Board Converting News, August 24, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 August 24, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 34

Middlestreet Graphics Achieves Die Cutting Excellence BY GREG KISHBAUGH Dean DeMarco, President of Columbus, Ohio based Middlestreet Graphics & Display, describes himself as a gun for hire. “I go in and help fix companies,” he said. Celebrating his third year with the company, DeMarco and his team at Middlestreet have set their sights on a number of areas in the hopes of improving quality and efficiency. Primary on that list was an aggres- sive program of upgrading its equipment, most recently the installation of a GIANT 250 die cutter from Young Shin.

Golden West Packaging Launches New Litho Division Sacramento, California based Golden West Packaging Group, the West Coast’s largest mill-independent manufacturer of corrugated packaging, displays, folding cartons, and spe- cialty packaging solutions, has announced the expansion of its packaging platform through the creation of a dedicated Lithographic Packaging Division, along with three execu- tive leadership appointments supporting the company’s continued growth. Corrugated packaging remains the foun- dation of Golden West’s business. The new Lithographic Packaging Division brings to- gether the company’s folding carton and sin- gle-face lamination operations, expanding Golden West’s capabilities and providing cus- tomers with a broader portfolio of packaging solutions from a single trusted mill-indepen- dent partner. The Lithographic Packaging Division builds on Golden West’s continued investment in people, advanced manufacturing technolo- gies, and operational excellence, expanding the company’s ability to help customers grow through innovative packaging solutions. “Golden West has always been a corru-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Middlestreet Graphics & Display was launched in 2016 as an in-plant supplier to G&J Pepsi-Co Bottlers, Inc., one of the largest independent bottlers in North America, fulfilling its signage and promotional needs. From less than a 1,000-square-foot area in the corner of the G&J’s Pep- siCo facility, Middlestreet has grown into a powerhouse, operating in a 110,000-square-foot facility and complete with in-house graphic de- signers, display solution engineers, and a wide array of large-format print equipment servicing customers nationwide. “From day one, we started to expand and take over more and more of the plant,” said Kevin Brammer, Production Manager. “It’s still amaz- ing to look around and see how far we’ve come in such a short time.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Middlestreet’s production team, clockwise from top left: Dean DeMarco, President; Antjuan Sutton, Press Operator; Kevin Brammer, Production Manager; Mekhi Clay, Press Operator; and Kevin Rutherford, Supervisor.

WHAT’S INSIDE 4 Buckeye Corrugated Earns OSHA SHARP Recognition 6 HarperLove Acquires ChromaScape Corrugated Biz 8 Maritime Paper Celebrates 95 Years Of Operation 20 BHS Partners With openpack For iCorr Digital Portfolio

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Golden West (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

gated packaging company focused on helping customers solve problems,” said Mark Favre, Chief Executive Officer. “Every investment we make is intended to expand the ways we help our customers succeed. The creation of our Lithographic Packaging Division gives us more opportu- nities to bring creative ideas, broader capabilities, and greater flexibility to every packaging challenge. It allows us to be a more complete packaging partner, delivering a wider range of innovative solutions through one trusted relationship. That’s what makes Golden West different.” Golden West also announced the following executive leadership appointments: • Kelley Wenter has been named President and Chief Commercial Officer, reporting to Mark Favre, Chief Ex- ecutive Officer. Wenter will lead its commercial func- tions, including sales, customer service, estimating, de- sign, and marketing. • Lawrence Trosen has been named Chief Operating Of- ficer, reporting to Favre. Trosen will oversee manufac- turing, engineering, maintenance, quality, safety, and supply chain across the company. • Chuck Mitten has been named Vice President, Litho Division, reporting to Trosen. Mitten will lead Golden West’s lithographic operations in Sacramento and City of Industry. For more information, visit www.gwpg.com .

