BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years July 22, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 30
Premier Packaging Celebrates 30 Years Of Peak Performance BY LEN PRAZYCH AICC’s Member Milestone Recognition Program, held earlier this year at the association’s 2024 Spring Meeting in Palm Desert, California, recognized member companies celebrating significant level anniver- saries in 2024, starting at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 (or more) years of continual operation. Louisville, Kentucky based Premier Packaging, by virtue of a significant three stellar decades of continual box making
Green Bay Packaging Breaks Ground In Germantown, WI Green Bay, Wisconsin based Green Bay Pack- aging (GBP) announced the expansion of its Great Lakes Packaging Division in German- town, Wisconsin. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art facility — which will feature 270,000 square feet of manufacturing space to streamline operations — took place on July 9. The facility will feature cutting-edge equip- ment, including a 6-color plus 1-color inside RDC, a litho laminator, and a specialty folder gluer. These additions will enhance the exist- ing capabilities and improve operational effi- ciencies to meet customer needs. “Our new Germantown facility will focus on safe, efficient operation and business growth. It will expand our capabilities and continue to meet and exceed our customers’ expecta- tions,” said Dave Mally, Vice President of Op- erations. The Great Lakes Packaging Division cur- rently employs over 80 people at its existing locations. With the new facility, the company can retain its current workforce and plans to create 20 additional jobs. GBP’s commitment to its employees underscores its role as a vital CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
excellence in one of the most competitive markets in the country, was not yet eligible to be recognized in the milestone program, but is none- theless most deserving of the accolades honoring the independent, entrepreneurial spirit of its founders and owners, Jill and John Gaynor. The couple – and the company – marked the anniversary in March, the same month Jill Gaynor assumed the role of majority shareholder of one of the most successful corrugated manufacturing and distribu- tion companies in the country. As Jill, who was also Premier’s Chief Marketing Officer, assumes her new duties, the company’s former CEO, John Gaynor, transitions to the role of President. “As a female-owned and female-managed business, Premier will now have minority-owned status that will open new business oppor- tunities for us,” says Jill. “We are excited about partnering with other CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Jill Gaynor, majority owner of Louisville, Kentucky based Premier Packaging, with Ryan Benningfield, Corporate Director of Manufacturing, in the lobby of the company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility.
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 Survey Results: BCN To Keep Containerboard Pricing AICC Packaging University Adds Three New Courses Box Manufacturing Olympics Deadline Extended To July 26 14 Mixed Signals: Inflation Falls, While Producer Prices Rise
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
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Since its first issue on January 7, 1985, BCN has pub- lished average prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States and Canada the week previous to issue. The prices are intended for reference purposes only and do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. “We need to emphasize, as we always have, that BCN reports pricing based on what you, members of the in- dependent box making community, have told us – anon- ymously and with the strictest confidentiality – what the prices you paid should be,” said Prazych. “To ensure accu- racy, we are continuously seeking sources who are willing to contribute their input. Again, the process is anonymous. No one else will know what you are reporting.” Realizing that the prices integrated manufacturers are charging their independent box making customers con- tribute to the prices independents are paying, BCN will continue to report integrated price increases. For exam- ple, the recent wave of linerboard price increases report- ed by a variety of commodity and industry analysts con- firmed that Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Pratt Industries and WestRock have raised their prices on domestic linerboard. “We hope our modified pricing chart and the information within it is helpful and as always, we welcome your input and suggestions,” said Prazych. “We will continue to honor our mission of being the only weekly source of news serv- ing the corrugated and folding carton industries – in print and online – for the next 40 years and beyond.”
AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION Per Survey Results, BCN To Continue Publishing Containerboard Pricing In response to a Board Converting News (BCN) survey last month as to whether or not it should continue to publish Average Containerboard Prices, an overwhelming major- ity of respondents replied “yes,” they were interested in seeing the figures published every week here on page 3. “We sincerely thank everyone who responded to our survey,” said Len Prazych, President Publisher of Board Converting News . “We appreciate everyone’s valuable in- put, which will be reflected in the modified chart we have streamlined for our reader’s convenience.”
