 QS Ultima ™
It’s time to unbox the latest model in the Ultima machine family – EMBA 295 QS Ultima ™ . Delivering outstanding productivity and quality as well as material efficiency to large box operations. That’s what we call big news.
benefits you’d expect and like all our Ultima machines it features our unique Non-Crush Converting ™ and Quick-Set ™ technologies. The 295 QS Ultima ™ offers true DualBox ™ production through TwinFeed ™ and XL slotter, as well as complex internal box die-cutting and creasing with the bottom die- cutter. Several available options, like for example HighBox ™ and the award winning LiquidCreaser ™ , further enhance its true flexibility and top-class performance.
XL boxes + XL slotter = XXL output.
By introducing the EMBA 295 QS Ultima ™ , we now offer a complete machine range to fit any customer need. It comes loaded with all the
Inspired by the challenges of our customers, developed for ultimate results.
www.emba.com
Menasha Corp. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
receives graphic packaging preprinted rolls or top sheets from Menasha’s North American Preprint Hub in Neenah, its litho-printing facilities in Neenah and York, Pennsylva- nia, and a litho-lamination plant in Richmond, Indiana. Me- nasha also maintains a network of 32 packaging service sites across North America. These sites perform co-pack- ing, display assembly, and kitting services, which round out the company’s focus on supply chain efficiency for its diverse customer base.} Menasha’s contemporary focus on graphics has deep roots, as well, going back to founder Elisha D. Smith, who once said, “A good-looking package is worth more mon- ey.” That philosophy was translated into action during the company’s acquisition spree between 1969 and 1980, when it acquired several plants, including Wisconsin Con-
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.
C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com
Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.
EMBA www.embausa.com
The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.
tainer Corp., Crown Corrugated Containers in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Hartford Container Co. in Hartford, Wis- consin. Hartford became Menasha’s color division, matur- ing now over 40 years and enhanced by further acquisi- tions of independents, including Triangle Container Corp. in Philadelphia, the Strive Group (formerly Pride Container) in Chicago, and Pearce-Wellwood in Brampton, Ontario. The company’s 2022 purchase of Georgia-Pacific’s color box division put an exclamation point on Menasha’s graphic emphasis and broadened the company’s reach not only in the Midwest but also in the South and Northern California. Riegsecker, now with Menasha for 31 years, witnessed the company’s growth, especially its graphics services and capabilities. An Indiana native and graduate of Pur- due University in Indiana, he joined the Menasha color di- vision out of school. “I spent the first eight years or so in manufacturing operations before I got into technical sales roles,” he recalls. “I ran sales for our whole company and had different regional jobs along the way. So, I’ve done a lot of different things over the 31 years before coming into this job in 2018.” In the past 25 years, the corrugated industry has shift- ed its marketing and sales focus as the North American Menasha’s corporate headquarters in Neenah, Wisconsin.
EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .
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