Board Converting News, April 21, 2025

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years April 21, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 16

Star Corrugated Box Company, A New York City Tale BY RICHARD ETRA Back in the early twentieth century, the New York City Metropolitan area was a hive of manufacturing. Within city limits were the Rupert and Rheingold breweries and the internationally known garment cen- ter, and nearby on Long Island was a thriving aerospace center, home to Grumman and Republic Aviation. As a result, the New York City area was also home to many corrugated box manufacturers.

Eightco Announces Sale Of Ferguson Containers

Easton, Pennsylvania based Eightco Holdings Inc. announced that it has completed the sale of its subsidiary, Ferguson Containers, Inc., to Reichard Corrugated Products, LLC, an enti- ty controlled by the existing management of Ferguson Containers. “We are pleased to announce the sale of Ferguson Containers. This planned divesti- ture is a milestone that will allow both com- panies to better position themselves for long- term success and aligns with our focus on our core business,” said Paul Vassilakos, CEO of Eightco and President of Forever 8 Fund, LLC, the company’s remaining subsidiary. “We are grateful for the commitment and value Ferguson Containers has provided us. We extend our sincere congratulations to Edward and Derick Reichard, Senior Manag- ers at Ferugson Containers for 35 years and Founders of Reichard Corrugated Products, LLC, and their team. We wish them the best as they embark on this new chapter.” Vassilakos said the transaction is consis- tent with Eightco’s strategy to prioroitize and continue to sharpen its focus on its core busi- ness, Forever 8, and “will move forward with CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

In the New York City Maspeth, Queens neighborhood alone were Star Corrugated Box Company, Manufacturers Corrugated, DL&D Con- tainer, and Arch-Bilt Container, and nearby on Long Island were Linpac, Southern Container, and Island Container. Of these, Star Corrugated Box Company was one of the earliest, largest, and most innovative; eventually, it was the only surviving corrugator in New York City. When it was founded by Aaron Etra and his sons in 1906, it was known as Star Box and Lumber, and was located in New York City near the South Street Seaport and the old Fulton Fish Market. Family lore is that Aaron’s son, Isadore Etra, known as Izzy, was at the port when a crane dropped a mixed load of wooden creates and corrugated boxes. The crates shattered, while the corrugated boxes did not. Recognizing the handwriting on the wall, Star Corrugated Box Company was estab- lished in 1925 in Maspeth which was then an undeveloped outlying village surrounded by farms. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 Richard Etra, right, former Manager of Special Projects and Technology, US Region, and Matthew Densen, former General Manager, at the front en- trance of Norampac New York City, previously Star Corrugated Box Compa- ny, located at 15-15 Grand Avenue in the Maspeth, Queens community of New York City.

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 AICC Releases New Episode Of Breaking Down Boxes 6 Smurfit Westrock Closes Plant In Portland, Oregon 8 The Yebo Group Hires Scott Jones As New CEO 10 Avis Forms New Business Unit: Harris American Company

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

From Roll Stock to Shipping Dock End-to-End Automated Material Handling Solutions for the Corrugated Industry

The PARA spectrum of equipment and automated production line solutions has everything you need to maximize the efficiency of your operation.

Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry

PARA’S PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDES: Pre-feeders, Loadformers, Stackers, Pallet Inserters, Roll Stock Storage and Handling, Vertical and Conventional WIP Storage, Full Plant Automated Material Handling.

15,000+ INSTALLATIONS WORLDWIDE

SUN Automation Group® is the exclusive representative of all PARA equipment, parts and service for the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom and Ireland.

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry

SUN IS THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR TAIWAN-BASED LATITUDE MACHINERY CORPORATION, ITALY-BASED PARA, ISRAEL-BASED HIGHCON, SPAIN-BASED AL-GAR, USA-BASED EPS AND POLAND-BASED VERSOR.

1-410-472-2900 sunautomation.com

They serve multiple industries with their packaging solutions needs including pharmaceutical, industrial man- ufacturing, food and beverage, and e-commerce.

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

Eightco Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

its ongoing efforts to drive long-term growth by respond- ing to the high demand for inventory and cash flow man- agement solutions.” A description of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the terms of the acquisition are contained in the Compa- ny’s Current Report on Form 8-K which was filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2024 and can be found at at www.sec.gov. Alpha, New Jersey based Ferguson Containers spe- cializes in design, sampling and manufacturing; sustain- able packaging services; custom displays; fulfillment, lo- gistics and shipping.

For more information, visit fergusoncontainers.com . Eightco seeks new opportunities to add to its portfolio of technology solutions focused on the e-commerce eco- system through strategic acquisitions. Through a combination of innovative strategies and fo- cused execution, Eightco aims to create significant value and growth for its stockholders. For information, visit 8co.holdings and forever8.com .

