BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years April 22, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 17
Local Politics: Promoting Business-Friendly Town Laws BY PHILLIP M. PERRY It’s a Presidential election year, and everyone’s mind is on politics. What’s going to happen in Washington, and how will that affect the business operating environment? While federal laws and regulations are important, experts caution against getting distracted from events closer to home. Profits, after all, are more often affected by ordinances passed in the town hall than by what comes out of the White House and the United States Capitol. “National politics tends to get all the headlines,” said Cliff Ennico, an attorney who counsels on business matters.
IP To Acquire DS Smith For $9.9B
Memphis, Tennessee based International Pa- per (IP) and London, England based DS Smith announced that they have reached an agree- ment on the terms of an all-share combination to create a global leader of sustainable pack- aging solutions. IP will issue 0.1285 shares for each DS Smith share, resulting in pro forma ownership of 66.3 percent for IP shareholders and 33.7 percent for DS Smith, implying a transaction value of approximately $9.9 billion. The Com- bination is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2024, the news release said. “Combining with DS Smith is a logical next step in IP’s strategy to drive profitable growth by strengthening our global packaging busi- ness,” said Mark S. Sutton, Chairman and CEO of IP. “DS Smith is a leader in packaging solu- tions with an extensive reach across Europe, which complements IP’s capabilities and will accelerate growth through innovation and sustainability.” CEO-Elect of IP, Andrew K. Silvernail add- ed, “Bringing together the capabilities and expertise of both companies will create a winning position in renewable packaging CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
“But the fact of the matter is that the vast majority of political deci- sions that affect businesses are local in nature.” Municipal ordinances can touch business operations in a remark- able number of ways. A partial list includes taxation, business licensing, zoning laws, street and traffic patterns, parking regulations, building design and signage, environmental and health regulations, and even the installation of unsightly utility poles and cell phone towers. And that’s not all. “Local governments have been expanding their role into employee benefits and rights,” said Marc H. Pfeiffer, Assistant Director at the Bloustein Local Government Research Center. “In many cases, cities are establishing minimum wages.” Speaking Up Given the stakes involved, it’s important for every business to pro- mote favorable local ordinances and protest damaging ones. Being CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 FBA To Welcome Jim Thomson To Annual Meeting Stage 6 Greif Opens Manufacturing Plant In Dallas, Texas 8 Euro Commission Approves Smurfit Kappa/WestRock Merger 10 Amtech Acquires Label Traxx Software
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
Engineered for Execellence
Designed for Safety, Productivity, and Flexibility
This high-volume RDC was made to fit a 24/7 production environment, making it ideal for long orders and multi-out production. Its open design further enables faster set-ups and accessible maintenance.
Data in the Drivers Seat This OEM agnostic IIoT software platform improves your converting equipment’s performance by delivering the data that matters. Integrated into your existing system or used as a standalone solution, Helios’ takes the guesswork out of machine maintenance.
STRONG PARTNERS |
STRONG SOLUTIONS
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
Corrugated Converting Equipment
Load Tag Inserter
Material Handling Equipment
Digital Converting Systems
sunautomation.com 1-410-472-2900
SUN IS THE PROUD PARTNER OF TAIWAN-BASED LATITUDE MACHINERY CORPORATION, SPAIN-BASED AL-GAR, ISRAEL-BASED HIGHCON, ITALY-BASED PARA, AND USA-BASED EPS.
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
IP To Acquire (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.
across Europe, while also enhancing IP’s North American business. I firmly believe this strategic combination offers a unique and highly compelling opportunity to create tre- mendous shareholder value.” CEO of DS Smith, Miles Roberts, said, “The combina- tion with IP is an attractive opportunity to create a truly international sustainable packaging solutions leader that is well positioned in attractive and growing markets across Europe and North America. It combines two focused and complementary businesses. DS Smith has grown signifi- cantly through a dedication to customers, focus on inno- vation, quality of packaging and high levels of service. In a dynamic sustainable packaging landscape, the combi- nation will enhance our global proposition to customers, create opportunities for colleagues and drive value for shareholders who can remain fully invested in such an ex- citing business.” The release said that Andrew K. Silvernail will be CEO of the combined company and Miles Roberts will be re- tained as a consultant to assist with integration matters. As part of the Combination, up to two non-executive directors of DS Smith will be invited to join the Board of the com- bined company upon close of the Combination. The combined company will be headquartered in Mem- phis, Tennessee, with plans to establish an EMEA head- quarters at DS Smith’s existing London headquarters.
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
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
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.