Attention box makers, suppliers, and industry partners: Board Converting News is beginning to plan its Septem- ber 28 issue, timed for distribution in print and online at the upcoming TAPPI/AICC Corrugated Week, September 28-30 in Fort Worth, Texas. BCN welcomes news from box makers, press releases, company announcements, and thought leadership articles from advertisers for inclusion. Whether the news involves new equipment, plant expansions, leadership changes, or customer success stories, this issue is your chance to make sure your company’s news reaches the estimated 1,100+ expected attendees at this year’s Corrugated Week and thousands more online. As the only weekly publication dedicated exclusively to the North American corrugated and folding carton mar- kets, BCN remains the go-to source for industry news and insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your company fea- tured in one of our most widely read and distributed issues of the year. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Sep- tember 11, but please reach out sooner with questions or more information. Please include a high-resolution photo with submissions and send to Ashley Prazych, Associate Editor, at aprazych@nvpublications.com.

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Buckeye Corrugated Earns OSHA SHARP Recognition

learned about the systems and practices that helped the facility earn SHARP recognition. The event brought together approximately 100 attend- ees for an afternoon of employee activities, local food

Fairlawn, Ohio based Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. (BCI) re- cently welcomed employees, government officials, com- munity leaders, and guests to its Cedar Falls facility to cel- ebrate the plant’s acceptance into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Safety and Health Achieve- ment Recognition Program (SHARP). “Achieving SHARP recognition is a direct reflection of our employees and their commitment to looking out for one another every day,” said Andrew Ogden, General Man- ager, BCI Cedar Falls. “Safety is not simply a policy or pro- gram at this facility. It is part of our culture and an essential part of how we operate. This achievement belongs to the entire Cedar Falls team.” SHARP recognizes qualifying employers that have used OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program and operate exem- plary workplace safety and health programs. The recogni- tion distinguishes BCI Cedar Falls as a model for workplace safety and health among its industry peers and reflects the facility’s commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for its employees. Guests experienced firsthand how safety is integrated throughout the Cedar Falls operation. Attendees toured the manufacturing facility, viewed production equipment and processes, connected with BCI team members, and

trucks, facility tours, and remarks from BCI and communi- ty leaders. The celebration concluded with remarks from BCI leadership and Cedar Falls officials, followed by the official presentation of the SHARP flag by OSHA repre- sentatives. Located at 2900 Capital Way, the Cedar Falls facility manufactures corrugated packaging solutions for cus- tomers throughout the region. From left: Nic Poshusta, Region Sales Manager, BCI; Jamie Klingman, Creative and Client Services Manager, BCI; An- drew Ogden, General Manager, BCI; Gil Schultz, Cedar Falls City Council member; Megan Gently, Sales Manager, BCI; and Danny Laudick, Mayor of Cedar Falls.

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Baysek Solutions Ships First Baby Baysek

die-cutting technology at a more accessible price point. The machine can handle multiple materials and cut multi- ple parts on the same die. In a press release announcing the launch of Baby Bay- sek this spring, CEO Jeff Jensen shared: “We immediately thought of a few plants that could thrive with an updated small-scale die-cutter. Having worked with Darren Leigh, Managing Director at Caribbean Packaging in Trinidad & Tobago, very closely over the years, I knew that the new machine would be a perfect fit for them. Once they saw how safe and easy it was to run, it basically sold itself.” HarperLove Acquires ChromaScape’s Corrugated Products Business Charlotte, North Carolina based HarperLove, a portfolio

