SCT Invests In People, Facilities, And The Future of Packaging BY EMILY LEONCZYK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & VP, PPC When you step inside Southern Champion Tray (SCT) in Chattanooga, TN, you immediately sense that this is more than a place where packaging gets made. It’s a place built on people, values, and a clear vision for the future.
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THE HAIRE GROUP www.hairegroup.com
Haire Group is the premier provider of new machinery for the corrugated industry. From the Apstar line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, the Encore line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, and the Engico flexo folder glu- er, Haire is able to pair clients with the best machinery solu- tions for the best value to meet their needs. Haire Group’s service department helps its customers maximize uptime and profitability through superior 24/7 service and support, a pre-install training center, and over a million dollars’ worth of spare parts at their offices just outside of Chicago. Haire Group has been the industry’s #1 pre-owned machinery bro- ker and plant equipment appraiser since 1976. HarperLove is the leading provider of specialty adhesives, performance additives, and wet-strength resins to corru- gated packaging manufacturers. With the largest and most experienced field service and technical support team posi- tioned throughout the U.S. and Latin America, HarperLove has a long-standing reputation for providing outstanding service and delivering demonstrable performance improve- ments. HarperLove’s renowned services include not only innovative product development and custom product for- mulation, but also machine and process assessments, ad- hesive formula adjustments, machine tuning, detailed ser- vice reporting, and more. HARPERLOVE www.HarperLove.com Kernic Systems has been a leading global provider of re- cycling equipment solutions since 1978. For over 40 years, Kernic Systems has provided balers, air conveying and dust collection systems, shredders, industrial vacuums, and re- cycling equipment to a wide range of markets. Today, Ker- nic Systems serves customers with an expanded offering of standard products and custom-engineered systems through three primary business divisions: Recycling Solu- tions, Dust Collection and Air Pollution Control, and Material Handling. Kiwiplan provides state-of-the-art software solutions to cor- rugated, folding carton, plastics and flexible packaging fa- cilities around the globe. Kiwiplan’s Total Solution delivers comprehensive, seamless real-time flow of information from sales order management to dynamic total plant scheduling and inventory control through shipping. With deep manu- facturing and distribution expertise, Kiwiplan knows the specific problems customers face and provides the spe- cialized software they need to adapt, compete, and win in today's rapidly changing world. KERNIC SYSTEMS www.kernicsystems.com KIWIPLAN www.kiwiplan.com
On my recent visit, I had the privilege of touring two of their Chattanooga plants: the new Centre South facili- ty and their long-standing operation at Compress Street. While one highlights SCT’s latest investment in space and technology, both are a testament to the Zeiser family lega- cy. For generations, the Zeiser’s have led with values that extend far beyond business, a deep commitment to peo- ple, service, community, and the future. Walking through each facility, it’s clear those values aren’t just words on paper but actions in motion, shaping a culture of care, ex- cellence, and forward-looking stewardship that defines SCT today. A Facility Designed For People The $60 million expansion at Centre South adds more than 300,000 square feet of space. What struck me the most was not just the scale, but the attention to detail in its design. From the white-painted ceilings to brighten the atmosphere, to the large windows that let in natural light. Every choice was intentional, reflecting a belief that when people feel supported, they do their best work. I was fortunate to be there on the day the team was fir- ing up their brand-new Heidelberg press. The excitement was contagious. You could feel the pride in the air, the sense that this investment wasn’t just about equipment, it was about building momentum for the future. Culture And Values In Action What impressed me even more than the facilities and machinery was the culture. During my visit, I witnessed new teammates beginning their onboarding process. Training CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 Ed Curtis, VP of Operations; Emily Leonczyk, PPC; Moolay Teklemariam, Flexo Print Manager; and Ben Walter, Manufac- turing Site Leader, proudly stand in front of their new Heidel- berg Boardmaster press.
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September 22, 2025
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