42# Kraft Liner 26#
Semi-Chem Medium
East West
$9 2 0.00 $ 96 5.00
$9 1 0.00 $9 4 5.00
3
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
FBA Welcomes Jim Thomson To Annual Meeting Stage
Core Competency
The Fibre Box Association (FBA) announced Walmart’s Jim Thomson as a speaker at the upcoming FBA Annual Meet- ing set for May 6-8 at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. As the Director of Packaging Product Development, Thomson will share Walmart’s approach to packaging and
BloApCo Floor Shredders easily handle Cores and Sheet Waste
provide an overview and update on the company’s four-year plan to automate distribution centers across the country. Thomson will talk about how automa- tion is impacting packaging that moves through the Walmart system. Thomson graduated from UW Stout with a double major in packaging and
general business administration and has over 20 years of experience in the packaging industry. He started his ca- reer at IBM, giving him a strong background in electronic packaging design for both foam and corrugated. He then moved on to UFP Technologies where he engineered foam packaging products, including specialty thermo- formed foam packages. At UFP, Thomson certified and ran an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) lab. His ex- perience in specialty packaging led to many years of pack- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Jim Thomson
▲ All converting scrap handled by one BloApCo Shredder. ▲ Energy efficient. Low HP. Low RPM. Low noise. ▲ Industry leading 3-year warranty.
See the video at : BloApCo.com/horizontal-floor-shredder
CMYK 100M 100Y CMYK C96 M66
www.bloapco.com 800.959.0880
Over
Since 1933
years
© 2023 Blower Application Company, Inc., Germantown, WI
CMYK 100M 100Y CMYK C96 M66
Over
Since 1933
years
Over years
Since 1933 Since 1933
years
Over
4
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
The value of consistent performance.
Your customers count on you to meet their quality, delivery and value needs. You can rely on Isowa for world-class performance day-in and day-out. Just ask an owner!
Falcon Flexo Folder-Gluer 37 x 95” 350 spm
(602) 639.9060 www.isowa.com U.S. Based Sales, Parts and Service from Our New Expanded Location!
Greif Announces Opening Of New Manufacturing Plant In Dallas, TX Delaware, Ohio based Greif announced the finalization of construction on their new bulk corrugated manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas. Scheduled to open later this spring, Greif says the new facility will significantly expand its capacity in the bulk cor- rugated business and create opportunities in the South and Southwest regions of the United States, as well as Mexico. “We are delighted to establish this new facility in Dallas, Texas,” said Chris Zimmerman, Vice President – Container- board & Corrugated Sales. “We have formed an excellent team who have worked extremely hard to get this state-of- the-art facility up and running. Equipped with highly auto-
FBA Welcomes (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)
age engineering for the US military, including injection and rotational molding of plastics and an understanding of how to engineer for advanced military test standards. Today, Jim helps Walmart develop inbound packaging standards for suppliers worldwide. This includes setting test protocols required to get products safely through one of the world’s most advanced supply chains and gaining expertise in the growing field of automation technologies that will drive new standards for the retail industry for the next several decades. He also sits on the ISTA Global Board of Directors. Other speakers at the event will include Jason Stein, CEO of Flat Six Media, and Christian Fischer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia-Pacific. For more infor- mation, visit fibrebox.org .
mated machinery, this facility will enable us to respond swiftly to customer demands while maintaining superior lead times and product quality.” The Greif CorrChoice Dallas plant will primarily make triple wall sheets and jum- bo boxes and will have capabilities that include inline gluing and stitching. These products will serve the industrial and agri- cultural industries. For more information, visit greif.com/ corrugated-sheets . PPC Folding Carton Boot Camp Set For May 14-15 The Paperboard Packaging Council an- nounced open registration for the Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp set for May 14- 15 at its headquarters in Springfield, Mas- sachusetts. The program helps attendees enhance their industry skills while gaining tacti- cal information they can use immediately when returning to work. Boot Camp is an essential training op- portunity for those new to cartons or the industry and non-plant personnel with lim- ited experience outside a single plant op- eration. The two-day training program will pro- vide a unique, hands-on experience in pre- press, printing, cutting, gluing, windowing, rigid boxes, automatic packaging, cold and hot foil, tooling, laminating, and more. Visit paperbox.org to reserve your seat and book your hotel at the Marriott Spring- field Downtown at a discounted rate. For more information, call (413) 686-9191.
6
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
CCM ® OCT Filter STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM
Safety-Driven Design
Exceptional Parts and Service Reduce downtime and boost equipment efficiency with our extensive spare parts inventory and expert service. Located in our 55,000-square-foot Atlanta hub, we ensure quick access to essential components, and our on-site repair services guarantee unmatched precision and reliability for seamless operations.