In a recent LinkedIn post, Baysek Solutions shared that it has shipped its first Baysek HF-101 “Baby Baysek” to Ca- ribbean Packaging, a corrugated manufacturer based in Trinidad & Tobago. Introduced to the market earlier this year, the HF-101 is a hand-fed, reciprocating flatbed die cutter with a max- imum sheet size of 50”x50” inches. Following the tried- and-tested Baysek principle, the machine requires only two operators and offers nick-free and dust-free opera- tion, along with improved safety compared with existing hand-fed die-cutting solutions. Designed as an entry-level solution for small and me- dium-sized plants, the HF-101 brings Baysek’s small-scale

company of HBM Holdings and a leading provider of adhesives, performance addi- tives, and technical solutions for the corru- gated packaging industry, has announced the acquisition of the corrugated products business of ChromaScape, formerly known as CEL Chemical. The acquisition expands HarperLove’s customer relationships in key geographies, and further enhances HBM Holdings’ packaging adhesives plat- form. The acquired business includes a port- folio of specialty products serving corru- gated box manufacturers, including LBX®, a borax and caustic replacement for starch batches; CorrMax®, performance-en- hancement additives; and WaterGuard®, wet-strength resins. “This acquisition is a natural fit for Harp- erLove and another step forward in our long-term growth strategy,” said Kenny Messer, President & CEO of HarperLove. “ChromaScape has built strong relation- ships with corrugators across key markets. By combining those relationships with HarperLove’s technical expertise, man- ufacturing capabilities, and commitment to customer service, we can deliver even greater value to our customers.” The acquisition broadens HarperLove’s reach within the corrugated packaging in- dustry and enhances its ability to support customers across additional regions. “We are excited to welcome these customers and look forward to adding new capabil- ities and talent to the HarperLove team,” Messer added. For more information about HarperLove or HBM Holdings, please visit www.harp- erlove.com or www.hbmholdings.com .

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Turn Trim Waste into Revenue One Size Never Fits All G.F. Puhl Designs Scrap Systems to Meet YOUR Needs

Our customers have various needs for scrap and dust collection systems based on several factors including building layout, available space for the equipment, distance conveyed, local codes for noise and height as well as air permitting and available operating and maintenance staff. Change the game with a custom-designed system by G.F. Puhl. It can make all the difference. When it comes to trim collection systems, there’s virtually no problem we haven’t solved.

Problem: No room for a scrap system inside the building. Solution: If your building footprint won’t support additional trim waste equipment, go outdoors. Exterior systems like an above-roof or ground-level concentrator will boost your capacity. Problem: No way to monitor the system unless you’re on site. Solution: G.F. Puhl leads the pack with proprietary technology that makes it possible to monitor the system from wherever you are. Request PLC touch screen controls with real-time pressure balancing and real-time remote via your smart phone or computer. G.F. Puhl’s expert engineering team has more than 50 years of combined experience designing, fabricating installing, and commissioning trim and dust collection systems of every kind, including outdoor systems with dual compactors, above roof systems with single or multiple cyclones and balers and below roof screen separator systems. If you’re looking for a vendor that can help you solve the scrap collection puzzle once and for all, contact G.F. Puhl today. 615.230.9500 or sales@gfpuhl.com

Problem: No space for a baler room. No budget for baler room staff. Solution: Try outdoor auger compactors requiring minimal operator interaction. Auger compactors achieve higher compaction than conventional ram compactors with less maintenance and no hydraulic fluid. Dual compactor systems allow continuous running while the waste hauler is changing out the container. Problem: No budget for a new system. Solution: Request a custom system with remanufactured equipment. G.F. Puhl sells remanufactured balers, blowers, separators, filters, and more. The savings can be significant and the warranty adds peace of mind. Problem: Your existing system doesn’t meet codes and the inspector has notified you of a problem with the existing system. Solution: G.F. Puhl’s NFPA trained engineering team designs NFPA and OSHA compliant systems that are as safe as they are durable. Problem: Dust is out of control. Solution: G.F. Puhl systems are designed to minimize the hazards created by ambient dust. Dust briquetters, certified explosion isolation valves, flame front diverters, and other safety features maximize safety.

