BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years July 3, 2023 VOL. 39, NO. 27
Buddy To Boss: Ensuring A New Manager’s Success BY PHILLIP M. PERRY
WHAT’S INSIDE AICC Opens Early Registration To Annual Meeting In Louisville PaperWorks Acquires The Standard Group 10 TAPPI Seeking Nominations For Awards In Five Categories 12 PPC And The Power Of Communication 6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x Akers Packaging Acquires N-Stock Box Of Ohio Middletown, Ohio based Akers Packaging Service Inc. announced the acquisition of N-Stock Box of Middletown, Ohio. This transaction supports the continued dedication to the expansion of and invest- ment in services for customers throughout the Midwest United States. N-Stock, originally founded in 1982 by Jer- ry and Jeff Pennington as a corrugated stock box facility, grew steadily and diversified over the years into a full-service provider of custom packaging. Operating from the 215,000-square-foot facility, N-Stock’s standards for quality and customer service aligns with the values that are at the cornerstone of Akers Packaging. “Our fundamental attitude of ‘Service Means Whatever It Takes’ is identical with Ak- ers’ philosophy when it comes to taking care of customers," said Jeff Pennington, founder of N-Stock. "We are extremely excited to become part of Akers Packaging, which carries and main- tains an outstanding reputation both in our local market as well as throughout the Mid- west.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Andrew out-performed everyone in his department. Little wonder his employer jumped at the chance to move him into a management po- sition when the opportunity arose. What seemed a good decision at the time, however, quickly turned sour. Far from being a stimulant to
greater profits, Andrew’s supervision of others sent productivity in a nosedive. The reason? His mastery of technical skills was unmatched by an ability to work well with others. Andrew’s story may sound familiar. “All too often, individuals pro- moted into leadership roles are selected for their technical expertise or their years of experience,” said Joe Mull, human resources consultant and author of the book “Employalty.” “The thinking is that if they’ve been very good in a specific job they’ll also be good at training others to do that job.” In contrast, successful managers tend to think people more than process. They possess the ability to motivate their direct reports and create high performance teams. “Certain characteristics seem to lend themselves to leadership,” said Victoria Pelletier, Managing Director at Accenture. “These include empathy, warmth, patience, curiosity and vulnerability.” The personal attributes characteristic of successful managers are not as easily quantified as years in grade or technical achievements. Nevertheless, management consultants say employers can spot CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
Exceptional Design, Exceptional Output High-volume Rotary Die Cutter made to fit your high-speed operation
Ideal for long orders and multi-out production, the SUN625® RDC is engineered to improve productivity, flexibility and safety. Capable of feeding, printing, and converting in a 24/7 production environment, its open design allows for faster steups and ease of access for maintenance.
NO Section Festooning NO Split Line Sensors
NO Access Pit NO Tracks
NO Frame Rollers NO Frame Locks
NO Open/Close Drive NO Oil Returns
sunautomation.com
1-410-472-2900
powered by
SUN IS THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR TAIWAN-BASED LATITUDE MACHINERY CORPORATION, ITALY-BASED PARA, AND ISRAEL-BASED HIGHCON
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
Akers Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
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.
“We are excited to welcome the N-Stock team to the Akers Packaging family, offering customers unparalleled commitment to service and high quality custom corrugat- ed packaging,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Akers.
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner $ 9 55.00-960.00 $ 9 70.00-980.00 $ 9 70.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $ 1000.00-1 010.00 $ 9 73.00-983.00
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 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.
Akers Packaging Service Inc., founded by William C. Akers in 1963, started as a 10-person, 20,000 sq. ft. busi- ness with just $30,000. Now a third-generation indepen- dent box manufacturer with over 50 years of experience, Akers Packaging has acquired or started 14 paper and packaging-related businesses, with 15 facilities across six states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. For more information, visit akers-pkg.com .
42# Kraft Liner 26#
Semi-Chem Medium
East West
$9 2 0.00 $ 96 5.00
$9 1 0.00 $9 4 5.00
3
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
SUN Automation Appoints Freer Manufacturing Manager
Core Competency
Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation Group an- nounced another new addition to its team in 2023. Mi-
chael Freer has been hired as the company's Manufacturing Manager. Freer brings over 25 years of leadership in plant maintenance operations in the corrugated indus- try and has an A.S. in Electrical En- gineering Technology. He has a vast knowledge of maintenance and machine trouble-
BloApCo Floor Shredders easily handle Cores and Sheet Waste
Michael Freer
shooting, and will be leading a number of various respon- sibilities at SUN. Previously, he held managing positions at Greif, Inc., York Container Company, CarbonLITE, and DS Smith. “His knowledge of packaging machine performance and maintenance troubleshooting makes him uniquely qualified to lead Paint Operations, Mechanical and Electri- cal Assembly build process for our SUN equipment,” said Pat Carner, Vice President of Operations at SUN. SUN Automation Group is a global industry leader pro- viding corrugated box plants with innovative equipment for feeding, printing and converting. For more information, visit www.sunautomation.com .
▲ All converting scrap handled by one BloApCo Shredder. ▲ Energy efficient. Low HP. Low RPM. Low noise. ▲ Industry leading 3-year warranty.
See the video at : BloApCo.com/horizontal-floor-shredder
www.bloapco.com 800.959.0880 CMYK 100M 100Y CMYK C96 M66
© Blower Application Company, Inc., Germantown, WI 2023
No compressed air, water, explosion vents or high-speed abort gates required No ladder or lifting equipment needed for servicing System operates without housing, ensuring it is not considered a confined space Lower maintenance costs Less production downtime Minimal time required for changing out filter media No makeup air required CCM® OCT Filters = SAFE to operate and maintain
Visit us at Booth 323
www.engineeredrecycling.com +1 770-954-8780
4
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
The value of quick change.
Today’s short-order fast turn-around markets require the agility to quickly respond to your customers’ ever changing needs. We believe our customers deserve the same. Just ask an owner!
Falcon Flexo Folder-Gluer 37 x 95” 350 spm
(602)639.9060 www.isowa.com U.S. Based Sales, Parts and Service from Our New Expanded Location!
AICC Announces Early Registration For Annual Meeting In Louisville, KY AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced open registration for the 2023 Annual meeting in the heart of Bourbon City. Attendees will hear from top- notch speakers, attend invigorating workshop sessions, network with friends and colleagues, and experience what Louisville, Kentucky has to offer on September 18-20. Independent II, Premier Packaging, and Greif Corr- Choice will showcase their facilities on local plant tours. There will be three buses that will rotate between each lo- cation. All buses will visit each location. All buses will end for lunch and bourbon tasting at the Farmington Historic Plantation. Registration for the plant tours is $250 per per- son and also includes a continental breakfast at the hotel
prior to departure. Networking events include a night at the Kentucky Der- by Museum at Churchill Downs; Bourbon distillery tours; Emerging Leaders networking event at Howl at the Moon; and lunch that will feature a keynote presentation by Tripp Crosby, a comedic host, inspirational speak- er, and filmmaker.
Crosby's comedy sketch, “A Conference Call in Real Life,” is one of the most popu- lar workplace comedy sketches of all time, going viral on YouTube twice: once when he created it in 2013 and again in 2020 when the painful experience of participating in conference calls became an even more re- latable topic. Entries are also being accepted for the AICC and Board Converting News Innovator of the Year Competition, which recognizes innovative solutions created by both AICC box plant and supplier members that en- hance the efficiencies, productivity, product quality and bottom line profitability of the in- dependent box plant.
This year's category is non-machinery and is open to AICC supplier members. Visit aiccbox.org to download the entry form and learn more about the competition rules. To register for the AICC Annual Meeting, visit aiccbox.org . Super early registration rate ends on July 21. The deadline to book rooms at the Louisville Marriott Downtown is August 25. For more information, contact Laura Mihalick at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or Cindy Huber at chuber@aiccbox.org.
6
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
Feeder
Robot Prefeeder Designed for Die Cutters & FFGs
— High Speed Six Axis Robot — 400 BPM Feed Rate — Integrated Conveyor and Backstop — Integrated Safety Guarding — Small Footprint
865 MUIRFIELD DR., HANOVER PARK, IL 60133 USA 1.630.784.0800 BHS-ROBOTICS.COM
PaperWorks Acquires The Standard Group
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2022
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based PaperWorks In- dustries Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of The Standard Group, a converter of custom printed paperboard packaging with a manufacturing location in Louisville, Kentucky founded in 1932. “The Standard Group aligns well with PaperWorks in terms of emphasizing quality and innovation while serv- ing customers which value sustainable, paper-based packaging. This addition signifies a ‘return to growth’ for PaperWorks team members and further bolsters our po- sition in North America, said Brian Janki, President and CEO for PaperWorks. “The Standard Group meets Pa- perWorks’ strategic criteria including increased vertical integration, complementary geographic fit with our mill system and folding carton operations, while serving di- verse end markets.” Lou Cortes, President & CEO, The Standard Group, said: “We are excited to become part of an organization with an outstanding reputation and strong values that are in line with The Standard Group. PaperWorks provides an opportunity for the Louisville facility to prosper within a larger folding carton network, leverage broader technical capabilities, and benefit from mill integration to provide the highest levels of service to our customers.”
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
30.124 34.180
-11.9
7.927 8.545
-7.2
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2022
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
400.520 416.189
-3.8
7.979 8.291
-3.8
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2022 2021
2.4260 2.7360
-11.3
32.5461 33.8321
-3.8
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.2603 2.2586
0.1
3.5 3.6
-2.8
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2022 2021
19 20
251 251
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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 and meet NFPA requirements. • 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 240 Airport Road | Gallatin, TN 37066 | 615.230.9500 | FAX 615.230.9590 | sales@gfpuhl.com | www.gfpuhl.com Follow us on LinkedIn
8
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
TAPPI Seeking Nominations For Awards In Five Categories Do you know a corrugated packaging professional who deserves one of our industry’s highest honors? TAPPI is seeking nominations for its most prestigious awards that will be presented in 2024. Nominees should be individuals who distinguish themselves with significant industry contributions. Nominations are currently being accepted in these fol- lowing categories: • Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award — the highest honor that TAPPI can bestow upon an individual. It is granted to those who have made preeminent scien- tific and engineering achievements of proven applied benefit to the pulp, paper, board, and forest product industries. The forst product industries include forestry, derived products, their process technology, and their applications. In addition to an engraved plaque and gold medallion, the winner receives a cash honorarium, which has been approximately $60,000 to $80,000 in recent years. • Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award — recognizes an individual that has exhibited exemplary leadership which has significantly contributed to the advancement of TAPPI. The award is accompanied by a cash honorarium, which has been approximately
$50,000 to $70,000 in recent years. • Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Mem- ber Award — was established to recognize an indi- vidual whose outstanding leadership and exceptional service to one or more local sections has resulted in significant and demonstrable benefits to members. The award is accompanied by a cash honorarium. • TAPPI PIMA Executive of the Year Award — is present- ed to senior-level executives in the pulp, paper, or con- verting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole. • TAPPI Young Professional of the Year Award — rec- ognizes young professionals employed in the global forest products, pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, and associated industries for their contributions in the fol- lowing areas: leadership, community service, and prob- lem-solving contributions to scientific or engineering projects. Eligible nominees are age 35 or younger, with no more than 10 years of industry experience, and have been a TAPPI member for a minimum of one year. The nomination forms must be submitted to TAPPI by August 1 for awards that will be presented in 2024. Start the nomination process now at tappi.org/nominate . Complete nomination and selection procedures are fully outlined in the Honors Manual found at tappi.org/ awardsmanual . For more information about the awards, contact TAPPI at awards@tappi.org.
COMPACT POWER
• HEAVIEST BALES WITH SINGLE TENSION SYSTEM • BEST TIER - EASY TO CLEAN AND USES "PULL TECHNOLOGY"-NO PUSHING THE WIRE ACROSS • DUAL POWER PACK - PROVIDES FAST CYCLE TIMES, REDUNDANCY AND ENERGY SAVING • OPTIONAL BULK WIRE SYSTEM - NO MORE 100 POUND BOXES! I NTEGRI T Y I QUAL IT Y I REL I AB IL I T Y I VALUE
800.843.7512 AmericanBaler.com
10
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
KOLBUS RD 115S G ra ph ics Series Ex cellence in M otion
"We have been thoroughly impressed with the machine quality. Simply put – the machine is an engineering marvel . From the 4” thick cast iron side frames, print quality, on-time installation with exceptional training, and after installation support, we couldn’t be more pleased with our investment in the Kolbus RD115S. It’s allowed us to print jobs immediately, that took us years to perfect.” - Steve MacDonald Production Manager, New England Wooden Ware
�KOLBUS ' AMERICA INC. KOLBUS America Inc. I T 216 931 5100 sales@kolbus.com I service@kolbus.com I parts@kolbus.com
Learn More I kolbusamerica.com
PPC & The Power Of Communication: An Interview With William Codo & Patrick Shields Meaningful connections are crucial to our professional lives. William “Bill” Codo, Vice President of Accord Carton, and Patrick “Pat” Shields, Design Director Americas – Consumer Packaging/Food and Beverage, at West- Rock, understand firsthand the significance of cultivating inspiring and transformative relationships within the paperboard packaging industry. “Early in my career, when I began my internship at WestRock, at some point along the way, poor Pat, they stuck me in an office with him,” Bill chuckles.
Pat Shields, left, and Bill Codo.
It turns out that sharing that office space with Pat was a stroke of luck for Bill as he discovered Pat’s exceptional talent while having the op- portunity to observe his work. Little did they know that their connection would have a lasting impact on their lives. Life got in the way despite the initial bond, and the two lost contact for many years. However, a fortuitous encounter at a PPC meeting rekindled their connection and reignited their friendship. A Lasting Impression Bill fondly remembers working with Pat during his internship, recalling those early days. It was clear that Pat’s unwavering passion for creativ- ity and his journey from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to agencies and eventually to WestRock had shaped him into the talented professional he is today. Throughout their collaboration, Pat witnessed Bill’s leadership attri- butes, describing him as a lighthearted, intelligent, and eager individual who would take on any task, no matter the magnitude. These qualities have remained a defining part of Bill’s character. “If you know Bill now, you knew him then. He’s virtually the same guy in so many ways. That kind of lighthearted, smart, engaging guy was the guy that showed up for an internship. Right out of the gate, he stood out because no job was too big or too small,” Pat emphasizes. The power of connection shines through when Bill and Pat reconnect at PPC meetings. “We hadn’t seen each other in years before we reconnected at a PPC
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
12
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
PPC: Communication (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)
“It’s nice to realize that PPC members share many of the same struggles and ideas. I think having those dialogues keeps the fire lit. "It keeps you striving for more because we cheer each other on when we’re together in those meetings. We can really recognize and applaud work that is well done, even by a competitor,” Pat acknowledges. Empowering The Future: PPC's Commitment To Growth Pat recognizes PPC’s commitment to the next genera- tion with dynamic programs that foster continued interest in our industry like the Student Design Challenge, saying, “The Student Design Challenge is a valuable way to get paperboard in the hands of college students who may not otherwise have considered it a path. It’s a great way to en- gage them early in their lives and careers.” As the leading association for paperboard packaging converters and suppliers, PPC believes in the strength and alliances that arise from collaboration and common inter- est. By providing enriching networking opportunities that foster professional development and industry growth, we help cultivate strong connections like the one shared by Bill and Pat. PPC nurtures its long-standing members and the next generation of paperboard packaging professionals, exem- plifying the true power of collaboration. Our Fall 2023 Meeting & Leadership Conference is ap- proaching. Are you ready to grow your network and ex- pand upon your professional relationships?
meeting, and it was like picking up where we left off. He’s that solid of a guy. “Obviously, he’s changed a lot, but in some respects, he hasn’t changed at all,” Pat reflects. The pair continues nurturing their friendship, attending PPC events together, and reminiscing about old times while appreciating their enduring bond. PPC: Fostering Connections & Industry Advancement For Bill, PPC represents more than a professional asso- ciation. It symbolizes the true power of connection, help- ing individuals forge friendships, foster valuable business relationships, grow together, and advance the industry. Through PPC, Bill has built a network of individuals he deeply respects. “Meeting Pat was such a great experience at a forma- tive time in my life. It’s been a real pleasure to reconnect after all these years and to see him so successful in his career,” Bill expresses. “PPC continues to allow me to form industry connec- tions and maintain career-long relationships with people I respect.” Pat echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the efforts and solutions shared among PPC members. PPC meetings are a unique arena of support and encouragement where members applaud each other’s achievements, regardless of affiliation.
We’ve got our customers covered… …with our fiberglass backed, boltless, full double-wide blankets and an extensive inventory of corrugated parts needed by virtually every box plant in the country. The innovator of the original fiberglass-backed knuckle locking anvil cover, Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated. TM
www.go2stafford.com 800-282-5787 IS THE MANUFACTURER OF STAFFORD ANVIL COVERS ®
14
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
Visit us at Booth 323
CCM ® OCT STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM
Safety-Driven Design
Engineered Recycling Systems takes decades of engineering experience and system integration expertise to provide our partners turnkey solutions. We engineer, design and install world-class scrap collection and dust extraction systems providing our customers with equipment and system designs that deliver unprecedented levels of quality and craftsmanship, our solutions increase production and cut labor costs. SAFEST DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM ON THE MARKET
SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL DUST FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY
• No compressed air, water, explosion vents or high-speed abort gates required • No ladder or lifting equipment needed for servicing • System operates without housing, ensuring it is not considered a confined space • Lower maintenance costs • Less production downtime • Minimal time required for changing out filter media • No makeup air required • CCM® OCT Filters = SAFE to operate and maintain
www.engineeredrecycling.com
info@engineeredrecycling.com
Chief Displays & Packaging Invests In Amtech ‘Sign & Drive’ Technology Acworth, Georgia based Chief Displays & Packaging an- nounced it has invested in Sign & Drive, a web-based extension of Amtech’s EnCore ERP that eliminates paper proof-of-delivery, provides real-time visibility, and allows drivers by capturing signatures and transmitting docu- ments electronically. Chief, an award-winning print and display company that provides custom, turnkey services for a full range of display, logistics, print, and design needs, was facing nu- merous challenges related to fulfilling orders for their cli- ents. One of the primary issues was the outdated process of requiring truck drivers to manually scan documents at the end of each day, which was both time-consuming and prone to errors. This occasionally caused delays in invoicing due to lost or misplaced paperwork. The lack of a streamlined system for managing documents also posed a challenge when needing to retrieve them later, hindering customer service and potentially delaying problem resolution. “We had drivers scanning documents every day, and the more deliveries they have the more scanning they need to do,” explains Tony Stewart, VP of Operations at Chief. “And if an issue comes up later — usually the cus- tomer calling in, asking for documentation — if everything
wasn’t scanned correctly, we can’t provide timely service to our customer.” Chief, an Amtech customer since 2016, needed a solu- tion to modernize and digitize their process, reduce the likelihood of errors, and expedite their response to cus- tomer service requests. “We love to be on the forefront of what’s coming down the pike,” says Pete Langelotti, Chief’s Head of Information Technology. “So we were glad to be asked to be the beta site for Sign & Drive.” Sign & Drive made a positive first impression on Chief and their customers almost from the moment it was de- ployed. “My initial impression was that it was very simple to implement,” says Langoletti. “Amtech did a great job of putting it in place, walking us through the setup, and putting together instructions to help the drivers get in and use it.” “Change doesn't always go over very well," added Stewart, “but this went over very well with the drivers. The training took about 30 minutes and from there we had sit- uations where the drivers were teaching other drivers how to use it.” Stewart said that customer response was equally favor- able. “We picked a couple of customers that we deliver to every day, sometimes a couple of times a day, to get started,” explains Stewart. “Once they saw it, they loved it. Then we thought, oh shoot, now we have to buy it,”he joked.
16
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
COMPLETE OUR 10-QUESTION SURVEY IN JUST 3 MINUTES AND BE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD .
TAKE THE SURVEY! 2023 STATE OF CORRUGATED INDUSTRY
WestRock’s Stigers Receives PPSA Executive Eagle Award
Be Social, Stay Current !
The Pulp & Paper Safety Association (PPSA) has awarded Tom Stigers, President of mill operations at Atlanta-based
WestRock, its most prestigious award—the Executive Eagle. The award is presented annually to an outstanding executive in the paper industry who has made major con- tributions to the cause of accident prevention in their own company and beyond, according to the PPSA.
Tom Stigers
Stigers was awarded the Executive Eagle on June 15. “Tom’s personal commitment to driving meaningful improvements in safety is inspiring,” said WestRock Vice President of Safety James Strange. “We are thrilled the industry is recognizing Tom’s many contributions over his storied career while also shedding light on the important work of promoting safety throughout our industry.” Stigers has been with WestRock for 20 years and has more than 35 years of industry experience. Currently, he is responsible for the combined operations of 32 WestRock mills across the United States, Canada, Mexico, India and Brazil. Stigers previously was EVP of Corrugated Paper Solutions and EVP of Containerboard Mills before becom- ing President of Mill Operations.
Follow Board Converting News on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to get the most current news and information for the corrugated and folding carton industries.
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.
For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com
18
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
AF&PA Reports Year Over Year Decline In Paperboard Production The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recently released its 63rd Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Con- sumption Survey, and the results show a slight decrease in U.S. paper and paperboard capacity. Last year, paper and paperboard capacity declined 0.4 percent to 81 million tons, which fares slightly better than the 0.9 percent average decline per year since 2013. “The U.S. paper industry continues to respond to shift- ing demands by converting paper machines to produce packaging grades, supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs and sustaining local communities as well as increased the use of recovered fiber,” the AF&PA says. Paper and paperboard production also declined, falling 3.3 percent last year. According to the report, boxboard
production increased, containerboard and printing and writing paper decreased and tissue remained flat. The AF&PA examined paper-based packaging capaci- ty and found that containerboard capacity decreased 0.6 percent last year. However, containerboard’s share of total paper and paperboard capacity continued to exceed 50 percent. Boxboard capacity increased 2.4 percent and could continue ticking up with at least three announcements of additional boxboard capacity planned in 2025 or later to meet demand for paper-based consumer packaging, AF&- PA says. Both printing and writing paper and tissue capac- ity declined last year, too, with printing-writing capacity decreasing 0.7 percent and tissue decreasing 0.4 percent. The AF&PA reports a printing-writing machine was restart- ed last year as the sector rebounds from major declines during the coronavirus pandemic and says there were no printing-writing closures.
In the packaging sector, total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in May decreased five percent compared with May 2022 and are down four percent when compared with the first half of last year. The AF&PA survey is based on a survey of U.S. pulp and paper mills and details U.S. industry capacity data for 2022 and 2023 for all major grades of paper, paperboard and pulp, as well as fiber consumption. It in- cludes production data for 2022. The data represent about 88 percent of U.S. paper and paperboard industry capacity, with es- timates completing the data set. NAM: Manufacturing Contracts Again In June Manufacturing activity contracted for the second straight month at the weakest pace year to date in June, with the S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI dropping from 48.4 in May to 46.3 in June, according to Chad Moutray, Ph.D. and Chief Econo- mist at the National Association of manu- facturers (NAM). The headline index was pulled lower by sharply reduced new orders (down from 47.1 to 42.7) and output (down from 51.0 to 46.9), with exports (up from 43.4 to 44.2) also fall- ing strongly but at a slower pace. Hiring (down from 53.1 to 52.4) and future output (down from 68.4 to 62.6) slowed in June, but with respondents continuing to signal optimism about production over the next six months, even with some easing.
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
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
20
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
SHINKO SUPER ALPHA
MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.
SHINKO Super Alpha High Speed Quick Set Flexo Folder Gluer
• Fast 2 minute set up • Fast run speeds up to 450 SPM • Fixed frame architecture • Fully servo driven • Set-up while running • Extremely accurate registration • Energy efficient Sizes Available: 23” X 71” to 47” X 106” Available for immediate shipment.
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com
SINCE 1955
NAM: Manufacturing (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Suppliers: Leverage Our Reach
At the same time, input prices (down from 48.1 to 46.0) fell for the second time since May 2020. In contrast, the S&P Global Flash U.S. Services Business Activity Index de- clined from 54.9 to 54.1 but continued to indicate modest growth in activity and a sign of lingering resilience despite challenges in the manufacturing sector. In related news, manufacturing activity in the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank’s district contracted for the third straight month. New orders, exports, production and the average employee workweek remained challenged, with employment falling for the second time in the past three months. Raw material costs continued to decelerate, expanding at the weakest pace since June 2020. Manufacturers in the district continued to predict rela- tively sluggish activity over the next six months, with the forward-looking composite index dropping from 2 to -2, the first negative reading since April 2020. With that said, respondents felt cautiously positive about new orders, shipments, production, hiring and capital spending growth moving forward. Manufacturers continued to predict de- cent (but slowing) growth in input costs over the coming months. There were 264,000 initial unemployment claims for the week ending June 17, unchanged from the prior week and remaining the highest since the week ending Oct. 30, 2021. At the same time, there were 1,759,000 continuing claims for the week ending June 10, down from 1,772,000 for the previous week. Consumer prices edged up 0.1 percent in May, slowing from the 0.4 percent gain in April. Energy costs decreased 3.6 percent in May, falling for the third time in the past four months, with gasoline prices down 5.6 percent. The Consumer Price Index has risen 4.0 percent over the past 12 months, down notably from 4.9 percent in April and the slowest rate since March 2021. At the same time, core inflation (which excludes food and energy) increased 5.3 percent year-over-year in May, inching down from 5.5 percent in April. Overall, consumer prices continue to show signs of moderation, particularly for headline year-over- year data, which is encouraging. Yet, pricing pressures remain stubbornly high, particularly for core consumer in- flation, which has continued to be “stickier” than preferred. For its part, the Federal Reserve needs to weigh both the good and the bad in these data points, keeping the federal funds rate at elevated levels to tighten monetary conditions even as it sees progress on year-over-year in- flation growth. The Federal Open Market Committee must also consider the impact that slowing growth and lingering credit worries might have on the economy. The Index of Consumer Sentiment rose to 63.9 in June, a four-month high. Consumers felt more positive in their assessments of both current and future conditions, boost- ed by policymakers resolving the debt ceiling standoff. That said, Americans continue to remain anxious in their economic outlook, with sentiment lower than preferred.
Board Converting News is read by more independent AND integrated decision-makers than any other industry publication.
Advertise in BCN in print and/or online to leverage our expansive reach!
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
22
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
Emballages Mega Packaging Invests In Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 Press Montreal, Quebec based Emballages Mega Packaging, a family-owned mid-size folding carton manufacturer, an- nounced that it has signed a contract for a new generation fully-loaded Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 six-color press hy- brid UV with coater. “After evaluating other press manufacturers, we deter- mined that Koenig & Bauer was best for us. They offer an extremely high degree of automation, which will allow us to be extremely flexible and efficient. We were also im- pressed with its strong Canadian service and more impor- tantly for us a support network with technical staff based in Montreal,” said Marco Macri, Emballages Mega Packag- ing’s president and CEO. “Our initial conversations with Koenig & Bauer were re- ally productive and we decided to put our trust in them and, after visiting the factory in Germany and seeing a demo of our press, we are even more assured of our deci- sion that Koenig & Bauer is the right press partner for us.” After experiencing significant growth, Macri and his Mega team sought out a press with technological ad- vances and the flexibility to quickly adapt to today’s ev- er-changing packaging trends to provide the best service and support for its customers. The new Rapida 106 is capable of handling a board
thickness of up to 48 pt. and is equipped with an automatic logistics system for continuous running on thick materials. The Rapida’s full QualiTronic PDF inline image inspection system compares every printed sheet with the PDF data from pre-press. One of the biggest determining factors
for Mega was Koenig & Bauer’s unique SIS Sensoric In- feed System, which requires no setting and ensures mark free, reliable feeding. Macri has determined that the new Rapida 106 will be 50 percent more efficient — double the firm’s current rate — and provide extra capacity. Chris Travis, Director of Technology, Koenig & Bauer; Franco Trevisan, Mega’s Lead Pressman; Marco Macri, Mega Presi- dent/CEO; and Aleks Lajtman, Koenig & Bauer’s Canadian Re- gional Sales Manager visit the factory in Dresden to see its new Rapida 106 six-color UV press plus coater.
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
24
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
The best of
two worlds
Two companies team up for your success!
Koenig & Bauer Celmacch’s expertise with converters have enabled us to develop machines for you with the highest technological standards in the industry. This supports maximum reliability, quality and flexibility. Our range of products meet different investment strategies and productivity requirements, ranging from entry-level models to machines that are equipped with the highest levels of automation, sophistication and the highest throughput.
Contact us for information on how you can become the next success story.
kevin.erbe @koenig-bauer.com
Buddy To Boss (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
promising leadership talent by keeping an eye open for individuals who communicate well. “Without good com- munication skills, things tend to fall apart,” said Dennis Theodorou, Managing Director of JMJ Phillip Executive Search. “Managers need to be able to get people rowing in the same direction.” Good communication skills feed directly into another leadership essential: the ability to delegate. “Managers need to be able to identify tasks that can be assigned to others, select team members with the necessary skills and experience, set clear expectations, and provide necessary resources, training, and support,” said Natasha Maddock, consultant and founder of Events Made Simple. Training For Success With leadership talent scarce on the ground in a tight labor market, it’s little wonder employers are looking to promote from within whenever they can. If prudence de- mands a second look at every advancement prospect, its also true that the good in a prospective manager need
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a flexible and comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP re- quirements of full scale packaging plants and integrat- ed companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and accounting, this scalable sys- tem supports packaging plants that produce corrugat- ed boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase displays, assembled partitions, paperboard products, foam fab- rication, as well as distribution of packaging supplies. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a recognized leader in the in- dustry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the coun- try and the world. Let us build you the best Trim Removal System you ever had. Contact us today. Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and compre- hensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated sched- uling software, and engineered automation technology. For over 30 years, Amtech has remained at the backbone of successful businesses from the independent box makers to the largest integrateds. We keep our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with options such as custom- er digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
not be sacrificed to the perfect. Suppose a candidate for a management position lacks the required skills in commu- nication and delegation. What can the company do ready the prospective manager for their new tasks? One step is to provide opportunities to learn on the job by assigning the management of discreet projects, a process that helps develop communication and delega- tion skills. Another proven approach is the assignment of a personal guide in the form of a seasoned individual who can support the new manager with performance feedback and enlightened knowledge. “Great companies provide mentors to their new man- agers,” said Logan Mallory, VP of Marketing at Motivosity. “The new generation doesn’t want someone barking at them and watching their time clock. Mentors and coaches are the right way to lead these days.” Not everyone, however, makes a great mentor. “Candi- dates need to understand what is expected of them in the proposed relationship,” said Mull. “Maybe they will need to devote a certain amount of time working with the new manager. Or maybe they will need to conduct instructive CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com
Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.
26
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
WE DESIGN & BUILD CORRUGATED FACILITIES
250,000 SF Akers Packaging
University Park, IL
I’ve worked with a lot of people throughout my career, and I can confidently say that the ARCO/Murray team is one of most talented I’ve come across. They are driven, detail-oriented, and always act with a sense of urgency. Working with ARCO/Murray has been a great experience.
GENE MARINO | PRESIDENT | AKERS PACKAGING
EXPERIENCE A BETTER WAY TO BUILD (331) 251-9929 | arcomurray.com
Buddy To Boss (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
conversations and deal with situations that the mentee brings to them.” A successful mentor relationship is a two-way street: The mentee also must be comfortable with the person assigned the role. That often requires separating the functions of mentorship and supervision. “A good mentor should usually not be the new manager’s boss, because that relationship possesses a different power dynamic,” said Mull. “The mentee may not be comfortable giving voice to their direct supervisor about areas where they're struggling or feeling overwhelmed.” Bonus tip: Colleagues can also help the new supervi- sor. “Very often the most effective managers are part of a peer group in which members carve out time to share their challenges and their struggles and exchange ideas for getting through them,” said Mull. Dealing With Doubt Even the most promising of new managers are bound to feel a degree of self-doubt about their abilities. They may well decide they have been given an assignment be- yond their means. In extreme cases, self-doubt can lead to a damag- ing paralysis. “The new manager has to be comfortable making decisions,” said Theodorou. “Many times the dif- ference between a good manager and a great one is the ability to move forward and not just sit on something while self-doubt overcomes them.” Pelletier said new managers can overcome this so- called “imposter syndrome” by leaning deeply into what they do well, even in an activity outside the workplace. For example, has the nascent manager been successful in managing people in a sports environment? “Try to build a bridge between that experience and the challenges of the new position,” she suggested. Bonus tip: A good mentor can help the manager over- come self-doubt by providing positive feedback. Accepting Criticism Becoming self-confident does not mean adopting a posture of universal knowledge. The so-called “fake it til you make it” approach too often leads to costly errors. When new managers are honest about their vulnerabili- ties, subordinates can guide them away from costly errors. “People often want to look like they deserve their promo- tion, they are the right person for the job, and they know exactly what they’re doing,” said Mallory. “But to be suc- cessful they will need to acknowledge areas where they don’t have all the answers. Asking team members for their ideas, expertise and support will lower their defenses.” At the same time, new managers need to realize that negative assessments from subordinates are part of the job. “You will always have critics as a manager,” said Mallo- ry. “You will always have people who think you did things wrong or don't deserve the job.” Negative criticisms from subordinates need to be an-
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.
AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net
AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. 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. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com 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.
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.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
28
www.boardconvertingnews.com
July 3, 2023
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 40Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease