Board Converting News, February 9, 2026

February 9, 2026

VOL. 42, NO. 6

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985

Cauthorne Paper, Part I: Unique Niche Means Profitable Business BY STEVE YOUNG It’s not the box business he grew up in, but Mark Williams’s new ven- ture is familiar territory nonetheless. “It isn’t boxes,” he said, “but it’s very similar in the fact that you buy a raw material and convert it. And a lot of the customers we have today all use boxes, so I’m working with the same people. I was very comfortable with it.” Williams is referring here to his acquisition in May of 2018 of Cauthorne Paper Company in Ashland, Virginia, 16 miles north of Richmond on Virginia’s busy I-95 corridor.

IP To Split Into Two Publicly Traded Companies Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper (IP), a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has announced its plan to create two independent, publicly traded companies: International Paper will be comprised of its current business in North America including both legacy IP and DS Smith assets, and the EMEA Packaging business will be comprised of both legacy DS Smith and IP assets in EMEA. The separation will create two leading sustainable packaging solutions companies, each with focused management teams and business models, tailored investment and capital allocation strategies, and compelling financial profiles. Andy Silvernail will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of International Paper, Lance Loeffler will remain Chief Financial Offi- cer, and Tom Hamic will remain Executive Vice President and President, Packaging Solutions North America. Following the separation, Tim Nicholls will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the new publicly traded company. Nicholls and the rest of the EMEA leadership team, with deep col- lective industry and regional expertise, have

Williams was the second-generation President of the former Rich- mond Corrugated Inc. (RCI). The company and its two sheet plants – the flagship in Richmond, Virginia and the second in Burgaw (Wilm- ington), North Carolina – was acquired by Hood Container in July of 2017. Founded in 1971 by Mark’s father, Dan Williams, and a group of investors, RCI grew to at one time having three sheet plants and an alu- minum foil bag plant whose principal customer was Richmond-based Reynolds Metals Company. With that capital-intensive growth, howev- er, came additional shareholders – as many as 40 at one point, Mark said. “It was a good time to sell,” he remembers. “RCI was in its 47th year when we sold. We had 11 shareholders, including three non-family owners who were in their late 70s and early 80s. They needed an exit plan.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 The Cauthorne Paper Company team, from left: Wallace Williams, Business Development; Mark Williams, President; and Steve Newsome, Operations Manager, stand beside the Jennerjahn JLS 73 Slitter-Rewinder.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 IP Confirms Price Increase On Linerboard, Corrugated 6 Dave Miller, Welch Packaging, Retires After 40-Year Career 8 Port Huron Paper Invests $24M Into Expansion, Creates Jobs 24 Supplier Reports, Part Three

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International Paper Confirms Price Increase On Linerboard, Corrugated According to multiple sources, International Paper (IP) announced a $70 per ton increase in its containerboard prices in North America, to take effect March 1 – the same amount and start date that was announced by Packaging Corp of America (PCA) on Friday January 23. IP CEO Andy Silvernail confirmed the increase to a fi- nancial analyst during the company’s fourth quarter 2025 and full year 2025 earnings call on Thursday January 29. The $70 per ton increase applies to linerboard, includ- ing white top and $70 for corrugating medium. IP is one of the two largest major integrated contain- erboard and corrugated box producers in North America alongside Smurfit Westrock. PCA is the third largest. Combined, IP and PCA make almost half the boxes shipped in the US, based on company reports and market contacts. If linerboard prices increase in March, it would be the first price increase for linerboard in North America since February 2025. Last year, IP permanently retired 1.8 million tons of containerboard capacity. The IP shutdowns represented about half of more than 3.8 million tons of total perma- nent shutdowns of containerboard machine in the US last year – equivalent to 9 percent of North American contain- erboard capacity.

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

IP To Split (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

led the integration and transformation of the combined EMEA business. Additionally, David Robbie is expected to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the new company in EMEA. The separation is expected to be completed in 12-15 months, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including final approval by the IP Board of Di- rectors as well as the filing and effectiveness of a regis- tration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the publication of a prospectus approved by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority.