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Maritime Paper, Only Corrugated Company In Nova Scotia, Celebrates 95 Years Halifax, Nova Scotia based Maritime Paper has recently celebrated its 95th year in operation. You have almost certainly held Maritime Paper’s work in your hands without ever knowing it. The flat of blueberries from Costco. The lob- ster shipped three provinces away. Mussels, frozen fries, soft drinks. Be- hind a remarkable amount of what Atlantic Canada grows, catches, and makes, there is a corrugated box or package. And chances are, it came from a plant in Burnside that has been helping shape the region’s prod- ucts since 1931. Maritime Paper opened on Almon Street in 1931 in Halifax, during the depths of the Great Depression, when businesses everywhere were shutting their doors. It began with a simple need: Atlantic Canada’s brew- eries needed boxes. Local investors joined forces with partners from Central Canada and the United States to meet that demand. Ninety-five years later, that early bet looks remarkably visionary.

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Today, Maritime Paper is the only company in Nova Scotia still manu- facturing corrugated packaging, with operations in Dartmouth, Moncton, and St. John’s. Its boxes carry seafood, produce, frozen foods, and indus- trial goods across the region and beyond. President & CEO Sheldon Gouthro, who has spent 35 of the compa- ny’s 95 years with Maritime Paper, has seen the industry evolve firsthand. “In the early days, customers simply wanted a box,” he explains. “To- day, they want a billboard.” Modern packaging does far more than protect a product. Customers are looking for shelf-ready packaging printed in five, six, or even seven colors—packaging that helps tell a brand’s story the moment a shopper sees it. That ability to adapt has helped Maritime Paper navigate nearly a century of change, from shifting consumer expectations and e-com- merce growth to the challenges of a global pandemic. Their philosophy has remained consistent: stay nimble, listen to the market, reinvest, and keep moving forward. It’s a mindset that dates back to 1958, when entrepreneur R.A. Jo- drey acquired the company under the Scotia Investments family of com- panies, and continued in 1967 with the opening of the Burnside facility where Maritime Paper still operates today. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 The company’s approximately 240 employees are part of a culture built around passion, pride, and purpose.

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A Circular Story, Made in Nova Scotia At Maritime Paper, sustainability isn’t a marketing slo- gan—it’s built into the business model. The company pur- chases paper produced from 100 per cent recycled corru- gated cartons, then sells its own off-cuts and trim to sister company Scotia Recycling. That material is processed and returned to the mill, where it can be transformed into new paper products. The box, quite literally, comes back around. It’s a circular economy approach that reflects the long- term values of the broader Scotia Investments family and demonstrates how environmental responsibility can be woven directly into day-to-day operations. That same long-term thinking extends to Maritime Pa- per’s people. The company’s approximately 240 employ-

ees are part of a culture built around what Gouthro calls the three Ps: passion, pride, and purpose. By this fall, four employees will each celebrate 50 years with the compa- ny—an extraordinary 200 combined years of service at a business marking its 95th anniversary. So, what’s next for a company approach- ing its 95th anniversary? Sheldon Gouthro, President and CEO of Maritime Paper, spoke at the Maritime anniversary celebration.

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The same long-term thinking that has guided Maritime Paper for nearly a century continues to shape its future. Recent investments in automation, fa- cility upgrades, and enhanced employee spaces, including a new lunchroom and pa- tio reinforce a simple message: after nearly a century, Maritime Paper continues to in- vest in its future. And according to Gouthro, there’s more to come in 2027 and beyond. Telling Nova Scotia’s Story At the Maritime anniversary celebration, Gouthro recalled the company’s humble beginnings in a modest 30,000-square- foot facility on Almon Street, equipped with second-hand machinery, and shared the re- markable story of Mack Duncan. At only 22 years old, Mack drove for six days to Halifax to become Maritime Paper’s first General Manager—beginning an association with the company that would span 55 years. Gouthro is also quick to credit the part- nerships that help regional companies stay visible in a national marketplace. A longtime member of the Halifax Cham- ber of Commerce, Maritime Paper views or- ganizations like the Chamber and partners such as Halifax Partnership as important allies in showcasing the strength of Nova Scotia’s business community. It’s a collabo- rative approach that mirrors the way Mari- time Paper operates—stronger together, connected to its community, and committed to helping tell Nova Scotia’s story. For a company that has spent 95 years building its future in this province, that’s the goal: stay rooted, stay competitive, and be here for the next 95 years.