3 1
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Green Bay Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
contributor to the local economy. The project will be designed and built by Briohn Build- ingCorporation, which recently completed several new in- dustrial and manufacturing buildings in the Germantown area. All of these are part of an effort by the Village to fur- ther expand business growth along the Holy Hill corridor.
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“We are proud to partner with GBP and bring our ex- perience in the print and packaging industry to design and build this new facility. This is another great expansion for Germantown as it continues to grow its reputation as a great place to work and live. Our team is already hard at work to bring this new building out of the ground, and we’re excited to see GBP move into the space and fulfill its growth objectives in 2025,” said Nelson Williams, Chief Executive Officer for Briohn. Operations at the new Great Lakes Packaging Division of GBP are expected to begin in the fall of 2025. Spots Open For Chicago TAPPI Golf Outing Time is running out to sign up for Chicago TAPPI’s 24th Annual Golf Outing & Dinner taking place on August 13 at the Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois. The four-person scramble has a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. The Chicago TAPPI golf committee welcomes you to invite your clients as guests. Register soon as space is
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Technavio: Packaging Market To Grow by $59.15B Through 2027 The global paper and paperboard container and packag- ing market size is estimated to grow by $59.15 billion from 2023-2027, according to report released by Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.39 percent during the forecast period. Emergence of specialized paper and paperboard con- tainers is driving market growth, with a trend towards ad- vent of smart packaging. However, chances of contami- nation with recycled paperboard poses a challenge, the report said. The global market for smart paper and paperboard containers and packaging is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for advanced packaging solutions in various industries. Major players in the market are focus- ing on innovations such as smart folding boxes, which can track product information throughout the delivery process and offer individualized designs and messages to custom- ers. The use of smart paper and paperboard containers and packaging is expected to increase, driven by advance- ments in microsensors, printed electronics, authentication platforms, and the Internet of Things (IoT). WestRock’s CerePak Smart Adherence Packaging is a notable example, utilizing a microprocessor and conduc- tive inks to monitor medication usage, the report said.
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
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AICC Packaging University Offering Three New Courses
available exclusively to AICC members. These courses are part of AICC’s commitment to providing continuous learn- ing and development opportunities that enhance the pro- fessional skills of individuals in the independent packaging sector.
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has an- nounced the release of three new and free Packaging University Courses. Welcome To Accounting: This entry-level accounting course introduces the fundamental accounting tasks per- formed daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly within a typical accounting department in the packaging industry. This is a comprehensive orientation to the routine responsi- bilities managed by accounting departments, providing essential insights into the financial operations that sup- port the industry’s growth and sustainability. This course is tailored to empower new employees and refresh the knowledge of existing staff within the accounting sector of member companies. Workplace Safety Regulations: In this course, the ba- sics of workplace safety are explained, including guide- lines for safe interaction with machines, chemicals, and materials, as well as the proper use of appropriate PPE. Inspection and Testing in Corrugated Packaging: This course covers the various quality assurance testing and inspection methods used in the creation of corrugat- ed packaging. These courses further expand AICC’s robust educa- tional offerings, including over 100 free online courses
AICC’s educational programs are carefully developed to meet the specific needs of privately held companies in the corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box manufactur- ing sectors. By equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills, AICC aims to strengthen the inde- pendent packaging industry and ensure its members stay competitive and informed. Members interested in accessing the courses can visit www.AICCbox.org/PackU for more information and to en- roll. Questions can be directed to Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Leadership Development, at tpyle@AICCbox. org or (703) 535-1391.
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ICPF Invites Members To Join Social Media Corrugated Careers Campaign The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation is asking members to help spread the word to students and interested candidates about the many opportunities that exist from choosing #careersincorrugated by joining in its social media efforts. This August, ICPF is working to promote careers in the corrugated packaging industry through a “Consider a Career in Corrugated” campaign. ICPF will be sharing messages, videos and graphics on its social media platforms (including TikTok) throughout the month, all with the hashtag #careersincorrugated and highlighting individual pathways to the industry, the ben- efits of job stability, and the rewarding nature of various positions in the corrugated packaging industry.