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

AICC Releases Breaking Down Boxes Episode Featuring Randall Rigsby AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has re- leased Resilience & Reinvention, a new episode of its pod- cast, Breaking Down Boxes, featuring an insightful conver- sation with Randall Rigsby, Founder of Altex Packaging, in Anniston, Alabama. Hosted by Simona Georgescu of Adduco Communica- tions and Brian Suarez of Inter-Continental Corp., the epi- sode offers a compelling look at Rigsby’s unconventional path to entrepreneurship and the lessons he has learned along the way. Born in Saudi Arabia and later returning to his fam- ily’s home state of Alabama, Rigsby’s journey is defined by adaptability and perseverance. He charted his own course, drawing on his determination to build something of his own. With the unwavering support of his wife, he founded Altex Packaging, navigating the complexities of running a business, managing a diverse workforce, and evolving with industry changes. Throughout the conversation, Rigsby reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped his approach to busi- ness, from weathering the 2010 economic crisis to em- bracing diversification and the role of design evolution in staying competitive. He discusses the importance of per- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Play it Safe

BloApCo Floor Shredders easily handle Cores and Sheet Waste

▲ Auto-jog reverse automatically clears material jams. ▲ Low shaft RPM: low fire risk, reduced noise, minimal dust. ▲ Safety drop plate ensures ultimate safety.

See the video at : BloApCo.com/horizontal-floor-shredder

www.bloapco.com 800.959.0880

JanConvertAd_r02.indd 1

1/28/25 11:05 AM

Zero Defects. More Sales.

ClearVision’s camera inspection is a safeguard against downtime, waste, and is proven to eliminate customer complaints.

scan to learn more.

Valco Melton HQ: +1 513 874 6550 - info @ valcomelton.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

The value of lasting over time.

Isowa’s robust equipment withstands the rigors of day-in day-out full-throttle operation, and it’s engineered to

do it with minimal operating cost. Just ask an owner!

IBIS Flexo Folder-Gluer 47 x 120” 250 spm

(602) 639.9060 www.isowa.com U.S. Based Sales, Parts and Service from Our New Expanded Location!

Kolbus America Enters New Era Under Kolbus Group

AICC Releases (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

sonal relationships, company culture, and how transparen- cy with employees fosters loyalty and teamwork. “This episode is a great reminder that success isn’t about a straight path—it’s about resilience, relationships, and a willingness to adapt,” said AICC President Mike D’Angelo. “Randall’s story will resonate with anyone who has faced challenges in business and come out stronger on the other side.” The episode also explores Rigsby’s views on industry networks, equipment investments, and the future of the corrugated industry. He offers candid insights into the re- alities of running a family business, the value of listening to employees, and why he has no plans to retire. Listeners can tune in to Breaking Down Boxes on major podcast platforms or at AICCbox.org/Boxes .

Huntersville, North Carolina based Kolbus America an- nounced a new chapter in its history, marking a significant milestone in efforts to further solidify its leadership in the North American casemaking and luxury packaging market. Following the acquisition of Kolbus GmbH by Max Valier Holding, Kolbus America now operates under the newly formed KOLBUS Group GmbH, a move that underscores a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and long- term growth. The formation of KOLBUS Group GmbH represents an evolution for the global Kolbus brand. Led by Managing Director Thomas Grimm-Bosbach, KOLBUS Group is fo- cused on engineering progress and delivering modular,

flexible machinery solutions that serve the evolving needs of the paperboard and lux- ury packaging industries. With the backing of Max Valier Holding, the company positioned to invest in cut- ting-edge technology and resources, while continuing its legacy of craftsmanship and precision engineering. “We’re proud to be part of this next phase of growth under the KOLBUS Group umbrella,” said Art Crawley, Vice President of Sales at Kolbus America. “Our commit- ment to the North American market re- mains as strong as ever. We will continue to deliver the innovative solutions and dedicated service our customers have come to expect from Kolbus.” Smurfit Westrock To Close Box Plant In Portland, OR Ireland based Smurfit Westrock will close its corrugated box plant in Portland, Ore- gon, and lay off 72 employees, according to a notification letter dated April 8 ad- dressed to state and local officials. Robby Johnson, Smurfit Westrock direc- tor of external communications for North America, told Packaging Dive that employ- ees would be let go in phases beginning in June over a 14-day period. Bumping rights available to bargaining unit members will be governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement provisions. John- son said that the Portland plant’s produc- tion capacity will shift to other company facilities which include a recycling plant in Portland, and multiple sites in Washington including the Longview Mill.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

Turn Trim Waste into Revenue Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs.

• Moving to a new facility? Puhl has experience moving entire plant systems all while minimizing down time in BOTH plants during the transition. • Below roof AND above roof systems custom designed to meet your needs. • New and Remanufactured Equipment (balers, blowers, separators, filters and more). Our Remanufactured equipment includes a warranty and offers significant savings. • NFPA and OSHA compliant systems designed by our NFPA trained engineering team. • Dust Briquetters, Certified Explosion Isolation Valves, Flame Front Diverters and more to control dust. • PLC Touch Screen Controls with Real Time Pressure Balancing and Real Time Remote Monitoring available on your smart phone or computer.

Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems • Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones • Trim Separators Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters

Yebo Group Announces Scott Jones As CEO

fit to guide Yebo as we invest in expanding our capabilities,” said Franklin Staley, Managing Director of Exeter Street Capital Partners. “His demonstrated ability to drive success- ful growth strategies while improving customer outcomes aligns perfectly with Yebo’s commitment to being our cus- tomers’ first call for all of their packaging requirements.” Jones joins Yebo from Malnove Packaging, where as Executive Vice President of Sales & Customer Success he successfully drove customer growth while improving mar- gins. He also brings deep prior experience from diverse leadership roles at InBold, Pacific Southwest Container, Graphic Packaging International, and Sierra Pacific Packag- ing. This blend of perspectives has shaped his ability to cre- ate accretive new business and scale organizations with a focus on long-term value creation. Jones earned a business degree from Cal State University of Chico and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Tustin, California based The Yebo Group, LLC, a leading provider of premium fiber-based packaging solutions and portfolio company of Exeter Street Capital Partners, an- nounced the hiring of Scott Jones as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the packaging in- dustry and a proven track record of driving successful results, Jones will spearhead the next phase of Yebo’s growth. “Scott’s exceptional packaging industry expertise and strategic vision make him the ideal Scott Jones

“We are delighted to welcome Scott into the Yebo family. I am very proud of what our team has accomplished and built over these past 14 years and am extremely excited for what Scott will add to our team and where we believe he can lead us,” said Andrew Tosh, founder and outgoing CEO of Yebo. Tosh will remain on the board of directors and move into the role of Execu- tive Vice President of Sales managing key accounts. “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Yebo during this pivotal time in the Company’s growth,” said Jones. “I look for- ward to working with Yebo’s team to con- tinue to expand and deliver innovative and impactful packaging solutions that enable our customers’ products to win in increas- ingly competitive markets.” Under Jones’s leadership, Yebo will grow its sustainable packaging options by investing in expand- ed capabilities, enhance its technology in- frastructure, and pursue accretive add-on acquisitions. Yebo is a provider of folding carton, rigid and promotional boxes, specialty cor- rugated, and custom fulfillment solutions for customers in the retail, cosmetics, tech- nology, medical device, nutraceutical, and food/beverage industries. The company distinguishes itself with creative design capabilitieis and structural engineering solutions, and the ability to ex- ecute complex packaging concepts withint extremely high-quality tolerances. For more information, visit custombox- esandpackaging.com . Exeter Street Capital Partners is the in- dependent sponsor affiliate of the Patriot Capital Group.

DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION

ASDI offers: • 40 years of experience with separators, cyclones, conveyors and more • Sequential, Zero-Defect and various types of Scrap Systems • Each system is guaranteed to meet customer specifications • T urnkey Systems-handling all grades of paper and paperboard • In ground and overhead return conveyor systems direct to balers • Replace your undersized or aging cyclone over a two or three-day weekend • Representing a complete line of shredders, wet scrubbers and filters • NF PA compliant systems, ISN Network

Air Systems Design Inc .

50 East Court Mandeville, La 70471

Ph: 985-875-7777 Fx: 985-875-7778

email: sales@airsystemsdesign.com • www.airsystemsdesign.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

Avis Announces 3-In-1 Business Unit: Harris American Company Upland, Indiana based Avis Industrial Corporation an- nounced the formation of Harris American Company, for- mally integrating three wholly owned Avis subsidiaries, American Baler Company, Harris Waste Management Group and International Baler Corporation, into one new business unit.

Avis. “We believe that ongoing investment in our people, products and facilities is vital for our continued growth and value creation. This core belief led us to the decision to create Harris American as the logical next step to leverag- ing the collective experience of the three legacy business- es to provide unprecedented solution capabilities to our recycling and waste industry customers.” D.J. VanDeusen will serve as the President of Harris American, and King said he is confident he will effectively lead the integration of the legacy businesses, building on his success guiding those businesses over the past two years. “With our 350 talented team members and four man- ufacturing locations, we have unprecedented resources for the design, production and support of our best-in-class equipment. We remain committed to the legacy products that have made each of the businesses successful while, at the same time, focused on the future through ongoing product innovation and investment,” VanDeusen says. “Our customers have come to expect an unyielding commitment to delivering superior solutions and service, and our team members have come to expect unmatched opportunities for success. I am excited to see Harris Amer- ican deliver far beyond the expected.” Harris American product lines include single-ram, hor- izontal, two-ram, ferrous and specialty balers; scrap met- al and automobile shear/baler/loggers; and high-volume waste and scrap compactors.