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PPC Shares Exciting Details Ahead Of 2026 Fall Meeting

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur Nick Nanton, CEO of Astonish Entertainment, will open the gen- eral session with Creativity Protects You: How to Create Opportunities When Everyone Else Sees Obstacles. Nan- ton will explore creativity as a business skill for navigating

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) will bring folding carton converters, suppliers and industry leaders together September 30–October 2 for its 2026 Fall Meeting at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs. The program will examine issues influencing the fold- ing carton industry today, including economic and work- force trends, regulatory and sustainability developments, artificial intelligence, leadership and emerging opportuni- ties for paperboard packaging. “Fall Meeting brings our industry together to better understand the forces shaping our businesses, celebrate what is possible and position folding cartons to win in a changing market,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “We’ll hear perspectives on the economy, industry trends, innovation, leadership and AI, while also celebrating the next generation entering our field. The value is in gain- ing perspective, strengthening relationships and learning from one another so we are ready for what comes next.” PPC will also present its Volunteer Leader Award to Eric Frank of Koenig & Bauer in recognition of his longstanding service to PPC and the paperboard packaging industry. Frank has generously shared his time, expertise, and lead- ership for decades, playing an important role in strength- ening the PPC community.

uncertainty, solving complex problems, and finding oppor- tunity when traditional approaches no longer work. Attendees will also hear perspectives on developments affecting folding cartons in North America and Europe. Mike Turner, Managing Director of the European Carton Makers Association, will discuss the transition away from plastic, advances in fiber-based barrier technologies, and changes among European brands, retailers, and convert- ers. Neil Osment, Managing Director of NOA Limited, will examine European sustainability requirements, regulation and growth opportunities for folding cartons.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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THIS ITALIAN MASTERPIECE IS USHERING IN A CORRUGATED Renasce

A renaissance of sophistication and innovation is upon us with the introduction of Haire’s Encore FD 821 Flexo Folder Gluer . With features like full servo design, set-up-while-run print units, and revolutionary rotary shear glue tab technology, this Italian-designed and -manufactured marvel is bridging world-class design and cutting-edge speed. Experience the rebirth of corrugated production—where timeless craftsmanship meets modern performance.

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

Ron Hetrick, Principal Economist at Lightcast, will pro- vide an economic and workforce outlook. Mark Mills, Pres- ident of Spectrum Packaging Corporation, will share the story of his company’s evolution into a folding carton con- verter and offer the perspective of an independent busi- ness operating close to its customers and market. 2026 Paperboard Packaging Competition The fall meeting will also recognize excellence, lead- ership and the next generation of industry talent. PPC will announce winners of the 2026 Paperboard Packaging Competition, including Package of the Year, and finalists in the Paperboard Packaging Alliance Student Design Chal- lenge will present their work directly to industry leaders.

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In a recent blog post on its website, Lauren Zuber, PPC Director of Marketing, and Emily Leonczyk, PPC President gave a behind-the-scenes look at the judging for the com- petition: This year’s judging panel, Jon Cammarata, Creative Director of FutureBrand; James Rutt, President (Retired) of Keystone Paper & Box Co.; Sandy Krasovec, Professor of Packaging Design at the Fashion Institute of Technol- ogy; Robin Matusik, Asst. Principal Package Engineer of Hasbro; Fred Foushee, Sr. Structural Designer (retired) of Smurfit Westrock; Tom Newmaster, Partner at FORCEpkg; Winnie Muehling, Marketing & Communication Director at Pro Carton; and Brad Walling, Sr. Manager, Packaging Design and Innovation at Amazon, brought perspectives spanning design, branding, converting, consumer prod- ucts, retail, e-commerce, and the global paperboard in- dustry. And they did much more than look at boxes. They opened them, took them apart, reassembled them, exam- ined the embossing under the light, tested the closures, studied the inserts, debated how structures would run through production, and eventually imagined how they would move through the supply chain. Sometimes they simply stopped and asked, “How did they do that?” The Competition also offers a snapshot of how quickly the industry evolves. Technologies that once felt ground- breaking eventually become standard. Digital printing came up during judging as a perfect example. It was once novel enough to warrant its own top-award category. To- day, it is another powerful tool available to converters.