• Safety-driven design • No explosion vents required • No high speed abort gate • No backdraft dampers needed • No need for compressed air • No water consumption and treatment needed
www.engineeredrecycling.com
info@engineeredrecycling.com
European Commission Approves Smurfit Kappa WestRock Merger The European Commission has approved the proposed merger between Smurfit Kappa Group plc, and WestRock Company, according to Competition Policy International. Dublin, Ireland based Smurfit Kappa and Atlanta, Georgia based WestRock announced plans of a possible combination in September 2023 that would create Smurf- it WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. The Commission determined that the merger, despite its magnitude, would not pose significant competition is- sues, the report said. The decision clears a major regula- tory hurdle. Smurfit WestRock would be incorporated and domi- ciled in Ireland with global headquarters in Dublin and North and South American operations headquartered in Atlanta. The Potential Combination would be affected through an Irish scheme of arrangement involving Smurfit Kappa and a merger of a subsidiary with WestRock. The Boards of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock believe the combination will create the global “Go-To” packag- ing partner of choice by combining two complementary portfolios and unparalleled geographic reach across 42 countries. Additionally, they boasted improved operating efficiency and increased returns across over 500 con- verting operations and 67 mills.
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
29.711 30.124
-1.4
7.819 7.927
-1.4
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
380.555 400.520
-5.0
7.611 7.979
-4.6
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2023 2022
2.4080 2.4260
-0.7
30.9333 32.5461
-5.0
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.1892 2.1071
3.9
3.5 3.5
6.1
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2023 2022
19 19
250 251
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs. • Moving to a new facility? Puhl has experience moving entire plant systems all while minimizing down time in BOTH plants during the transition. • Below roof AND above roof systems custom designed to meet your needs. • New and Remanufactured Equipment (balers, blowers, separators, filters and more). Our Remanufactured equipment includes a warranty and offers significant savings. • NFPA and OSHA compliant systems designed by our NFPA trained engineering team. • Dust Briquetters, Certified Explosion Isolation Valves, Flame Front Diverters and more to control dust and meet NFPA requirements. • PLC Touch Screen Controls with Real Time Pressure Balancing and Real Time Remote Monitoring available on your smart phone or computer.
Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems • Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones Trim Separators • Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters 240 Airport Road | Gallatin, TN 37066 | 615.230.9500 | FAX 615.230.9590 | sales@gfpuhl.com | www.gfpuhl.com Follow us on LinkedIn
8
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
Amtech Acquires Label Traxx Software For Flexible Packaging Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech, LLC, an industrial software solutions provider to the packaging industry, announced the completed acquisition of Label Traxx and its leading software suite for the label printing and flexible packaging segments. Amtech said the combination further solidifies its po- sition as a sought-after industrial software platform to the packaging industry. The combined company will provide software solutions to more than 750 customers and 1,200 manufacturing sites spanning packaging end markets across the globe, including in North America, Latin Amer- ica and Europe. Label Traxx provides a comprehensive software suite with end-to-end capabilities including ERP, MES, MIS, CRM, and other solutions that are complementary to Am- tech. The company serves a diverse, global customer base spanning more than 500 manufacturing sites that supply a wide variety of end markets. “Together, Amtech and Label Traxx form a highly dif- ferentiated, premier software platform within the packag- ing industry,” said Chuck Schneider, CEO of Amtech. “The combined company will offer best-in-class, end-to-end solutions to meet our customers’ packaging and labeling needs across the world, while optimizing their operations
at both the enterprise and plant-level.” “We are thrilled to invest in the combination of the Am- tech and Label Traxx,” said Preston Thomas, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital. “We’re excited about the value the combined platform will provide to all customers and the significant growth momentum of the business go- ing forward.” Pete Leibman, Managing Director of Peak Rock Cap- ital, added, “Over the last several years, Amtech has ex- perienced transformative growth, spurred by investments in R&D, new product offerings, and strategic acquisitions. The company is well positioned to continue its growth tra- jectory through continuing new customer wins and addi- tional acquisitions.” Amtech, founded in 1981, serves over 250 customers at over 700 manufacturing plants in North America, Europe, and Latin America. Label Traxx has over 30 years of expertise. The compa- ny’s MIS and ERP solutions serve as the backbone of data for enterprise and plant-level management, and provides mission-critical functionalities including estimating, order management, inventory management, job costing, report- ing, and many others. The company’s B2B and B2C customer portals and CRM sales portal products provide e-commerce and sales organization management solutions, and its MES products provide production planning, automated scheduling, and performance monitoring capabilities for its customers.
PERFORMANCE DELIVERED
AmericanBaler.com 800 . 843 . 7512
Our PAC series is designed especially for printers, box plants, document destruction or textile operations. Material can be air or mechanically conveyed and mill ready or export size bales are produced. The right machine for the right application. American Baler is a proud member of the Avis Industrial Recycling & Waste Equipment Division. Serving material generators with performance.