Available on ICPF’s website at careersincorrugated. com is the following: • A content calendar • Newly designed graphics • Video posts sized for Instagram & TikTok • Post captions and content for the whole month
Following, liking, sharing and re-shar- ing these important messages is encour- aged. Relevant links are included, and the posts can be edited to fit your style and tone. Remember to tag @careersincorru- gated in your post. For more information, contact ICPF’s Outreach & Marketing Manager, Alex LeM- oine, at alemoine@icpfbox.org. AICC To Partner At Digital Packaging Summit AICC, The Independent Packaging Associ- ation, will be a partner in the Digital Pack- aging Summit set for November 12-14 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Only senior level executives involved with research, purchasing and implemen- tation of digital solutions are invited. This exclusive format allows attendees to con- nect with peers through networking, busi- ness meetings and strategic information sharing sessions. The summit is free for all qualified attendees. Digital Packaging Summit attendees will explore pioneering solutions aligned with Corrugated, Flexible Packaging, Fold- ing Carton and Labels setments. From emerging trends to next-gen technologies transforming the packaging and converting industry, the Digital Pack- aging Summit promises an unprecedented peek into the future. The event will include user panels, small group case studies, and application specific breakouts. For more information about the summit, visit digitalpackagingsummit.com .
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Box Manufacturing Olympics Deadline Extended To July 26
TAPPI and AICC, the Independent Packaging Association, co-producers of SuperCorrExpo, have announced that the entry deadline for the quadrennial Box Manufacturing Olympics has been extended to July 26. All selected entries will be showcased at SuperCorrEx- po from September 8-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Box Manufacturing Olympics (BMO) combines TAP- PI’s CorrPak Competition and AICC’s Design Competition into one unified event with competitors from across the globe. The BMO is open to all TAPPI and AICC members who produce corrugated, rigid box and folding cartons, as well as their suppliers. Packaging schools and universities are also invited to participate in the competition and have their own catego- ries and requirements. Judges will evaluate entries on a number of levels, in- cluding design, quality, graphic excellence, technical diffi- culty and innovative application, among others. All entries will be displayed on SuperCorrExpo exhibit floor and winners will be announced each day preceding the opening session, with the Best of the Industry winners and Attendees’ Choice winners being announced on the last day.
Winners will be featured on the SuperCorrExpo, TAPPI and AICC websites, and will also be announced in various industry publications. To participate in the Box Manufacturing Olympics, please sign up at my.reviewr.com/s2/site/BoxManufac- turingOlympics_2024 . To learn more about the competi- tion, visit the supercorrexpo.org . Utah PaperBox won the Best of Industry Folding Carton at the Box Manufacturing Olympics in 2021.
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Mixed Signals: Consumer Prices Fall, While Producer Prices Grow
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Monday Economic Re- port indicates mixed signals as consumer prices decline while producer prices rise. Avrio Institute President Dr. Shawn DuBravac, who wrote the report, outlines these key points: Inflation is falling: The Consumer Price Index declined 0.1 percent in June, the first decline in consumer prices since the pandemic. The decline was driven in part by a 3.8 percent fall in gasoline prices, which followed a 3.6 percent decline in May. Excluding food and energy, core CPI rose 0.1 percent in June after a 0.2 percent increase in May. Yes, but: Looking further up the supply chain, inflation pressures remain prevalent. The Producer Price Index for final demand rose 0.2 percent, exceeding an anticipated 0.1 percent gain. The year-over-year trend accelerated from 2.4 percent in May to 2.6 percent in June, sur- passing the expected 2.3 percent growth. The Fed is waiting for greater data consistency: After last week’s CPI figures were released, many market observers believed the positive
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news could encourage the Federal Reserve to cut rates, perhaps even sooner than the first anticipated cut in September. However, the PPI re- lease likely shifts the Fed in the opposite direction, prompting them to wait for clear evidence that inflation is contained and moving toward its 2 percent target. Yes, but: Last week, Fed Chair Jerome Powell testified on Capitol Hill and noted, “You don’t want to wait until inflation gets all the way down to 2 percent. If you waited that long, you probably waited too long because inflation will be moving downward and would go well below 2 percent, which we don’t want.” Chair Powell also noted, “If we see that the labor market were weakening unexpectedly, which is to say more than what we’ve seen in a material way unexpectedly, then we could also respond to that, because we have a dual mandate, and we now see the two man- dates more in balance than they were a year ago.” Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined 0.1 percent in June, following no change in May. This is the first time prices have fallen since the pandemic. Over the past 12 months, prices are up 3 percent. Gasoline prices dropped 3.8 percent in June, following a 3.6 percent decline in May, offsetting increases in shelter costs. The energy index fell CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Mixed Signals (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
the past six months, the lowest since August 2022, with overall capital spending sluggish and below pre-pandem- ic levels due to high interest rates and anticipated slower sales, despite some investment in labor-saving technolo- gy driven by worker shortages. The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.2 percent in June. This follows no change in May and a 0.5 percent increase in April. The PPI for final demand increased 2.6 percent over the year ending in June, the largest rise since March 2023. This is higher than the 2.3 percent gain expected by economists. The increase in June was mainly due to a 0.6 percent rise in final demand services prices, while final demand goods prices fell 0.5 percent. PPI excluding foods, ener- gy and trade services remained steady in June after a 0.2 percent increase in May and rose 3.1 percent over the past year. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.4 percent in June and is up 3 percent in the past year. The increase in final demand services prices in June was largely because of a 1.9 percent rise in trade services margins. However, transportation and warehousing ser- vices prices dropped 0.4 percent. More than one-quarter of the June increase in services prices was due to a 3.7 percent rise in margins for machinery and vehicle whole- saling, while truck transportation of freight prices declined 1.2 percent. The decrease in final demand goods prices in June
2 percent for the second consecutive month. Food prices rose 0.2 percent in June, with food away from home in- creasing 0.4 percent and food at home rising 0.1 percent. Excluding food and energy, core CPI rose 0.1 percent in June after a 0.2 percent increase in May. In addition to shelter, increases occurred in motor vehicle insurance, household furnishings, medical care, and personal care, while decreases occurred in airline fares, used cars and trucks and communication. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (NFIB) climbed to 91.5 in June, marking the highest point this year, though it remains below the historical average of 98 for the 30th consecutive month. Inflation is still the top concern, with 21 percent of owners citing it as their primary issue, slightly down from May. Thirty-seven percent of all small business owners re- ported unfilled job openings in June, a five-point drop from May, with skilled worker openings at 31 percent (down six points) and unskilled labor openings at 16 percent (up two points); this hiring difficulty is especially pronounced in the construction, transportation and retail sectors, while the agriculture and finance sectors reported the fewest open- ings. Some 38 percent of owners reported raising com- pensation, with 22 percent planning further increases in the next three months, up four points from May. Fifty-two percent of owners reported capital outlays in
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.
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Mixed Signals (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
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was primarily due to a 2.6 percent drop in energy prices. Food prices fell 0.3 percent, and prices for goods exclud- ing foods and energy remained unchanged. More than 60 percent of the decrease in goods prices was due to a 5.8 percent drop in gasoline prices. According to the University of Michigan Consumer Sen- timent Index (Preliminary), consumer sentiment remains stable for the second consecutive month. July’s index is two points lower than the previous month, well within the margin of error. Although sentiment is more than 30 per- cent higher than the June 2022 low, it remains subdued, with nearly half of consumers worried about high prices, even though they expect inflation to moderate in the com- ing years. The upcoming election adds to economic un- certainty, but the first presidential debate does not seem to have changed consumer perspectives significantly. Year-ahead inflation expectations dropped to 2.9 percent for the second month in a row, and long-term expectations also fell slightly to 2.9 percent, remaining stable compared to the pre-pandemic range of 2.2–2.6 percent. Mesirow Promotes Weil, Yermack As Co-Heads Of Packaging Chicago, Illinois based Mesirow, an independent, employ- ee-owned financial services firm, announced the promo- tion of Rick Weil and Melanie Yermack to Co-Heads of
Precision Anilox & Glue Roll Technology
Packaging for Mesirow Investment Banking. Together they will drive packaging sector strategy and con- tinue to serve a growing base of cli- ents through their extensive industry expertise, strong relationships, and commitment to service. “I am excited for the opportunity
Melanie Yermack
to drive continued growth for our Packaging team,” said Rick Weil. “Our team is dedicated to serving our clients with integrity, hard work, and excellent outcomes.” With more than 40 years of combined investment bank- ing leadership and experience, Rick and Melanie have built a strong reputation for success, excellent execution,
and bold advocacy for clients. “We are proud to be one of the most ac- tive M&A advisors to the packaging sector,” said Melanie Yermack. “Me- sirow’s Packaging team maintains deep relationships across the pack- aging landscape, which have re- sulted in a long history of delivering
Rick Weil
successful outcomes for clients. I look forward to further partnering with Rick and continuing to grow our presence in the middle market through hard work and dedication to our clients.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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LIGHTER STRONGER SUSTAINABLE Refibreing the corrugated structure™
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Mesirow Promotes (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
rugated box styles including auto-bottoms, in-fold trays, out-fold trays, and straight seam styles. It features six glue heads and the capacity to apply tape and/or tear strips up to 2 inches wide. The Eterna Efold can handle a range of corrugated flutes, from F up to B/C double wall. With a maximum belt speed of 787 feet per minute and the ability to process a wide spectrum of sheet sizes, this machine is designed for both versatility and high-speed operation. “We are excited about the enhanced manufacturing ca- pabilities that the Brausse Eterna Efold will deliver to us, as well as the range of corrugated styles we will now be able to finish in-house for clients served out of our Arkansas facility,” says Brett Kirkpatrick, Director of Trade Business for The BoxMaker. “The addition of a specialty folder and gluer at this location will reduce lead times for many popu- lar box styles and help to ensure we are delivering on our promise of quality to our client accounts.” The BoxMaker has also acquired a SIG-CORR Squar- ing and Bundling Plastic Strapping Machine. This special- ty high-speed strapper is designed to efficiently bundle products off the specialty folder and gluer, using generous 12mm strapping to secure goods while preventing dam- age from the straps. The BoxMaker said the integration of the new machin- ery significantly enhances its commitment to delivering quality custom corrugated packaging products while re- ducing lead time by expanding in-house manufacturing capabilities.
“These well-deserved promotions recognize Rick and Melanie’s expertise and leadership in building Mesirow’s Packaging investment banking practice,” said Adam Oak- ley, Co-Head of Mesirow Investment Banking. “I look for- ward to the impact that they will continue to have in the packaging sector, one of Mesirow’s ten core market seg- ments.” The BoxMaker Invests In Brausse Eterna Specialty Folder Gluer Lowell, Arkansas based The BoxMaker, a custom corrugat- ed packaging solutions provider, announced the purchase and installation of a new Brausse Eterna Efold 2100 C6 specialty folder.
The company said that the investment marks a signifi- cant enhancement in its in-house production capabilities, enabling it to offer a greater range of high-quality corru- gated packaging solutions to clients. The machine is equipped to finish a wide variety of cor-
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July 22, 2024 0586-001-Innoveyance-BCN-20240118-HalfHoriz.indd 1
Visit us at Booth 1371
Challenge the Status Quo A lot has stayed the same in the industry over the years. But, if you’re looking to improve your conveyor systems and find new solutions to increase your efficiency, safety, and functionality — we’d love to meet with you.
Learn more at MainlineConveyor.com/SuperCorr
Rethinking Conveyor Solutions
Premier Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
validates a business as being at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or wom- en, Premier Packaging ranked as the seventeenth largest woman-owned/managed business in the country, based on data from 2023. John Gaynor began his career in the corrugated indus- try right out of college along with three other founders, working out of the basement of a family home. In 1994, Premier Packaging started operations in an empty 260,000-square-foot facility in Louisville that was once home to the Saint Joe Paper Company (later pur- chased by IP), where Premier expanded into corrugated boxes and the business grew rapidly. Coincidentally, the birth of Premier Packaging coincid- ed with the birth of the Internet, which helped the Gay- nors develop a niche in the market as a one-stop shop for smaller, “odd-shaped” boxes, and the distribution, assem- bly and “grunge” work no other company wanted to do. Servicing that niche has served Premier well, resulting in remarkably explosive growth. In addition to its first production plant in Louisville, which also serves as the company’s headquarters, Pre- mier has over the years added facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Lebanon, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati; Pedrick- town, in southern New Jersey; and Thomson, Georgia, which is between Atlanta and Augusta. Most recently, it opened a plant in Rancho Cucamonga,
companies, including state and local governments, to do what we do so well – all things packaging.” Jill has been involved in our business since day one, collaborating with me on every risk and decision,” says John Gaynor. “We will still collaborate together, but now Jill will take on the controlling leadership role within Premier.”
In the process of being recognized by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), which Founders and owners Jill and John Gaynor developed a niche in the market as a one-stop shop for smaller boxes and assem- bly work no one else wanted to do.
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Premier Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.
California, in the heart of one of the nation’s most compet- itive corrugated and containerboard markets. The compa- ny also maintains sales and distribution facilities in Canada and Mexico. A Multi-Year Plan “The New Jersey and California plants we opened with- in the last three years were already in the works before Covid-19 hit and was a little more difficult with the supply chain issues,” says Ryan Benningfield, Corporate Director of Manufacturing.
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
Premier Packaging has installed a Twin Box Slitter on both its LMC Flexo Folder Gluers. Below, the BWP Twin Box Slitter can be quickly and conveniently pulled from and reinstalled into the converting line as needed.
SPECIALTY FOLDER GLUERS • Operator Training • Rebuilds and Relocations • Reconditioning in Racine • Parts & Machine Reviews • GUARANTEED IMPROVEMENT TOROSIAN TECH SERVICES INC. Training and Reconditioning Center 930 Tenth Street • Racine, WI 53403 (800) 555-5876 (U.S. only) Phone: (262) 633-5133 • Fax: (262) 633-5176
“Premier had been in those markets but was doing more distribution work before we decided that we needed to expand our manufacturing footprint. In keeping with the Gaynor’s growth model, the company expanded into two of the busiest and most active markets in the country.” Benningfield says Premier’s multi-year plan started in Louisville in 2019 by adding a 315,000-square-foot distri- bution facility less than a mile away, where orders and in- tercompany transfers are routed and shipped. Modifications to the 260,000-square-foot manufactur-
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JUMBO FLEXO
MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.
K1X Jumbo Flexo The Jumbo series of KL were designed to withstand the rigorous needs of Jumbo box making. This series is available as a Flexo Folder Gluer or a Printer Slotter/Die Cutter. • Extremely rugged construction • Triple wall capable • Speeds up to 4,800 SPH • Full width die cutting and stacker • Non-stop downstacker w/post compression section Sizes Available: 86” X 210” to 98” X 210”
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com
SINCE 1955
Premier Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
ing facility included, renovating the office and administra- tive areas and in a remarkable display of engineering ex- pertise, the company “flipped” its converting lines so that instead of running the length of the building, the convert- ing lines – in which all the machinery was replaced – ran across the building. “The packaging business was booming as we were opening up these new plants and distribution centers and our multi-year plan to replace machinery was designed to improve the flow and make us more efficient,” says Ben- ningfield. “Our goal was to be able to do more with less and we feel like we’ve accomplished that with fewer pieces of the machinery that enables us to increase output while servic- Speaking of innovative equipment that allows an in- vestment-conscious box maker to essentially double its capacity, Benningfield says the Twin Box Slitter (TBS) by BW Papersystems (BWP) “checked all the boxes.” The unique converting machine enables Premier to double the production of its flexo folder gluers by running two-up boxes, which after being separated are ready to be bundled. Invented by Marquip, which became Marquip- WardUnited and is now BW Papersystems, the investment in its TBS, according to Benningfield, is “huge” and the pri- BCN(US)202308(QS1025)(o)(出血5mm).pdf 1 2023/8/28 下午 01:53:57 ing both new and existing customers.” An Investment In BW Papersystems
mary reason Premier added one to the back of its 50-inch LMC flexo and 15 months later, added a second TBS to the back of its 42-inch LMC flexo. It also allowed Premier to take work off its Curioni mini, double it up and get twice the amount of footage off it in virtually the same amount of time. “We went from running our 27-inch mini from two to three shifts down to one,” says Benningfield. “We pulled almost everything off it and we now run it as a two-up on either the 42- or 50-inch flexo. It’s given us increased CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 The BWP TBS allows Premier to double the production of its flexo folder gluers by running two-up boxes, which after being separated are ready to be bundled.
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Double Your Production with the Twin Box Slitter ®
Mid-size Flexo Folder Gluer runs two-up boxes
Twin Box Slitter slits into two smaller boxes
Celebrating 30 years on the Market – 1993-2023
sales@bwpapersystems.com • bwpapersystems.com
Premier Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
UNFOLD THE POWER OF CONNECTION WITH THE
capacity and definitely helped us accomplish our goal of being able to do more with less. We went from seven machines down to four and we’re producing the same amount of output.”
PAPERBOARD PACKAGING COUNCIL
EDUCATION
ANALYTICS
Benningfield credits BWP’s Richard White with selling Premier on the TBS’s benefits, among them the machine’s precise cutting, which Benningfield says is much cleaner than a bundle breaker might be and the fact the slitter can be slid in and out of place on a conveyor line. “BWP’s equipment is solidly built and the reliability of both Twin Box Slitters has been tremendous. Further, their service people are there when we need them and their maintenance training for our operators was great. Our in- vestment was definitely worth it.” The PARA (SUN Automation Group) 66-inch by 125-inch Rota- ry Die Cutter is equipped with 3-color outside, 2-color inside print stations.
COMMUNITY
INNOVATION
Open the box at paperbox.org
“We highly value the partnership we’ve had with Pre- mier through the years,” says White. “Several years ago, Premier operated some BWP lega- cy equipment and over the years have purchased several new pieces of finishing equipment from us, including their two Twin Box Slitters. We’ve also upgraded and rebuilt some of their vintage equipment. It’s been a real joy to watch and to participate in their success and growth.” Recent engineering enhancements and redesigns have been made by BWP to accommodate the increased speeds of today’s finishing equipment. The current TBS design is capable of handling up to 400 boxes a minute on the infeed, resulting in up to 800 Having its BWP Twin Box Slitters has enabled Premier Packag- ing to take work off its 27-inch Curioni, a BWP company.
Suppliers: Leverage Our Reach
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
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Premier Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
boxes/minute on the discharge. That and the other chang- es have made the TBS a value-added addition to new and existing flexo folder gluer lines. While both independent and integrated plants have installed TBS machines to increase productivity, many plants also enjoy the added benefit of expanding the size range of a 50-inch or 37-inch flexo to gain mini-sized box capability. Well Equipped For The Future In addition to its Twin Box Slitters and its LMC flexos, Premier runs a 27-inch BW Papersystems Curioni and a SUN 66-inch by 125-inch Rotary Die Cutter with 3-color outside, 2-color inside print stations.
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.
The Italian manufacturer PARA supplied prefeeders, palletizers and some conveyors, as did Innoveyance. The software system that integrates plant and machine opera- tions is by Advantzware, now Advantive companies. Benningfield says Premier Packaging is now “well- equipped and in pretty good shape” for the future but is considering Twin Box Slitters at other locations as busi- ness continues to grow. “We’re really looking to stabilize and improve our pro- cesses and internal gains to keep up with the last three years of what has been exponential growth both internally and externally,” he says. “Having the Twin Box Slitters has given us the ability to run different sizes and thus, puts us in a better position to be more price competitive. We’ve been able to offer our customers opportunities to go to market in different ways than we could before.” Premier Packaging employs just under 1,000 in its six U.S. manufacturing locations, which includes 350 in its corporate headquarters and largest manufacturing facility in Louisville, where it runs three shifts, five days a week. The company’s sales staff include representatives who serve Mexico and Canada, as well. Premier boasts both a design department and a full testing lab in Louisville, with New EAM-Mosca SQ-4 strappers are at the end of Premier’s converting lines.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com
Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.
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