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 flexo 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 fill your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo . Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of flexo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and profits.

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As innovation advances, judges are seeing paperboard used in applications where another material or packaging format might once have been the default. They are seeing structures rethink e-commerce, presentation, portability, product protection, and unboxing. They’re seeing brands use packaging as part of the product experience rather than simply as something that surrounds the product. In other words, innovation is no longer just about a new printing process or converting capability. It is also about what that capability makes possible. The Paperboard Packaging Competition gives the in- dustry a place to see what converters are capable of right now, and, just as importantly, what may become possible next. Each year, companies put their best work in the room. Designers and manufacturers see what their peers have accomplished, brands see new possibilities, ideas spread, expectations rise, and what feels innovative today can be- come the new standard tomorrow. After watching the judges spend hours opening, exam- ining, debating, and occasionally marveling at what they found, one thing becomes clear: There is a lot more hap- pening inside a folding carton than most people ever get to see. For registration, the complete agenda, and Orlando travel resources, visit www.paperbox.org/fall .

Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )

If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting! Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-Makers READ BCN Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

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

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ICPF Launches New Career Growth, Leadership Resources

several companion resources available on the Career Growth & Leadership Resources page, including: • ICPF’s Leadership Style Quiz to help individuals iden- tify the leadership style that most closely reflects their natural approach, along with strengths to build upon and opportunities for continued growth. • Real Supervisor Conversations , featuring practical ex- amples of how new supervisors can navigate common workplace situations, including giving constructive feedback, addressing attendance concerns, transition- ing from coworker to supervisor, managing resistance to change, and recognizing employee success. • Leadership Reflection & Feedback Form that encour- ages employees to reflect on what they’ve learned, identify areas for continued development, and facilitate meaningful conversations with their manager. These resources can be incorporated into leadership development programs, onboarding for newly promoted supervisors, career development discussions, or shared with employees who have expressed an interest in future leadership opportunities. They also serve as a valuable recruiting tool by demonstrating the long-term career growth opportunities available within the corrugated pack- aging industry. ICPF encourages you to share these resources with your human resources teams, current supervisors, newly promoted leaders, and employees interested in advancing their careers.

One of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the corrugated packaging industry is developing the next generation of frontline leaders. To support industry part- ners in preparing employees for leadership roles, ICPF has launched a new Career Growth & Leadership Resources page featuring a new video and practical tools designed to help employees successfully transition into supervisory positions. Potential for growth and advancement remains one of the greatest advantages of choosing a career in our indus- try, and promoting from within is a key strategy to building lasting talent pipelines within your organization. At ICPF, we know the level of support you can provide your em- ployees as they build new skills is a key predictor of their success and your retention. ICPF’s new video, How to Become a Supervisor in the Corrugated Packaging Industry, provides practical guid- ance for employees preparing to take this next step in their careers. The video explores topics including taking responsibility for production, transitioning from coworker to supervisor, delivering and receiving feedback, commu- nicating effectively across departments, and continuing to grow as a leader. To reinforce these concepts, ICPF has also developed