The Avis Industrial Recycling & Waste Equipment Division proudly serves customers across the environmental services industry, including: Metals Recycling Facilities | Materials Recycling Facilities (MRF’s) | Auto Recyclers | Converting Plants Box Board Plants | MSW Transfer Stations | C&D Recycling Plants
10
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
POWER PRECISION PERFORMANCE
REALLYGREATSITE.COM
RDG 115/135 PERFORMANCE SERIES
WE PROUDLY PRESENT... The Kolbus RDG 115/135 Performance Series We’ve combined power, precision, and performance into a robust and technically advanced machine. This hybrid-designed, gear driven rotary die cutter, has been integrated with servo technology and can be equipped with up to eight print units, a slot score unit and top print units.
Contact our sales team to learn more!
kolbusamerica.com | sales@kolbus.com | 888-705-0051
EnCore Modules:
Henry Winkler Shares Story Of Overcoming Learning Disorder At AICC Spring Meeting BY GREG KISHBAUGH “It’s as easy to be positive as it is to be negative.” Those were the words delivered at the closing keynote speech at the recent AICC Spring Meeting from Henry Winkler, lauded children’s book writer, Emmy nominated actor for his role on HBO hit series “Barry” and, of course, known by an entire generation for his iconic portrayal of Arthur Fonzarelli — the Fonz — on the classic sitcom, “Happy Days.” Despite his many successes, Winkler struggled mightily as a child, a perennially underachieving student. He received no emotional support at all from his parents who referred to him as Dummer Hund in their na- tive German, or dumb dog. “When we have children, they are not extensions of who we are,” said Winkler. “They’re not there to make us proud. They didn’t ask to be born. They just are here. It is our job to realize that maybe the child in front of us has a problem. If we don’t know the name of that problem, it doesn’t matter.”
Customer Care Portal
Quality Management
TopGun
ScrapTrakker
Sign & Drive Visual Analytics
Advanced Planning Board
ScoreKeeper
Corrugator Scheduling
Automated Performance Costing
Winkler has had a storied career in film, television, stage and in print, but the scars from his childhood remain. He spent the majority of his young years battling his inadequacies, and worse, the shame and unac- ceptance of his parents. “I thought I was stupid because that was what I was told by my par- ents,” he said. In the face of such incredible adversity, Winkler knew from his days in elementary school that he wanted to be an actor. And it was his un- willingness to back away from that goal that led him away from falling victim to the naysaying of teachers, parents and classmates. It was his determination that eventually led him to being accepted into the Yale School of Drama. It was another determination that compelled him to leave the relative comfort of his hometown of New York for the uncertainty of Hollywood. He was not in town long before the casting call for Happy Days came, with every young actor in LA vying for the part. (Fun fact: it is rumored that two members of the Monkees, Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, where runner ups for the role of The Fonz). It wasn’t until much later in life, long after he’d hung up his famous leather jacket, that some clarity came to him through an unlikely source: CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Partner Integrations:
12
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
Do More with Less APB is an automated and integrated plant planning system designed to help your schedulers do less manual work. By utilizing scheduling optimization technology, your planning department can focus on exceptions only. Visibility Enables Optimization Our intuitive scheduling solution features seamless, bidirectional data flows with core backend systems. Easy-to-Understand Dashboards Machine capacity charts provide graphical real-time information of the equipment’s backlog state and next available delivery dates. Improve Capacity through Automation Our proprietary algorithms leverage cutting edge automation to dynamically prioritize your most critical scheduling constraints. ADVANCED PLANNING BOARD
215.639.9540
|
sales@amtechsoftware.com
|
www.amtechsoftware.com
Winkler Shares (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)
The Perfect Combo Get Peak Performance From Your Equipment with Matched Component Sets
his young son. “My son was had to write a report for school,” Winkler remembers. “He couldn’t do it. It was smudgy. I said ev- erything to him that was said to me, ‘Oh, come on, you’re lazy. You’re so verbal. You’re so good with adults. Oh, come on. You’re just not living up to your potential.’ But he couldn’t do it. We had him tested, and everything they said about my son during his diagnosis was true about me. “I wasn’t a Dummer Hund. I wasn’t stupid. I wasn’t lazy. I had something with a name. I was dyslexic. Unbeliev- able. Now I knew. It had a name. Then I thought, ‘Okay, I’ve got it; I’ve got to learn how to live with it.’ And I wonder that if maybe I didn’t have the struggle of my personal learning challenge, maybe I wouldn’t be here today with you in this room.” Winkler’s entry into book writing came at the urging of a friend who thought the actor’s ability to overcome the many obstacles associated with his dyslexia would be uplifting and motivational for children. “We have to teach our children how they learn, not what we think they should learn,” said Winkler. “Because I go into classrooms and I say to children, ‘Anybody know what they’re great at?’ Every hand goes up from kinder- garten to 12th grade. One kid said to me, ‘I am great at breathing.’ One said, ‘I am great at logarithms. Every child knows what they’re great at, and we need every single thing that they are great at in order to keep our city, your city, our country great, our world great and free. It is so important. I say to every child I meet, ‘You have greatness inside you, and your job is to figure out what that is, dig it out, and give it to the world as a gift.’ “I am here to tell you this is what I’ve learned in my life,” said Winkler. “Every single one of you in this room is powerful. Some of you haven’t tasted your power. Some of you are afraid of your power. Some of you live very comfortably with your power. But I am here to tell you that if there is something that you need to do and you talk yourself out of it like I do, now is the time to try. Now is the time to try. Now is the time to just release that wonderful power in you, that wonderful imagination that you keep putting off. “I say this because you don’t know what you can ac- complish until you put one foot in front of the other,” he continued. “Here I was, dreaming about being on tele- vision. I then got to be the Fonz. I got 50,000 letters a week. After I’d left the show behind, I became the hon- orary chairman of the Special Arts Festival in Los Ange- les. I’m walking through these children. Some of them are blind, deaf. They are in wheelchairs. They’ve got crutches, but they are all artists. Every one of them is an artist. I’m walking through, hugging everyone, and I hear behind me, ‘Fonz’. I turn and say hello to this little girl, and her mom has now dissolved into tears. I said, ‘Can I help you?’