The creation of Harris American is the next phase of a strategic plan that began in 2023 when those business- es were brought together under the Recycling & Waste Equipment Division of Avis. Harris American harnesses the legacy of the combined 295 years of business op- erations, offers the largest breadth of recycled materials baling solutions across four manufacturing locations and supports the largest global installed base of balers for re- cyclables. “We began building our ownership position in these companies back in 1979 and brought them under one divi- sional roof in 2023,” says Greg King, President and CEO of

THE NEW 5042WN-10T50 TRIM BALER, from American Baler

• INCREASED CAPACITY 40% (7.8TPH-10.9TPH) • INCREASED BALE WEIGHT BY 50% (1400-2200), REDUCING WIRE COST, ELECTRICAL COST & MATERIAL HANDLING • NINE TRIPS TO LOAD & UNLOAD A TRUCK vs 14 TRIPS WITH STANDARD BALES-36% REDUCTION IN MATERIAL HANDLING • SURGE CAPACITY WITH A 50X42 vs A 40X30 FEED OPENING INCREASED BY 75% • OPTIONAL SCAVENGER SYSTEM TO REMOVE MATERIAL FROM THE TIER AND REAR OF THE BALER I NTEGRI T Y I QUAL IT Y I REL I AB IL I T Y I VALUE

800.843.7512 AmericanBaler.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

Drowning in the Details? Seven Steps To Overcoming The Urge To Micromanage BY KATE ZABRISKIE It starts innocently enough. You want to ensure everything runs smooth- ly, so you check in often. You spot a typo in a presentation, so you fix it yourself. Someone misses a minor detail, and you think, “I’ll just handle it next time.” Before long, you’re reviewing every email, sitting in on every meeting, and wondering why your team can’t seem to get anything done without you. Most people don’t set out to micromanage—it often comes from a desire to help, avoid mistakes, or ensure high standards. But the unin- tended consequences are real: a demotivated team, slower progress, and burned-out leaders. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. Awareness is the first step, and change is possible.

• Only standard hand tools are required for all maintenance • Direct drive with no chains or sprockets • No tools for media change required » just zip it up » media change out in minutes • Filter is accessible for visual inspection during operation, Significant Advantages Over Conventional Dust Filtration Technology

» no shutdown required • Filter media advantages - high dust collection efficiency

Let’s dive into some questions to see if micromanagement might be sneaking into your leadership style, and explore actionable tips to break the habit. Are You Micromanaging? Ask Yourself These Questions: • Do You Need to Approve Every Decision? If team members check with you for even the smallest choices—like the wording of an email or the layout of a slide—you may be micromanaging. This constant need to be involved in decisions can signal a lack of trust in their abilities. • Do You Frequently Redo Your Team’s Work? If reports, presentations, or deliverables never seem “good enough,” and you often tweak or redo them, you’re sending the message that your way is the only way. This discourages initiative and autonomy. • Do You Hover Over Tasks You’ve Delegated? Delegation means handing over responsibility, but if you’re constantly checking prog- ress, asking for updates, or stepping in to “help,” your team isn’t get- ting the space to own their work. • Do You Rarely Feel Satisfied With Results? If you’re often frustrated with outcomes, it might not be the quality of the work—it could be unrealistic expectations or difficulty accepting different approaches. • Do Your Team Members Avoid Taking Initiative? If your team hesitates to make decisions or waits for explicit instructions before acting, it could be a sign they’ve learned to rely on you to avoid being sec- ond-guessed. The Hidden Costs Of Micromanagement Micromanaging doesn’t just make daily work harder—it has long-term consequences for teams and organizations. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

- low pressure loss due to constant deep cleaning of the filter media in minutes - long service life

• No pressure fluctuations within the system • No compressed air required to clean the filter media

www.engineeredrecycling.com

info@engineeredrecycling.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

CCM ® OCT Filter STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM

Safety-Driven Design

SIMPLE DESIGN, SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY & EASE OF MAINTENANCE Engineered Recycling Systems takes decades of engineering experience and integration expertise to provide turnkey solutions. We design, service and install world-class recycling trim removal and dust control systems. By providing our customers with equipment and system designs that deliver unprecedented levels of quality and craftsmanship, our solutions increase efficiency and cut labor costs.

Exceptional Parts and Service Reduce downtime and boost equipment efficiency with our extensive spare parts inventory and expert service. Located in our 55,000-square-foot Atlanta hub, we ensure quick access to essential components, and our on-site repair services guarantee unmatched precision and reliability for seamless operations.

Micromanaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

The Perfect Combo Get Peak Performance From Your Equipment with Matched Component Sets

It Hinders Growth: When managers control every de- tail, team members miss opportunities to learn, solve problems, and take ownership. It Pushes Good People Away: Talented employees want to feel trusted and valued. If micromanagement makes them feel powerless or underappreciated, they’ll start looking for opportunities elsewhere. It Erodes Team Morale: A micromanaged team often feels disempowered and disengaged, which can lead to frustration, resentment, and lower productivity. It Limits Managerial Effectiveness: Micromanagers spend so much time on small details that they can’t focus on big-picture strategy or leadership priorities. Breaking The Cycle: How To Stop Micromanaging Step Back and Trust Your Team—Trust is the founda- tion of effective leadership. Start by giving your team clear goals and responsibilities, then step back and let them ex- ecute. Instead of “Send me the draft before you finalize it,” try “Finalize the draft and send me a copy once it’s submit- ted.” This shows confidence in their abilities. Focus on Outcomes, Not Processes—Micromanagers often fixate on how tasks are done. Shift your focus to the desired results and let your team figure out the best way to achieve them. Instead of prescribing every step for a report, say, “The goal is to highlight trends and actionable insights. Use the format you think works best.” Set Clear Expectations—Ambiguity can lead to over management. Clearly define what success looks like for each task or project. Use a shared checklist or document to outline deliverables, deadlines, and key milestones. This ensures alignment without constant oversight. Encourage Initiative And Autonomy—Build confidence by allowing your team to make decisions and solve prob- lems independently. If mistakes happen, treat them as learning opportunities. Say, “I trust your judgment—let me know how it goes,” instead of stepping in immediately with your solution. Schedule Regular Check-Ins Instead Of Constant Mon- itoring—Replace impromptu check-ins with scheduled updates. This gives your team uninterrupted time to work while keeping you informed. Instead of asking for daily updates, hold a weekly meeting to review progress and address challenges. Reframe Your Role as a Leader—Great leaders focus on enabling their team’s success, not doing the work for them. Shift your mindset from “How do I control this?” to “How do I support my team’s growth?” Ask yourself, “Am I helping my team develop, or am I doing their job for them?” Invite Honest Feedback About Your Style—Your team’s perspective can reveal blind spots. Create a safe environ- ment where they can share how your management style affects them. Ask, “How can I give you more space to work independently?” and be open to their suggestions. Micromanagement often stems from good intentions,

Nothing’s more rewarding than a couple made for each other.

That’s why the engineers at ARC International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect matches between the components that must work in tandem on your flexo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers • Anilox and Wiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue and Meter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to fill your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo . Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of flexo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and profits.

The ARChitects of Flexo

SINCE 1984

ARCInternational.com 800-526-4569

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

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

Micromanaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

erations and commercial teams across 35 sites including box plants, sheet feeders, Hummingbird digital print, and EarthKraft mailers. Keith joined Georgia-Pacific in 2018 as regional area operations leader for GP’s Corrugated business. During

but its impact can be deeply damaging. By reflecting on your habits, focusing on outcomes, and empowering your team, you can break the cycle and build a more engaged, productive workforce. Leadership isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about fostering trust, encouraging growth, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. If you let go of the reins, you might be surprised at just how far your team can go. Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent de- velopment firm. She and her team provide onsite, virtual, and online soft-skills training courses and work- shops to clients in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit www.busi- nesstrainingworks.com. Georgia-Pacific Names Keith Hamilton President Of Corrugated Atlanta, Georgia based Georgia-Pacific announced that Keith Hamilton, formerly Vice President of Operations, Corrugated, has been named President of Georgia-Pacif- ic’s Corrugated business. In this role, he will oversee op-

his time with the company, he has held various operational roles and has been pivotal in advancing Geor- gia-Pacific’s safety priorities and principle-based culture. “We are thrilled to have Keith lead our integrated Corrugated busi- ness,” said Pat Boushka, executive vice president, Packaging and Cel-

Keith Hamilton

lulose. “He has been an integral part of the transforma- tion within Georgia-Pacific Corrugated, and we believe his principled leadership and collaborative teambuilding will be instrumental in the long-term success of our organiza- tion.” “I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead our Corrugated organization and eager to continue advanc- ing our packaging vision of one team working together to achieve results,” Keith said. Keith sits on the Board for the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Corrugated Packag- ing Council and the Association of Manufacturing Excel- lence (AME) and is a member of the Fibre Box Association (FBA) Safety Committee.

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR LINE. BREAK LIMITS.

A.G. TAKES BUNDLE BREAKING TO A NEW LEVEL Meet the eBREAK™ Bundle Breaker , where variable, straight, nested, and offset breaks can all be executed within the same bundle log — automatically and efficiently. Increase your throughput and reduce your waste with unmatched versatility. Box plants can now run difficult or previously impossible orders with ease — opening the door to greater efficiency and higher profits.

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR LINE. VISIT WWW.AGSTACKER.COM

30 Packaging Dr. #104 Weyers Cave, VA 24486 | 540-234-6012 | email@agstacker.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

CHAMPIONS of MORE.

Two industry leaders have combined to give you more.

Lewisburg Printing Company and Huston Patterson have joined forces to create Lewisburg Patterson Company. And as a result, you’re going to get more on your high-end litho printing projects. More ways to achieve higher quality within your budget. More ways to print on any substrate. More ways to meet any deadline. For big jobs. Small jobs. Custom jobs. Even impossible jobs. We do more so you don’t have to. Meet LPC. The blockbuster combination of Lewisburg Printing Company and Huston Patterson. LPC. Champions of More.

Lewisburg Printing Company + Huston Patterson

402 East Commerce, Lewisburg TN, 37091 | 123 W. North St., Decatur IL, 62525 | 1.800.559.1526 | lpcink.com

3A Press Invests In Koenig & Bauer Perfector Press Lajas, Puerto Rico based Three A Press, Corp. (3A Press) announced an investment in a new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 eight-color perfector press. The company said that the advanced technology further solidifies its commitment to excellence and innovation. “3A Press is dedicated to providing exceptional printing and packaging solutions through our experienced team and cutting-edge technology, ensuring that we add real value to our customers’ operations,” says Marie Rosado, President of 3A. “We collaborate closely with our custom- ers to meet their high standards for quality, consistency, and timely delivery, all while upholding our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our new Koenig & Bauer

COMMUNITY DATA CONNECTION DESIGN INNOVATION

ALL IN ONE BOX

PAPERBOX.ORG

Rapida 106 perfector press, featuring eight-color four- over-four printing at 18,000 sheets per hour, is a key addi- tion that will enhance our ability to serve our life sciences customers, particularly those requiring instructions-for-use (IFUs) inserts along with their cartons.” The new Rapida 106 perfector press being installed at 3A features gentle sheet travel with air assistance, auto- matic reversible perfecting with special sheet guidance for the freshly printed reverse side, and preset capability to aid press operators. Inking units that can be disengaged reduce roller wear, the ‘clean printing’ function allows ultra-fast wash-ups, and the ErgoTronic console with wallscreen allows the opera- tor complete control of the press. 3A said the key to its growth is dedication to its work- force and continual education. At last year’s drupa exhibi- tion in Germany, 3A’s management team sent 10 employ- ees from its facility to gain new knowledge on the latest technology offered by the printing industry, including Koe- nig & Bauer. 3A Press provides printing and packaging solutions for clients with an experienced and committed team of pro- fessionals and advanced technologies. They serve manu- facturers in the life sciences, consumer products, and the food & beverage industries. For info, visit 3apress.com . The team at 3A celebrates the installation of the new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 eight-color perfector press.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

featuring the ChromaCUT High Tech An RDC for every need...

Versatile

Productive • Exceptional print quality, IR & hot air drying • Set-while-run & automatic set-up for fast changeovers • Real-time print and die cut inspection

Reliable

• Modular design

• Robust design with direct drive axes

• Easily configurable to meet current and future needs

• Low maintenance/Low cost of ownership • Recognized for long term durability, reliability and performance

• Available in Right and Left-hand configurations

• Inside/Outside print

• Top vacuum stacker included

For full features and specifications, visit koenig-bauer-celmacch.com Contact Kevin Erbe at kevin.erbe@koenig-bauer.com, 303.718.0023

Star Corrugated (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Star Box and Lumber and Star Corrugated coexisted for quite a while, but inevitably the corrugated segment displaced wooden crates. As volume grew, the factory ex- panded in 1937, 1948, and 1957. Finally, in 1998, an adja- cent building was acquired and connected to the plant, resulting in a 325,000-square-foot facility producing in excess of one billion square-feet of corrugated per year. For many years, Star Corrugated shipped carloads of boxes every day by rail to tobacco companies in the south. Izzy, who was both a guiding strategist and a consummate salesman, called upon their corporate offices in New York City. He was known to stock his desk drawer with every customer’s brand of cigarettes and be sure to pull out the appropriate brand when visited by customers. Star’s cartons were used to ship products to the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, for which it re- ceived commendations from the War Department. At one time, Star had an ownership interest in two pa- per mills and two other corrugated companies. The plant was originally equipped with a non-pressure single facer, shaft type roll stands, letterpresses using oil- based inks, and a whole lot of semi-automatic tapers, glu- ers, and stitchers. Working in a box plant in those days required strength, stamina, and a disregard of hazards. Roll stand shafts were heavy, presses were adjusted and cleaned while operat- ing, and feeding semi-automatic tapers at high enough rates to earn incentive bonuses was difficult. Interestingly, the most productive taper operators were women. S&S Corrugated and Langston were both suppliers of machinery. Langston was an early provider of corrugators and V-type letterpresses. S&S developed ZA and ZB fold- er tapers which Star acquired, and which displaced most of the semi-automatic tapers. Between 1957 and 1961, Star constructed a new ship- ping building and replaced its outdoor roll storage with a warehouse with capacity of seven to nine thousand tons, depending on roll width. Rolls were stored four and five high without space between columns and were handled by an overhead crane that deposited them on a second floor balcony adjacent to the corrugators. During that period, they also upgraded the primary cor- rugator, replacing the C-flute single facer with a state-of- the-art S&S HKD model, and a new S&S cutoff knife, which utilized a World War II surplus submarine motor generator set purchased by S&S from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which was practically in their backyard. The corrugator stacker was configured so that it could discharge directly into an S&S vacuum stream-fed six bar slitter. In addition, in 1961 the plant was one of the first North American facilities to install a Bobst 1575EE autoplaten die cutter, then distributed by Thompson National Press, and a four-color Hooper Swift (later acquired by Koppers and then United) letterpress. Together, these allowed the com-

Star Box and Lumber, founded in 1906, was located near the South Street Seaport and the old Fulton Fish Market in New York City. Above, a worker cuts wooden planks to size, and below, a worker assembles a crate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

Star Corrugated (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

pany to produce innovative four-color displays, trays, and packaging, many on white board. This meshed nicely with the company’s Hudson-Sharp coloring machine, which colored rolls of liner or printed overall patterns using en- graved rolls—a predecessor of preprint. At some point, Greene-Line stackers were added to the presses and unpowered conveyors were installed throughout. The factory, under the direction of VP Henry Bayges, was advanced for its time, having a formal incentive sys- tem, job descriptions, and detailed procedure manual. It was also equipped with an environmentally controlled transit testing lab in accordance with TAPPI standards. After the untimely demise of Isadore Etra during the 1957 flu epidemic, the plant’s first flexo folder gluer, a 50- inch model, was installed in 1965. Inasmuch as inks and adhesives were still in the early stages of development, the printer/slotter section, provided by Koppers, incorpo- rated dummy drying stations after each print station, and the folder/gluer, provided by Universal, had a right angle section which gave the glue lap adhesive more time to dry. Because some customers were still leery of glued manufacturers’ joints, the folder gluer included a Univer- sal taper; thus, blanks could be routed in line to the ta- per, or diverted to the right angle gluing section. In 1972 a

The Marquip dry end slitter scorer, above, and the Langston 380 single facer during operations in 2020.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985

Give your digital marketing campaign a boost! Leverage your message to your potential customers with the credibility of Board Converting News behind it. Sponsor a weekly Monday issue or we’ll send out an eblast any day of the week to our full online circulation. You provide the copy, images and link to a video or website and we’ll do the rest! Contact Len Prazych 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE... PERIOD!

ZH QUEST AUTOMATIC SPECIALTY FOLDER GLUER

Features:

Capabilities:

Straight Line Automatic Lock Bottom 4/6 Corner

Computerized Servo Set-Up Vacuum Stream Feeder Multi Point Squaring

ZH QUEST MPF MULTIPLE PIECE FEEDER

Features:

Highly Suitable For Shelf-Ready Packaging Retrofitable to Most Brands of Gluers

Get The Tools You Need to Grow Your Specialty Business Without a Huge Investment

1486 St. Paul Avenue Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com

Star Corrugated (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

Logic Systems knife controller, cutoff accuracy was poor and end trim was required. Because a triplex slitter was used, dry end order changes required the machine to stop. Splicing required slowing down to a crawl, assuming that the splice wasn’t missed altogether, in which case ev- erything came to a screeching halt. Waste and productivity were more appropriate for the early 60s when the equip- ment was installed, than in the mid 80s.

35-inch Koppers flexo was added, and shortly thereafter, a two stage Samuel automatic strapper and Economation finished goods conveyor system were installed. In 1974, Richard Etra, a fourth-generation member of the family joined the firm after five years at Bell Telephone Laboratories. At that time, the company was equipped with 86-inch and 75-inch corrugators, the former of which had double deck A and B XD singlefacers in addition to the “new” S&S single facer, six letterpresses, two flexo folder gluers, a Bostitch automatic folder gluer, a coloring machine, paraffin coater, Miehle and Cotrell cylinder type die cutters, Thompson clamshell die cutter, and a variety of semi-automatic joining equipment.

Above, the Marquip stacker discharge; below, is the stacker.

Die cutting was on the first floor, but the corrugators and converting equipment were on the second floor. Roll stock was delivered by the overhead crane to a balco- ny adjacent to the corrugator, and finished goods were brought downstairs via freight elevators. Although press and corrugator scrap were collected pneumatically, die cut scrap was collected in bins and conveyed manually to the baler which was a labor-intensive upstroke baler. In 1975, Etra installed a new Ward rotary die cutter which overwhelmed the scrap system. Within a few years that led to reconfiguration and conveyorization of the die cutting department, and the installation of a new scrap handling system including cycled scrap pickups and a belt-in-floor trench system in the die cutting department. At that time an S&S Model 707 flexo folder/gluer was in- stalled; making space for this flexo required decluttering, so the ZA, ZB, Bostitch folder gluer, and paraffin machine were eliminated. The plant now operated six presses and three flexos: one 50-inch and two mid-sizes. By the mid 80s, it was clear that the plant needed an upgrade, as its equipment was dated and/or showing its age, so Etra approached his family for permission to pro- ceed. It was clear that the upgrade had to begin with the cor- rugator. Star’s oldest 75-inch corrugator still used shaft type roll stands, and its newest still utilized a motor gen- erator set on the double facer and a Reeves mechanical drive to adjust cut length on the cutoff knife; even with a The Langston double facer tail drum and Marquip shear.