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BHS Corrugated Partners With openpack For iCorr Digital Portfolio BHS Corrugated has entered into a collaboration with openpack, with its iCorr digital solutions portfolio to be de- veloped and provided exclusively through the openpack platform going forward. Under the partnership, BHS Corrugated will continue to focus on machine expertise, process knowledge and the development of its digital solutions, while openpack will provide the underlying technical infrastructure. This in- cludes identity management, user rights, connectivity and platform operations. The openpack platform will also provide plant-wide solutions designed for deployment across the entire cor- rugated production facility, combining BHS Corrugated’s machine expertise with cross-plant capabilities intended to improve transparency and interoperability between sys- tems. According to openpack, the collaboration will enable BHS Corrugated to accelerate the development of digital applications while maintaining ownership of its customer relationships and participating within an interoperable dig- ital ecosystem. The companies said the partnership represents a fur- ther step towards the development of next-generation digital solutions for the corrugated industry. AICC Announces Troll Memorial Scholarship Recipients AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has an- nounced the recipients of the prestigious 2026-2027 J. Richard Troll Memorial Scholarship. Four outstanding students, three undergraduates and one at the graduate level, have been selected for their exceptional academic achievement and dedication to building careers in pack- aging engineering or a related packaging discipline. The Graduate Recipient is Elizabeth Barrett, Indiana State University, and the Undergraduate Recipients are: First place, Lily Harris, Miami University, Oxford Campus; second place, Emily Neale, Clemson University; and third place, Eric Dalangin, Rutgers University – New Brunswick. Barrett and Harris will each receive a $3,000 scholar- ship, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to AICC/TAPPI 2026 Corrugated Week. Neale and Dalangin will each re- ceive a $1,000 scholarship. The Troll Scholarship was established to honor the en- during legacy of Mr. J. Richard Troll, visionary founder of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters and the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation. Through scholarship support, the program invests in students pursuing degrees in packaging engineering and related fields, particularly those who are passionate about shaping the future of the corrugated industry.

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Middlestreet (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

B2 press we bought primarily to in-source all of the 40- inch work we were sending out to other partner compa- nies we worked with.” A Rollem die cutter finishing line to compliment the KM- 1E was installed, as was a SEI X-Wave digital laser cutter

The Vision Comes Together The vision for DeMarco and his team was to pivot the company’s core objectives to focus on three specific areas for either improvement or growth. “The first thing,” he said, “was operational excellence. We’ve spent approximately $10 million in operations over the course of the past three years.” The second area of focus was to build a robust project management team. And the third was to focus increased energy and re- sources on improving creative services. “We are compet- ing against huge integrated companies,” Demarco said. “No way we can compete on volume, but we can surpass them with our creativity.” With $1.1 million slated for the Young Shin machine and another $2.5 million for the Durst SMP to be installed lat- er this year, the company has invested heavily this year in expanding its presence and performance through new, advanced technology. “Over the course of the past few years, we have spent about $9 million in capital expenditures to upgrade and improve the technology at the plant,” DeMarco. “Besides the Young Shin and Durst SMP we added a Durst RSC la- bel press and Graphitronic finishing line that allows us to compete in the label space. The next piece of technology we bought was a Konica Minolta KM-1E, which is a digital

and multiple cutting tables from Zund, Elitron fully auto- matic digital cutter. Another Durst P-5 press was added as well. The primary reason for the purchase of the Young Shin die cutter was due to the increased printing speeds attain- able with Middlestreet’s digital presses. The company’s current digital cutters simply could not keep up with the output of the digital presses, which forced them to out- Middlestreet is now a 110,000-square-foot facility complete with graphic designers, display solution engineers, and a wide array of large-format print equipment servicing customers na- tionwide.

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Middlestreet (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

offers; in conjunction with the training from manufacturers like Young Shin the operators can truly be called experts within a year’s time. The company also uses an online cur- riculum iLearning from Printing United Alliance organiza- tion. Additionally, Middlestreet’s displays have a level of complexity not typical for many corrugated converters. “It’s a steep learning curve,” said Kevin Rutherford, Print manager. As is the case with all manufacturing facilities in today’s marketplace, Middlestreet has seen a huge shift in the number of employees required to run the more advanced machine. “With the SMP from Durst installation,” said De- Marco, “we are expecting to reduce the workforce on that machine from six to only one. But we will retain the current employees, which is important to retain those individuals and we have plans to use them in new roles and respon- sibilities. In terms of adding employees, we’ve kept things very lean on the manufacturing side. Any growth in the workforce has gone in developing the creative, project management, and sales side.” DeMarco also credits the company’s workforce with accepting — and rising — to the challenge of increased automation within the manufacturing process. “Many com- panies have pushback from employees when any new or unfamiliar technology is introduced, but Kevin Brammer and Kevin Rutherford have built a team that is not only ac-

source printed sheets to a Local Partner to be die cut to the tune of more than $3 million annually. “It just really made a lot more sense to just insource that work,” DeMarco said. “Out of the 20 investments made since I joined the company, 19 are ahead of schedule in terms of return on investment. We typically like to plan for 24 months on ROI; currently we are averaging around 18 months on those investments.” Much of that success DeMarco attributes to the team that has been assembled over the years. “How our peo- ple were able to onboard so quickly and interact with the service teams from the machine manufactures is the main reason we were able to ramp things up so quickly. In terms of the Young Shin, we were very fortunate to find an opera- tor with experience on the machine. But he only had work- ing knowledge of working with one substrate. He quickly gained experience with B-flute, E-flute, coroplast, and tag stock. Then it was a matter of learning the advanced tech- nology that comes along with the new machine; it’s a huge jump in terms of automation.” Building Strong Teams DeMarco’s favorite aspect of his job remains his ability to build great teams. The fact that several team members have followed him from other companies is testament to the allegiance he builds. Part of that is the robust training program the company

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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Middlestreet (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

cepting new technology but look at ways in can improve our products and how it can help them individually, by working harder and not smarter.” The ultimate goal, from the production standpoint, said DeMarco, is for employees to focus more on the pro- cess of what they are doing as opposed to only the task at hand. “Kevin and Kevin have instituted some great Key Performance Indicators for our business,” he said. “One was tackling improving our on-time delivery. We were get- ting some black eyes from clients from late shipments; so how do we improve that? We made significant procedural changes relative to tracking on-time performance.”

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. 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.

Another aspect of production that requires constant diligence is cost of poor quality, or COPQ. “Since the ma- chines are so automated,” DeMarco said, “we’d like the operators to focus on queueing up the next job, look at the job, look at the information that’s in the ticket and making that the information’s correct. “Data integrity is always a concern in manufacturing. It’s easy for operators to put information into the system that might not be quite right, which then filters down to the oth- er operators. So we question those things very seriously. Last year we had about $150,000 in cost of poor quality on $31 million worth of business. The goal this year was to cut it in half, to $75,000. The only way to do that is through focusing on process versus task. Get people looking and thinking instead of being just transactional.” Displays require extreme precision and engineer- ing has to be every bit as strong as the design. “We go through a robust testing program, so once we design it, we weight test it, make sure it’s going to hold up. So form, fit, and function is really important for us from that standpoint. We have a lot of displays that are complex, have multiple intricate design elements and must hold a great deal of weight. Bottles, for example, are quite heavy and require intense creative engineering.” Strategizing For Growth After building such a strong executive team, DeMarco feels the next area of focus for the company should turn Middlestreet President Dean DeMarco is proud of the intricate, award-winning displays the company continues to produce for its host of customers.

AOPACK LTD www.aopackmachine.com

Aopack is a leading manufacturer of automatic corrugated box making machines for short-run and on-demand pro- duction. 1,200+ machines operate in 60+ countries. The BM2800-Ultra integrates digital printing, slitting, slotting, creasing, and vibrating knife cutting, delivering efficient, flexible solutions for customized corrugated box orders.

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