Nothing’s more rewarding 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 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.
The ARChitects of Flexo
SINCE 1984
ARCInternational.com 800-526-4569
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
14
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
Winkler Shares (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
global folding carton and corrugated converting facilities. Conner held various roles in WestRock’s Consumer Pack- aging Division, including leadership of its Food & Bever- age Packaging division for the Americas. Earlier in his career, Conner held positions at Mead- Westvaco and Graphic Packaging. Throughout his career, Conner has demonstrated his ability to build and lead ex- ceptional teams, develop, and execute strategies to accel- erate growth, and drive operational excellence. Conner joins Accord as it transitions to its next phase of growth following its acquisition in 2023 by Mason Wells, a private equity firm that specializes in partnering with fami- ly-owned packaging companies. Conner is replacing former Accord CEO Robert Codo, who retired after nearly 40 years with the company his grandfather founded and after nearly 30 years serving as CEO. Through the decades, Codo led the company’s transition to focus on large format production capabilities and food and beverage end markets. Codo will remain involved with the company as a member of the Board of Directors. “I’m honored to be entrusted with the leadership of Accord and look forward to building upon what the Codo family has established over the past 80 years as the com- pany enters a new chapter,” said Conner. “My passion is delivering great results for our valued customers and that’s in perfect alignment with the core values of the Accord organization.”
She said, ‘No, you don’t understand. My daughter is autis- tic. She just spoke her first word.’ “Because I had an imagination when I was eight, and now I was living it, and it jumped off the TV. What a life I have been able to live. There are so many things I talk my way out of. I talk my way into it. I talk my way out of it. I am scared. I don’t think I can do it. But eventually, you just start, and there it is.”
Accord Carton Names Conner As New Chief Executive Officer
Alsip, Illinois based Accord Carton announced that Tommy Conner has been named President & Chief Executive Offi- cer. Accord is an independent folding carton converter pri- marily serving the food, beverage, and household products markets.
Conner brings nearly 30 years of experience in the folding carton indus- try to the Company across a number of operational, commercial, and lead- ership roles. Most recently, he served as the Vice President of Operational
Tommy Conner
Excellence at WestRock where he was responsible for im- plementing operational best practices across nearly 300
PageWide Corrugated Digital Presses
Scan to learn more
Quality and Sustainability with a Splash of Innovation
Accurate Media Motion
HP's True Water Based Ink
HP's Thermal Inkjet Technology
HP PageWide C550 Press
HP PageWide T1195i Press
HP PageWide T700i Press
HP PageWide T470S Press
The most complete digital print portfolio for the corrugated industry
16
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
ProVantage Powerflute ®
You told us what matters to you, and we listened. By working together, we can make improvements where it counts. • Lighter grammage options and high-performance packaging solutions • Improved sustainability aspects such as reduced waste and an optimised use of raw materials • Reduced packaging weight, using less fibre while ensuring superior strength You challenged us to make high-performance fluting even better. Our New Generation of ProVantage Powerflute ®
Sustainable by Design
FBA Seeks Quorum To Elect New Board Members In Person, By Proxy The Fibre Box Association (FBA) announced that it will be electing board members for the coming years during the 2024 Annual Meeting on May 6-8 at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. “While we appreciate the attendance of all members who participate in the meeting, we understand there are reasons that might keep you from being there in person,” the FBA said. “To better ensure we have a quorum to elect new board members per the FBA Bylaws, the FBA Executive Commit- tee has provided a written proxy. A Proxy email was sent to the official representative at all member companies on Wednesday, April 3 for completion prior to the meeting.” Even those who plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, are asked to vote at this time. For more information, contact Rachel Kenyon at rken- yon@fibrebox.org or (847)364-9637. The Annual Meeting offers three days of meetings, in- formational speakers, recreation, and plenty of networking time. Dress attire for the general sessions is business ca- sual. Dress attire for the evening events is resort casual. Jacket is required for the reception and dinner on Tuesday evening. For more information, visit fibrebox.org .
We’ve got our customers covered… …with our fiberglass backed, boltless, full double-wide blankets and an extensive inventory of corrugated parts needed by virtually every box plant in the country. The innovator of the original fiberglass-backed knuckle locking anvil cover, Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated. TM
www.go2stafford.com 800-282-5787 IS THE MANUFACTURER OF STAFFORD ANVIL COVERS ®
18
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
No Lights. No Camera. All Action.
Make a stronger, lighter and more sustainable corrugated blank using less glue by implementing a “brick” style pattern developed by Baumer hhs. This pattern creates a stronger bond using less glue. Our new all-electric PX 1000 applicators with over a billion cycle life can easily apply the pattern with clean cutoff and accurate placement. The PGD 1000 sensor is there to show your customer that every box was properly glued so you’ll never end up on some gag reel. You can be the star with The CorrBox solution from Baumer hhs.
PGD 1000 Monitoring Sensor • Measure the glue proximity to the edge of the tab and avoid squeeze-out so you deliver an accurately glued box every time. • The printing on the carton does not effect the hybrid sensor’s ability to read the bead. Black, white, plaid or polka dot, the sensor is not bothered, so neither are you. • No UV additives needed for detection saves you money, time and effort.
PX 1000 Cold Glue Applicator • Extremely fast and powerful closing force means no drips or tailing so your first box is a good box. • Strong armature activation easily handles viscosity fluctuations and will work with a large variety of adhesives. • Fast action coil means you can now stitch your beads at higher running speeds lowering adhesive consumption up to 70% and improving board output.
GLUE SAVINGS Activation Aktiv
Find more information on CorrBox at URL below or use the QR Code: https://shorturl.at/sACE0 Or contact us at: 937-886-3160 or email sales.usa@baumerhhs.com Baumer hhs 10570 Success Lane, Dayton, Ohio 45458
Savings
70%
Max Gap 4 mm
Vanguard Companies Wins Two Shop! OMA Awards
planning and manufacturing. Vanguard Companies deliv- ers award-winning results for our customers.” Vanguard Companies and PopSockets won a Gold OMA Award in the Personal Electronics and Software –
Kansas City, Missouri based Vanguard Companies an- nounced the winning of two Shop! Outstanding Merchan- dising Achievement (OMA) Awards. The OMA Awards program is the Marketing at Retail Industry’s most prestigious, largest, and longest-running
Temporary Display division for their Grip & Go Target Endcap. PopSockets part- nered with Vanguard Com- panies to design an endcap display for Target to pro- mote and raise awareness of various products for its customers. The display in- corporated key design ele- ments for shopper appeal, maximizing in-store effec-
awards contest. It recog- nizes and honors excel- lent displays that set the merchandising and design precedents of today to be- come the standards of to- morrow. “Creating an award-win- ning display requires great customer collaboration, innovation, and teamwork. Congratulations to our valued customers and the entire team at Vanguard Companies for making awesome happen,” said Jim Beard, Vanguard Com-
tiveness, and personalization. In addition, the display ac- commodated multiple SKUs of product, was easily shop- pable, and sturdy enough for restocking. Vanguard Companies and Walmart won a Bronze OMA Award in the General Merchandise — Temporary Display division for their Trial & Travel Train Multi-Vendor Program. Walmart partnered with Vanguard Companies to launch a promotion that raised awareness of various travel prod- ucts for its customers to trial. They designed a modular pallet program that could be used as a half pallet, full pal- let, and pallet train. Product bins provided a unique design shape and clear visibility to products and shopping.
pany CEO. “This was truly a team effort — from the collab- oration of our sales team with their clients, through design,
PRINTCHEK REPRESENTS A NEW FRONTIER IN PRINT QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR THE CORRUGATED CARDBOARD INDUSTRY PrintChek uses a series of line scan cameras to capture an image of each sheet across its entire span before being die-cut. Every sheet's size, rotation, and print quality are then compared to your set “golden standard” to identify defects as small as 2mm like skew, spots, hickeys, smears, color deviation, missing print, and more. Using PrintChek in conjunction with MeasurementChek allows you to remotely monitor production and quality statistics which you can then export via Excel for statistical analysis.