Etra and the production manager, Rick Palumbo, began the process by relaying out the second floor, eliminating all but two letterpresses, and converting the remaining two to flexo. Largely due to the location of the paper warehouse, the only practical location was to place the new corrugator in that of the existing primary 86-inch corrugator. Not only would that require shutting down the corrugator for a pro- longed period, but there were other significant challenges. A new state-of-the-art corrugator was considerably longer than the existing one, columns were closely spaced, and overhead clearance was only fourteen feet—problematic given the requirements of modern bridges and stackers. Furthermore, moving the equipment into landlocked posi- tion on the second floor was seemingly impossible. Simultaneously, Jim Stevenson, previously president of the CID project, was retained to assist in selecting equip- ment, and the team began working on a phased plan to revamp the second floor, leaving only the flexos in place. Because of its extreme weight and second floor location, Fred Severud of Severud Associates, the structural engi- neering firm involved in the design of the St. Louis Arch

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

Automated Drying for Optimized Safety, Performance & Sustainability

JB MACHINERY

X High speed printing and converting in a single pass X AutoDryer Control with latest AI technology X Dramatically reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint X Eliminates operator intervention

Productivity — Quality — Profitability

AutoDryer Control Winner of the 2023 FEFCO Silver Award for Best Innovation (for energy savings and resource optimization)

JB Machinery Inc. | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com

Star Corrugated (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

issued a purchase order for a DataMaster which was to do exactly that. Web guides were to be supplied by Erhardt & Leimer, which Etra inspected while in Europe. Unfortu- nately, Marquip concluded that the technology wasn’t up to the task and withdrew from the project. Alas, complete corrugator control systems were not to become reliable for some years. Now came the practical matters. Working with Henry Tolsma of Pentek and Russ Ryden of ACS, an optimal lay- out was developed; however, the proposed corrugator would cut across the existing transfer car aisle, so Star had to operate with a discontinuous transfer aisle until the project was complete. At the same time, the primary cor- rugator was removed so that site work could begin, with the old backup corrugator now running around the clock.

and the Denver International Airport, was retained. Selecting components was an interesting journey. The only corrugator manufacturers remaining in the United States were Langston (then owned by Molins, who was try- ing to divest it), and Marquip. MHI had a stellar reputation, BHS—represented by General Corrugated—barely had a foothold in the USA, and Peters—represented by Bobst. At Jim Stevenson’s urging, Etra decided to visit DRUPA in Dusseldorf and observe BHS, Peters, and MHI corrugators in Europe, following which he would visit state-of-art-facili- ties to learn about the latest technology. He subsequently continued this practice every four years until the final Paris corrugated show in 2002.

But there was a problem. In 1986, the Chernobyl di- saster had just happened, and the United States had just bombed Libya. Etra’s parents didn’t want him to go, and his wife was in tears at the airport as he left. He went anyway. Ultimately, the decision was made to go with a Langston wet end and Marquip dry end. Of the other manufacturers, one said that their proposed four-foot-high bridge would be adequate, one insisted that single facer foundations would have to be constructed through the first floor to the ground, and the other had no idea that rolls could weigh more than 6,600 pounds. This decision was fraught with risk. Langston’s man- agement was attempting to purchase the company from their parent Molins, and they expected their 380 single facer, a replacement for their 280 model, to debut shortly. A successful sale and startup were critical for Langston, so Star negotiated under which Langston would manage the entire installation and would swap out the 280 single facers at an attractive price when the 380s were proven. Marquip was also a bit risky because its slitter scorer had just recently gone into service. Marquip could automate the dry end order change pro- cess, but Etra and Stevenson set out to automate the en- tire line. Working with Carl Marschke and Richard Thomas, the founders of Marquip, they wrote specifications, and Star Corrugated Box Company used a crane to hoist a Langston 280 single facer through a second-floor door.

The final bridge was six feet high between beams, not ideal but workable, but there was no way the stacker would fit. The solution: raise one roof bay above the stacker. Finally, how to bring in the equipment? Heavy lift he- licopters lowering equipment through the raise stacker roof? Not practical! Clear a path through the factory? Too disruptive, not to mention that the floors were not designed for the weight of this equipment. The solution? The New York and Atlantic Railway, which delivered much of Star’s roll stock by rail, owned inactive tracks behind the building and allowed Star to create a temporary roadway across the railbed to the building. Once a second-floor doorway

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

www.boardconvertingnews.com

April 21, 2025

MINIMIZE FEED INTERRUPTS

with

™

 Virtually eliminate feed interrupt during stack or bundle change  Improve quality and consistency of finished product  Maximize throughput of your die cutter

 Increase productivity up to 10%  Reduce wear on press components

LEARN MORE Explore our new website to learn more about Geo. M. Martin and how our world-class products and services can help you maximize your productivity and profits!

GEO. M. Martin Company • 1250 67th Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States 510.652.2200 • Fax 510.652.6447 • email info@geomartin.com The Martin logo and SmartShingle are Trademarks of the Geo. M. Martin Company.

CREATIVE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS SINCE 1929

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48

boardconvertingnews.com

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online