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Cascades Announces $65.5M Sale Of BC Plant To Crown Paper Group Kingsey Falls, Quebec based Cascades Inc. has an- nounced that it has entered into an agreement with Crown Paper Group (Crown) for the sale of its corrugated packag- ing plant located in Richmond, British Columbia, for a total value of $65.5 million. In view of Cascades’ commitment to optimize its op- erations and reduce its debt, the sale of the Richmond plant emerged as a mutually beneficial outcome for both Cascades and Crown. Given its geographic position, the Richmond plant offered limited integration and synergy potential within Cascades’ operational network, but aligns with Crown’s current footprint, expanding its operations. With a long-established presence in British Columbia and nearly a century of operating an integrated container- board mill in Port Townsend, Washington, Crown is a natu- ral long-term fit for the Richmond plant, providing integrat- ed paper supply and complementary product and service offerings. The transaction ensures a seamless transition to an operator with deep roots in British Columbia and a commitment to continued investment in the plant and its capable team. “Cascades is committed to improving profitability and optimizing its operational platform by allocating capital to CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Welch Packaging Celebrates 40-Year Career, Retirement of Dave Miller Elkhart, Indiana based Welch Packaging is celebrating the remarkable career of Dave Miller, who is retiring after 40

Cascades (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

its core markets. This transaction with Crown Paper Group supports the achievement of Cascades’ strategic objec- tives while preserving the prospects of the Richmond plant. It allows to monetize valuable real estate assets while not impacting materially the cash flow profile of our Packaging sector,” said Hugues Simon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades. “Acquiring the Richmond plant is an important mile- stone in Crown’s continued expansion, furthering the in- tegration of our mill and box operations to provide our customers with exceptional service and product offerings. We are excited to welcome the Richmond team to Crown and look forward to building on the plant’s strong legacy of service and craftmanship,” said Rob Kreizenbeck, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Paper Group.

years of dedicated service. Miller was one of the company’s earli- est eight employees when Welch Packaging was founded in 1985— five of whom continue to serve the organization today. Throughout his four decades with the company, Miller achieved

Dave Miller

a rare and impressive milestone: he never missed a single day of work. His commitment and reliability became hall- marks of his career and set a powerful example for gener- ations of Welch associates.

Miller’s versatility and leadership allowed him to serve in nearly every operational role within the company. Over the years, he held key positions in customer service, operations, traffic and logistics, scheduling, estimating, and other critical functions. He was also frequently called upon to support Welch Packaging’s growth by stepping into interim and transitional roles, helping integrate newly acquired businesses and strengthen operating systems across multi- ple locations. His work played a vital role in establishing and sustaining the company’s culture as Welch expanded. “Dave exemplifies the values we strive to find in each Welch associate: commitment, loyalty, kindness, flexibility, leadership, in- tellectual curiosity, a sense of urgency, and a heart focused on serving others,” said Scott Welch, CEO, president, and founder of Welch Packaging. “There is no role I’ve asked Dave to perform that he hasn’t em- braced, always lifting up those around him. He is the ultimate role model at work and in his personal life. I have great admiration for Dave’s work and how he lives his life. Beyond his contributions to the business, Dave and his wife Sherrie have become dear friends.” Reflecting on his 40-year journey, Mill- er shared, “I can’t think of a better place to have spent these last 40 years working. It’s been fun to see the tremendous growth of the company and the many opportunities given to me and others to grow” In retirement, Miller and his wife Sherrie look forward to traveling, spending more time with their children and grandchildren, and cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers.

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

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

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

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Port Huron Paper Company Invests In $24.5M Expansion, Creates Over 80 New Jobs Port Huron, Michigan based Legacy Port Huron Paper Company, a sub- sidiary of BMI Group, has announced their plans to repurpose nearly 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Port Huron in St. Clair County. The investment will take place across nine buildings where they will revitalize existing space into warehousing, papermill manufacturing and other industrial uses. “By combining experienced papermakers and skilled trades profes- sionals from the former Domtar and Dunn mills, two historic specialty Port Huron paper mills, we are putting proven Michigan papermaking talent back to work while positioning Legacy Port Huron Paper for long- term growth into the future,” said Tim Wight, General Manager of Legacy Port Huron Paper. The company’s parent, BMI Group, is a transformative real estate and infrastructure development company founded in 2004 and headquar- tered in Ontario. The BMI Group specializes in revitalizing underutilized industrial sites, focusing on former pulp and paper mills, and returning social and economic opportunities to industrial and commercial infra- structure. “Very pleased and excited to see this project come to fruition - mak- ing products in Michigan and placing idle manufacturing back into pro- ductive use,” said State Senator Dan Lauwers. The company is expanding to meet the rising market demand for domestically produced sustainable specialty and food grade packag- ing largely due to the increased packaged food consumption, and rapid growth in the fast food market, which has been fortified with the expan- sion of delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, while displacing single-use plastic. “The production of quality paper is woven into Port Huron’s history,” said James R. Freed, City Manager, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Port Huron. “By putting our skilled tradespeople and craftspeople back to work, we are creating good-paying careers at home and proving to the world that Michigan still knows how to compete. “ The project is anticipated to generate $24.5 million in capital invest- ment and anticipates the creation of at least 82 new jobs with starting wages of $27 per hour plus benefits, which is more than $5 above the regional median wage of $21.58. The Michigan Strategic Fund has of- fered support in the form of an MBDP performance-based grant in the amount of $1 million. “The Economic Development Alliance is proud to welcome Legacy Port Huron Paper to our community. This project represents a remark- able collaboration among the EDA, MEDC, the City of Port Huron, and Macomb-St. Clair MichiganWorks,” added Bruce Seymore II, Vice Pres- ident, Business Services of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. He continued, “By reopening a historic paper mill, Legacy Port Huron Paper is breathing new life into an industry that has been part of our region for over a century. The creation of high-quality jobs will provide outstanding career opportunities for local residents while strengthening the city’s tax base. This investment is a true win for our community and the state of Michigan.” The MBDP funds will also help offset the extensive costs associat- ed with the machinery upgrades and facility renovations, positioning the company to become a strong employer in the Port Huron area.

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SUN Automation Appoints Pete Tridone Internal Sales Manager

AF&PA Announces Domtar’s Steve Henry As Incoming Board Chair The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has announced Steve Henry, Domtar’s Paper & Packaging CEO & President USA, as incoming Board chair. He joined

Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation Group (SUN), a global leader in providing innovative solutions to the corrugated industry, as announced the hiring of Pete Tri-

done as Internal Sales Manager. In this role, Tridone will support SUN’s sales organization by strengthen- ing internal sales operations, en- hancing customer relationships, and collaborating across sales and marketing initiatives to drive growth and efficiency.

other pulp, paper, packaging and tissue industry leaders at the Asso- ciation’s Winter Board of Directors’ Meeting on January 29. At Domtar, Henry is responsible for the unit’s pulp, paper and pack- aging operations and all its com- mercial functions. With nearly 30

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years of experience in the forest products industry, Henry is highly skilled in delivering performance and building and executing strategic roadmaps. His career includes roles in strategy, project management and general management in corporate and mill environments with International Pa- per, Weyerhaeuser and Georgia-Pacific. “Steve is a trusted leader whose deep industry knowl- edge and steady commitment to our shared priorities will serve the Board and the entire AF&PA membership well,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “I’m grate- ful for his willingness to serve and confident he will help guide the association through another year of meaningful progress.”

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Amtech Appoints Courtney Pierce As Senior Vice President Of Marketing Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech Software, a premier provider of AI-powered ERP and MES solutions for the packaging industry, has announced the appointment of Courtney Pierce as Senior Vice President of Marketing.

Pierce brings over 15 years of experience in scaling high-growth B2B SaaS organizations and build- ing global, high-performing mar- keting teams. Recently, she served as a senior marketing executive at

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DEPT®, a global technology and marketing organization. Prior to that, she worked for Scandit, where she was instru- mental in driving the adoption of smart data capture and computer vision technology within the manufacturing and logistics sectors. Her expertise in demand generation and digital transformation will be vital as Amtech continues to modernize its product suite and expand its footprint. “I am pleased to join Amtech Software at such a piv- otal moment in the packaging industry’s evolution,” said Pierce. “Amtech has been the backbone of this industry for over 40 years, and I look forward to helping our customers navigate their journey toward the AI-powered box plant of the future.” Pierce holds an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Northeastern University. MHIA Launches New Customer Portal To Centralize Machine, Service Info Hunt Valley, Maryland based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA) Corrugating Machinery Division (CMD) has launched a new Customer Portal designed to give existing customers centralized, secure access to critical machine and service information. The MHIA Customer Portal brings together key re- sources in one location, including parts, operation, and maintenance manuals; service call logs and reports; ser- vice schedules; and parts quoting. By consolidating this in- formation, the portal helps customers more easily manage equipment documentation, service history, and ongoing maintenance needs. “Our goal with the Customer Portal is to make it easier for customers to access the information they need to sup- port day-to-day operations and long-term equipment per- formance,” said Christine Little, Director of Sales at MHIA CMD. “This platform creates a single point of access for essential machine and service resources.” The portal is available to existing MHIA customers and will continue to expand with additional functionality over time. Customers interested in registering can request ac- cess by emailing sales@mhicorr.com.

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BHS Corrugated Launches Litho- Lamination Alternative, NextGraphX BHS Corrugated proudly announces the introduction of NextGraphX – the next-generation alternative to tradition- al litho-lamination. This revolutionary approach combines the proven strength of a corrugator, designed by BHS Corrugated, with the cutting-edge capabilities of a BHS Corrugated single-pass inkjet printer. Featuring an optimized working width that outperforms traditional laminators, NextGraphX sets new benchmarks for efficiency, flexibility, and sustain- ability in corrugated packaging. By integrating digital preprint technology into the pro- duction workflow, NextGraphX enables converters and FMCG brands to achieve high-quality graphics, shorter lead times, and significant cost savings – all while reduc- ing environmental impact. Embedded in Corruverse, NextGraphX is part of a con- nected ecosystem designed to digitally transform every step of the production process, helping producers and converters to operate better, cheaper, and faster. To help converters operate better, NextGraphX: • Replaces the multi-step litho-lamination workflow with a corrugator-native process to achieve higher stability, stronger OEE, and more predictable planning • Streamlines production into three core steps: print > corrugate > convert • Enables high-quality graphics and added-value print- ing through the use of digital printing in the production workflow To help converters operate cheaper, NextGraphX: • Lowers the overall cost of producing high-graphic cor- rugated packaging by eliminating the expensive and complex litho-lamination stage, including cost-inten- sive PVA cold-set glues • Achieves consistently lower cost per box through light- er paper grades • Minimizes waste and increases throughput by an effi- cient working width and digital print-to-order manufac- turing To help converters operate faster, NextGraphX: • Prints multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) on a single roll, eliminating the rigid setup demands of litho • Significantly shortens lead times compared to tradition- al production methods • Runs multiple jobs in parallel through multi-lane, multi- job batch printing capability “NextGraphX represents a major leap forward for high-value box producers,” said Günther Huber, Head of Business Unit Equipment at BHS. By combining state-of- the-art process technology with digital printing, we deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility. For more information about BHS Corrugated, visit- bhs-world.com . To learn about how to integrate Next- GraphX into your plant, contact your BHS representative.

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At the time of RCI’s sale, Mark Williams was only 58. “I was a ‘non-continuing’ employee,” he said, adding, “selling RCI was not a retirement event, so I started considering next steps right away.” His first target was a company in the core and tube business, CorPak. Mark had eyed the company as an acquisition while still President of Rich- mond Corrugated, seeing the core and tube business as a natural adjunct to RCI’s corrugated products line. The impending sale to Hood put those talks on hold, and by the time the sale was closed in 2017, CorPak’s owner, Bob Connor, had already sold to Corenso North America in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Connor, however, knew of Cauthorne Paper – he was one of its principal core suppli- ers – and he referred Mark to John Lewis, the company’s owner. “I knew about Cauthorne, but it really wasn’t on my Cauthorne Paper (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

radar right at the get-go,” Mark recalled. “But once I start- ed talking to John [Lewis] and started the due diligence process, the more I learned about the company, the more I thought it was a good fit for me.” Cauthorne was founded in 1912 by Ross Adolphus Cau- thorn – the “e” would later be added to the name. The company was founded primarily as a paper merchant, sup- plying printing papers to the commercial print market and newsprint to newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The Richmond Times Dispatch and The Washington Post . In the 1930s the company added its first converting capa- bility through the acquisition of a sheeter, thereby differen- tiating itself from its competitors of the day by the ability to offer custom size sheets. In the succeeding decades the Cauthorn family relinquished ownership, and the company would eventually relocate to its current location in Ash- land, where it now occupies 45,000 square feet of space

for converting, warehousing and offices. In his purchase of the company, Mark Williams became Cauthorne Paper’s sixth generation of ownership. Mark has established the new Cauthorne Paper Company on the values of “Steward- ship, Thoughtfulness and Persistence,” and all three are evident to the most casual of visitors. In a recent presentation at Cau- thorne’s quarterly employee meeting, Wil- liams summed up the company’s current business model: “Cauthorne Paper Compa- ny converts rolls and sheets of paper, pa- perboard, and other nonwoven materials to customer specifications.” Approximately 77 percent of the company’s business is in this type of converting, Williams says. An- other 13 percent of sales are in converting customer-owned inventory, wherein a cus- tomer sends in its own material to be slit, sheeted or trimmed to a specific size and returned to them. The remaining 10 percent, he said, are what he calls “as is” sales, dis- tributing finished paper products to end us- ers or other resellers. A New Vocabulary The lineup of capital equipment need- ed to serve Cauthorne’s diverse customer base required Williams to master an entirely different glossary of technical and mechan- ical terms. The company’s heavy-metal ros- ter consists of three Slitter-Rewinders: a 48” Goebel Rapid D precision slitter; a 72” Cap- co surface winder; and a 72” Jennerjahn JLS 73. Cauthorne also employs equipment familiar to the corrugated business, namely, a 1972-vintage Bobst SP 1260E platen die cutter, rebuilt in 2019 with subsequent up- grades – the most recent taking place last

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Cauthorne Paper (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

automation. It is ideal for counter rolls of Kraft paper like Cauthorne converts, as well as many other grades.” The Guillotine Trimmers in Cauthorne’s shop are essen- tial for precision trimming and clean edges of its chipboard and SBS products. The Polar 90, Polar 150 and Polar 155 capabilities differ only in length of the sheet they can ac-

year. It is the workhorse delivering the company’s preci- sion die-cut paperboard specialties. Also on the list are a Moore-White Sheeter, a Reel Sheeter and three Polar Guillotine Trimmers. Each ma- chine represents a different facet of Cauthorne’s versa- tility. The Goebel Rapid D produces narrow-width, preci- sion slitting of paperboard, chipboard, tag stock and other non-woven materials. The Capco, for its part, spans a wide range of substrate calipers, from tissue to 30-point chip- board, and even kraft and recycled linerboard. The JLS 73 acquired in 2020, is manufactured by Jennerjahn Machine in Matthews, Indiana. The Slitter-Rewinder is designed specifically for kraft papers from 2.5- to 10-point caliper. Its automation and fast cycle times allow more efficient converting of narrow diameter rolls, precision slitting and winding with tolerances of +/- 1/16”. The top running speed of the machine is 2,300 linear feet per minute. “Our JLS 73 is a workhorse,” said Cary Smith, Sales Manager for Jen- nerjahn Machine. “It is the most automated and efficient surface rewinder available worldwide for end use rolls with a diameter range of 2.50 – 18.00 inches.” Noting how the machine met Cau- thorne’s requirements, he added: “Every step in the con- verting cycle is fully automated, including core loading, roll starts, slitting, tail cutting, tail sealing, and discharge of the finished rolls to a packing table or downstream packaging

cept, from 36” for the 90 to 61” for the 155. An Azco Pouch machine, purchased in 2022, allowed Cauthorne to begin converting a new item for one of its existing customers. It converts nonwoven and non-paperboard materials by folding and heat-sealing to form pouches for uses such as desiccants and other specialized chemical applications. Mark also had to navigate the waterfront of different Cauthorne produces strips of precision-die cut chipboard, used in the manufacturing of capacitors for the electronics industry.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

A Legacy Built on Craft.

A FUTURE BUILT ON INNOVATION

404-691-1700 | Info@pamarco.com | Pamarco.com

20 February 9, 2026

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BW Papersystems Marquip Ward United

BW Papersystems VortX

Cauthorne Paper (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

substrates, their suppliers and their uses. “When I was in the box business, we bought the majority of our sheets from one or two sheet suppliers,” he recalled. “At Cau- thorne we have 25 different suppliers for the various types of materials our customers use. The ‘cons’ of this,” he con- tinued, “are we can’t leverage our volumes, but the ‘pros’ are we have great suppliers for a variety of materials.”

Cauthorne buys a wide range of grades and materials, some of which are familiar to the corrugated industry, and some not: linerboard from Smurfit-WestRock; and uncoat- ed recycled board from White Birch and Greif. The compa- ny buys specialty kraft paper from Ahlstrom-Munksjo and tag stock from Sylvamo. Newman Paperboard, Eska and Greif supply chipboard, while Cauthorne’s non-woven and non-paperboard materials are purchased from Fiberweb, Ahlstrom Fiber Group, Midwest Filtration and a handful of others. ‘Pizza Math’ This varying array of converting substrates carried with it a whole new cost and pricing structure which Williams dubbed, “pizza math.” He explains: “In box converting, fig- uring the square feet of a production blank is an equation that gets a lot of repetition. Sheets are purchased per MSF and boxes are priced per thousand.” Paper converting calculations, Williams continued, are quite different. “The geometry is different, and quantities, unit costs, and prices are represented in a broader vari- ety of measures, mostly relating to weight or linear inches, feet or yards,” he explained. “Sometimes we sell cartons of sheets, or bundles or reams of paper, and these are units of measure too. We track our production by weight, and our productivity is measured in sheets per minute, linear feet per minute and pounds per man hours, among other measures. If you like math, you’d like paper converting.” Steve Young is the former president of AICC and a reg- ular contributor to Board Converting News. He lives in Vir- ginia and can be reached at (202) 297-0583 or via email at asyoung001@gmail.com. Editor’s note: Part two of this story will be featured in the February 16 issue of Board Converting News. Rolls of nonwoven and non-paperboard Finon await slitting and rewinding in Cauthorne’s receiving area.

22 February 9, 2026

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A RECYCLING EQUIPMENT INC COMPANY

BEFORE

Scrap and Dust Collection System Upgrade CUSTOM-ENGINEERED CONVEYANCE SUPPORTS GROWTH AT TAVO PACKAGING. TAVO Packaging is a custom folding carton manufacturer based in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, serving large-volume customers in food service, refrigerated and frozen foods, bakery products, and quick-serve restaurant markets. Known for consistent quality and responsiveness, TAVO recently undertook a facility expansion to support increased production capacity. As part of that growth, the company identified the need to modernize its scrap and dust collection system to keep pace with new high- speed converting equipment and evolving operational demands.

The Challenge

The Solution With additional production capacity coming online, TAVO’s existing scrap system began to show its limits. Outdated rooftop cyclones detracted from the building’s appearance, while an undersized system restricted baling flexibility and throughput. Cyclones exhausting to atmosphere created negative air pressure inside the facility, contributing to energy inefficiencies and cleanliness concerns. Additionally, a centrally located baling room required unnecessary material handling, as scrap had to travel longer distances before being stored and transported. Advanced Equipment Sales (AES) partnered with TAVO to design and install a custom scrap and dust handling system aligned with the facility’s expansion goals. The new system was strategically relocated adjacent to the loading docks, reducing internal scrap movement and improving overall material flow. A new dust collector eliminated negative pressure issues and enhanced plant cleanliness, while a dedicated baling room streamlined bale handling and staging. To further improve performance and aesthetics, AES installed AirShark ™ rotary separators beneath the roof, delivering high air-handling capacity in a compact footprint while eliminating the need for large, unsightly cyclones.

The Results

The upgraded scrap conveyance system now supports higher production volumes while improving plant safety, cleanliness, and energy efficiency. Exterior aesthetics were enhanced, material handling was simplified, and TAVO gained a scalable solution designed to support long-term operational growth.

CONTACT AES TO DISCUSS YOUR SCRAP COLLECTION NEEDS

AESALES.NET | 1-800-572-9998 | SALES @AESALES.NET

SUPPLIER REPORTS 2026 (PART III)

AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE (ACM) Indian Trail, North Carolina: Pat Szany reports, “Patrick Szany and Phil Herring are excited to announce Tim Con- nell has joined with American Corrugated Machine Corpo-

A.G. STACKER Weyers Cave, Virginia: Doug Butler reports, “For nearly three decades, A.G. has helped corrugated converters rethink what’s possible in material handling. Founded in

ration as their newest team member. Tim brings a wealth of experience with over 25 years in the corrugat- ed industry in sales and equipment, making him significantly a valuable addition to the American Corrugated Machine organization. Tim is recog- nized for his knowledge in the cor-

1996, A.G. designs and manufac- tures advanced machinery and tech- nology that improve efficiency, safe- ty, and full-line performance across corrugated operations. “Innovation remains at the core of everything we do. In 2026, A.G. sur- passed 40 issued patents, with our

Pat Szany

Doug Butler

rugated industry and workforce development by offering resources to help boxmakers be more efficient, productive and maximize their profit. “Pat Szany reports that late 2024 and 2025 was a pe- riod of global uncertainty, both politically and economical- ly. As the dust begins to settle with the global issues, i.e. conflicts and tariffs, the demand for corrugated packaging remains strong and is growing. E-commerce is still largely responsible for this growth while a repatriation of the in- dustrial manufacturing base is expected to boost domestic demand. Analysts predict that corrugated box demand will increase by about 4 percent over the next decade. “An industry leader since 1985, American Corrugated Machine specializes in new and used equipment, expert ASA appraisals, plant layouts, and startups. At ACM, we understand that market conditions constantly change, as do the opportunities. “ACM Continues to market the Korean SECO Flexo Folder Gluers and Rotary Die Cutters. The machines are running with high productivity. SECO uses name-brand components for all electrical and mechanical parts. The customer selects their preferred OEM from a ‘Machine Check List”, everything from Anilox Rolls to Glue Systems. In 2023, ACM/SECO installed a 93 X 216 3/C Flexo Folder Gluer with Die Cutter. This machine is designed to run tri- ple-wall in addition to standard board thickness. “ACM had great success in selling the Torosian Tech Post Gluers in 2025. These machines are capable of run- ning Straight Line, Lock Bottom, and Tray Configurations. Machines can be ordered in various conditions from “good running” to “totally rebuilt” with a one-year warranty. “ACM is pleased to represent the RJE Magellan line of Box Makers in 2025. There are two models: the LD (non- tri-wall), and the tri-wall capable HD. These machines are ideal for short run, large boxes. The machine sets up in two minutes and can be operated by a single employee. Die cutting and 2-color printings are available features for this machine. The Magellan has filled a niche for compa- nies looking to capitalize on short run, quick turnaround opportunities.” Visit: www.acm-corp.com . Call: (800) 528-2331.

41st patent recently allowed. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to engineering smarter, more ef- fective solutions for the corrugated industry. “A key focus for A.G. this year is the eXT™ Stacker Front End, a patented and patent-pending system designed to deliver exceptional control at today’s higher rotary die cut- ter speeds. Engineered to handle production rates of up to 20,000 KPH, the eXT™ Front End improves sheet control and scrap management while maintaining consistent, reli- able performance under demanding conditions. “Another solution gaining strong attention is the eBREAK™ Bundle Breaker. While simple in concept, the eBREAK™ solves a critical challenge in modern corrugated plants: bundle separation. Unlike traditional systems that rely on a single break style, the eBREAK™ is engineered to execute variable, straight, nested, and offset breaks within the same bundle log, automatically and efficiently. “This versatility allows box plants to run difficult or pre- viously impossible orders with confidence, without slow- ing production or increasing manual intervention. By ac- commodating multiple break patterns in a single run, the eBREAK™ helps converters increase throughput, reduce waste, and maintain consistent downstream flow. “A.G.’s innovation extends beyond speed and automa- tion to quality assurance and personnel safety. The Sam- ple Quality Rejection (SQR) System allows operators to pull quality samples or reject startup sheets without inter- rupting production or placing personnel at risk. “With the push of a button, SQR enables manual or automatic rejection at full production speeds, ensuring samples for print or board quality checks can be collect- ed safely and efficiently. When paired with Valco Melton’s PrintChek technology for real-time print inspection, SQR supports detection of print defects and immediate rejec- tion of nonconforming sheets. “The eTAMP™ Servo-Driven Tamper System allows op- erators to adjust hopper components directly through the A.G. HMI without stopping production. Fully electric and capable of adjustments at full production speeds, eTAMP™ supports order recipe recall for faster changeovers, im-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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PRECISION IN MOTION.

SHINKO

VELOCITY ROTARY DIE CUTTER

MAXIMUM OUTPUT. 12,000 S P H

MINIMAL DOWNTIME. R J-C T

LASTING RELIABILITY. F P F S

847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com

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