PC
PERFECT PRINT
DEFECT
Adhesive Dispensing and Quality Assurance Solutions Valco Melton :+1 513 874 6550 Info@valcomelton.com | www.valcomelton.com
20
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
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.
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com
SINCE 1955
ICPF Presents New Zund Digital Cutter To Clemson University The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) announced the donation of brand-new equipment for students at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. The new high production Zünd Digital Cut- ter G3 L-3200 replaces previous equipment used in their Prototyping Lab. “ICPF was delighted to step up and secure this much needed equipment for coursework, student projects and to enable participation in many packaging competitions,” said ICPF President, Caitlin Salaverria. “The digital cutter will produce cutting-edge prototype productions for Clemson students from multiple programs, including packaging science, graphic communications,
computer science, architecture, and engineering. With the diverse and varied job opportunities available in the corru- gated packaging industry, the donation allows expanded knowledge and increased exposure for students pursuing various degrees, helping us with our mission to grow the labor force of the corrugated packaging industry.” Clemson University Packaging Program Director, Dr. Greg Batt said that one of their greatest strengths is edu- cating industry ready graduates and that their partnership with ICPF enables them to better equip the next genera- tion of top graduates. “This generous equipment donation by ICPF puts a state-of-the-art sample cutter in the hands of 520 under- graduate students through 20 classes that we teach in package design and graphics on a yearly basis,” Batt said. “These students will compete in the classroom and in numerous national design competitions in packaging de-
sign and graphics and will take these skills right into the companies they will work for.” As an industry sponsored foundation, Salaverria said that ICPF has worked for the last 30 years to advance student and faculty knowledge of the industry and to promote development of a highly trained workforce. “We’ve provided over $13 million in do- nations of equipment and grants to univer- sities and look forward to expanding our efforts over the coming years,” Salaverria said. Bobst Introduces New Consulting Service Mex, Switzerland based Bobst announced the introduction of a new consulting ser- vice from concept to shelf. Bobst Applica- tion Management is a hands-on consulting service that can be scaled to the specific needs of converters and brand owners. Customers can receive guidance on technologies, raw materials, sustainability, processes, and business cases along the entire packaging value chain. Application Management is the latest initiative to help Bobst fulfill its vision to shape the future of the packaging world. “With over 130 years of leadership in the packaging industry, Bobst is much more than a manufacturer of machines, we are industry experts and thought leaders and can offer significant insight and counsel to our customers,” said Xavier Bonamour, Bobst Application Manager. For more info about Bobst Application Management, visit bobst.prezly.com .
DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION
ASDI offers: • 40 years of experience with separators, cyclones, conveyors and more • Sequential, Zero-Defect and various types of Scrap Systems • Each system is guaranteed to meet customer specifications • T urnkey Systems-handling all grades of paper and paperboard • In ground and overhead return conveyor systems direct to balers • Replace your undersized or aging cyclone over a two or three-day weekend • Representing a complete line of shredders, wet scrubbers and filters • NF PA compliant systems, ISN Network
Air Systems Design Inc .
50 East Court Mandeville, La 70471
Ph: 985-875-7777 Fx: 985-875-7778
\
email: sales@airsystemsdesign.com • www.airsystemsdesign.com
22
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
An RDC for every need A solution for every budget!
ChromaCUT High Tech
ChromaCUT X Pro superior graphics fast set-up
ChromaCUT Smart high-definition print fast ROI
inside-outside print fast set-up
Max Speed: 9,000 s/h
Max Speed: 12,000 s/h
Max Speed: 10,000 s/h
Available Sizes (max sheet): 2,100 / 82” (82 x 62.99”) 2,400 / 94” (94.5 x 62.99”) 2,800 / 110” (110.24 x 62.99”)
Available Sizes: 2,800 (110”)
Available Sizes (max sheet): 2,100 / 82” (82 x 62.99”) 2,400 / 94” (94.5 x 62.99”) 2,800 / 110” (110.24 x 62.99”) Features: • 3 minute auto job change • Setup while running • Preset print • Inside/Outside Print • Print and die cut inspection • Anilox Roll Changing System (Automatic: 2+1)
Max Sheet Width: 110.24 “ Max Sheet Length: 60.24” Min/Max Caliper: .039/.354” Features: • 3 minute auto job change • Setup while running • Preset print and die cut
Features: • Inside/Outside print
• Print and die cut inspection • Anilox Roll Changing System (Automatic: 2+1)
• Print and die cut inspection • Anilox Roll Changing System (Full Automatic: 3+1)
For full features and specifications, visit koenig-bauer-celmacch.com Or contact Kevin Erbe at kevin.erbe@koenig-bauer.com, 303.718.0023
Local Politics (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
quires some kind of “early warning system” that issues an alert when controversial proposals first arise. There are many ways to create such a system. One is to get on mailing lists maintained by local and state legisla- tors, community and trade associations, and towns them- selves. “Local communities are required by law in most states to publish their calendars of events and information on what they’re doing,” said Ennico. “So find your town’s web- site, bookmark it, and make a point to check in and see what’s going on at least once a week. What committees are meeting? Civic associations such as the Jaycees, Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis can also provide conduits to news about proposed regulations. “Local organizations are often made up of business owners and can provide a platform to discuss legislation,”
an effective business ambassador, though, requires lay- ing a bit of groundwork. And that means acquiring a solid grounding in a town’s political dynamics. “Business owners should get to know the structure of their local government and who is responsible for making what decisions,” said Dr John P. Pelissero, Director of Gov- ernment Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. “Knowing what each official’s duties are, and whether they have a role in regulating a certain area, will facilitate efficient interactions and the provision of useful information.” Identifying the “movers and shakers” who should get the business perspective on a proposed ordinance is one thing. Reaching them in time is another. To get wind of pro- posed legislation in advance of its passage into law re-
said Nancy Bocskor, Development Direc- tor of Business For America. So-called “hyperlocal” websites, often maintained by weekly digital newspapers, also publish alerts about town proposals. Reaching Out Establishing an early dialog with pol- iticians can facilitate effective communi- cation down the road when controversial regulatory proposals arise. The good news is that local officials are a lot easier to deal with than their federal counterparts. “People who run for local office are very approachable, because most of them really do care about their communities,” said Ennico. “For most of them, politics is not a steppingstone to higher office. Many times, they are business owners them- selves, so already you share some com- mon interests. Other times, they are attor- neys looking to expand their network.” One way to get known among local representatives is to speak up at town meetings, where every effort should be made to shake hands and make a person- al introduction. “Maybe it seems old fashioned in this digital age, but in-person communication with local public officials can be a very powerful way to get things done,” said at- torney Sean W. Hadley, a lecturer of public policy at Rutgers University. Effective business ambassadors are knowledgeable about local affairs. “Busi- ness owners should be as knowledgeable and informed as possible about what’s go- ing on in city government,” said Pelissero. “Members of the city council and county boards want to make sure the people that CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
WHERE PERFECTION MEETS PACKAGING
CONTACT US
Customized Formulations Maintenance-Free Clean Running Adhesives High Green Tack Ensuring Perfect Boxes Highly Competitive Pricing
+1-973-225-1070 www.baker-titan.com info@bakertitan.com
24
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
Your Corrugator Could Use More Brain Power... And the Precision of AI
CoparSolutions SyncMaster AI ™
The CoparSolutions SyncMaster AI enhances both current and next generation corrugators making operations run smarter, more efficient and more reliable. CoparSolutions products are customized to the exact ways you operate. u Automatically aligns & removes splices for grade and width changes u Stores & recalls each grade’s process values u Closed-loop Process Control eliminates ‘guess work’ and operator error Fully Synchronized Splice Control:
708.496.1859 Info@CoparSolutions.com
Local Politics (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
they’re interacting with are able to demonstrate aware- ness of current issues in local government and how they impact both the business and the broader communities.” Once a dialog is established, experts advise setting up a regular meeting with legislators or local city coun- cil member. “You want to get to the point where the pub- lic officials view you as a trusted source of information,” said Hadley. “They may call you for your perspective on proposed resolutions. Keep in mind that these local poli- ticians are not experts on everything. To make good laws, they need people in the community to offer unique per- spectives.” Driving Home You may be convinced of the wisdom of your position for or against a certain ordinance. But how can you con- vince the public official?
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.
Effective business ambassadors understand and ad- dress their town’s larger concerns. Maybe a certain pro- posal will promote trade. But how will it affect homeown- ers, schools and the public in general? “Public officials need to determine what regulations are in the long-term public interest versus what may only satisfy the business community,” said Pelissero. “When speaking up against a proposed zoning change, for exam- ple, it’s important to show how it might negatively affect the local community as well as business profits.” An effective presentation requires the support of facts, figures and stories. Do the math. Be able to show the of- ficial how a proposed regulation will affect employment, commercial enterprise, or a certain industry. And then drive home your point with a powerful anecdote that il- lustrates the problem. Is parking bad in your area? Then tell how a local citizen needed to get to your business but couldn't find a place to park. Finally, drive your point home by offering a solution to a perceived problem. “A businessperson shouldn’t be just a complainer,” said Hadley. “Public officials want to hear from people who are community problem solvers.” Doing Right Promoting a point of view is good. Creating the impres- sion of bribery is bad. “Many state and local governments CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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.
26
www.boardconvertingnews.com
April 22, 2024
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease