AICC Southeast Summit (CONT’D FROM PAGE 30)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
very fortunate. We only had two cases the entire year. We also looked to our customers and asked how they wanted to see us…or not see us. It was all about communication, consistency and controlling costs. DeSollar : With corrugated lead times being longer, the internal movement of materials was one of our big chal- lenges. At one point, we had a fork lift driver and some of our key people missing during a period of high demand. Other employees stepped up and we saw record levels of production, which speaks well as to the depth of our company. Drummond : We took a pretty aggressive stance to- ward fighting the virus. We put a 30minute gap between each shift so there was less employee interaction, we started taking temperatures as people came in, and we all
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational .com
ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.
AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com
For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes; hhs systems ensure efficiency and precision. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality assurance in the production of corrugated boxes with flexo folder gluers. BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.
wore masks and gloves. We only had one person in the plant that tested positive for COVID and that was from a family member at home. We shut the plant down and cleaned all the machines over the weekend. One of the most unique things we did was have our operators
Michael Drummond
put Saran Wrap over the controls they would be touch- ing during their shift. They took the Saran Wrap off when their shift was over, which prevented the potential spread of germs and the virus. It was otherwise a very productive year for us. We used less manpower and created more product. Klingher : Now that you’ve survived 2020, what is your biggest challenge in 2021? Drummond : People. We still continue to grow and it’s challenging to find, for example, a glue operator for one of our machines, and we’re paying $27-$28 an hour. DeSollar : I have to echo that. It’s finding skilled people like lead operators. It’s challenging to find people with the right skill sets. Brewer : Here in North Carolina, finding employees doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue. For us, it’s all about efficiencies. Instead of going to a second shift, I’m trying to get rid of our backlog with the equipment we have. I would rather buy myself to the maximum point of efficiency before I would ever consider going to a second shift. I want to keep things under my control. Bertram : We’re always trying to create an environment in which people want to work. Also, trying to keep up this increased pace of business while it’s still here and not be- coming complacent. If you’re not careful, the business will turn. I suggest providing for your customers without get- ting greedy. I think the real challenges will come in 2022 and 2023. Klingher : Do you see the increases you’ve seen in the last six months of 2020 carrying over into 2021?
CIMEX CORP. www.cimexcorp.com
Cimex writes affordable yet powerful CAD/CAM software for the packaging and diemaking industries. We also offer numerous samplemakers, etc., to fit all needs and budgets.
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.
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April 12, 2021
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