BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years February 5, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 6
Packaging & Pads-R-Us Staying True To Its Values BY SUSAN RILEY
Welch Packaging Plans New Facility In Wooster, Ohio Welch Packaging Group, Inc. a manufacturer and supplier of custom corrugated boxes for industrial use, as well as retail ready packag- ing, has announced plans to open a new pro- duction facility in Wooster, Ohio The Ohio De- partment of Development (ODOD) approved the project for tax credit assistance during its recent Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting. The pportunity will create 50 new jobs in the state. The facility will add to the growing Welch Packaging network of 20 locations spread across seven states. Focused on vertical in- tegration and supply chain security, the infra- structure put in place in Wooster will enable the company to increase production to meet the rising demands of customers, new and ex- isting. “We look forward to opening our 5th busi- ness in Ohio, furthering our commitment to growth in the Buckeye state,” shared Scott Welch, President and CEO of Welch Packag- ing. “The City of Wooster has been an excel- lent partner, developing a strong and capable workforce that is sure to create a solid base of operations. We are excited to contribute to the growth of Wooster and the surrounding
Since 2008, Milan, Ohio based Packaging & Pads-R-Us has been com- mitted to the quality of its products and providing great service and value to its loyal customer base for all their specialty packaging needs from single-face rolls and pizza pads to die cut paper solutions. Un- der the leadership of Harry Perdue, President and CEO, they have re- mained a family-owned and operated company that has experienced exponential growth over the years.
In an exclusive interview with Board Converting News , Perdue shares his business journey and how he and his team shines. What has business been like this year at Packaging & Pads-R-Us? Business has been strong as we have adapted to various labor, sup- ply chain, logistics, and market changes. We have increased sales 90 percent in the last 10 years, with our single face accounting for 70 per- cent of that increase; and we’ve experienced a 150 percent increase in customers purchasing food grade fluted packaging. Serving our cus- tomers remains our top priority and promise, a promise that we have been able to deliver on through continuous improvements. We remain the experts and the top company in this niche market by reinvesting much of our success into capital projects and keeping a consistent fo- cus on quality, flexibility, and outstanding customer service. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Harry Perdue, Jr., President & CEO of Packaging & Pads-R-US, with his sister, Lisa Brownell, right, the company's Controller & General Manager, and his daughter, left, Alexandria Busdicker, Account Executive and HR Manager.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT’S INSIDE 5 AICC Releases Second White Paper On Implementing AI 8 Chicago TAPPI To Host What's New In Corrugated 24 Supplier Reports: Part 1 41 Bobst To Open Competence Center In Atlanta In April
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
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Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
Welch Packaging (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.
areas by providing employment opportunities and sup- porting the local economy.” A local team consisting of members of the City of Wooster and Wayne Economic Development Council, ODOD, JobsOhio, and Team NEO provided the company with information to secure their decision to locate in North- east Ohio, contingent upon all incentive approvals. “The City of Wooster is proud to welcome Welch Pack- aging Group to Northeast Ohio,” announced Mayor Bob Reynolds. “The City of Wooster partnered with the State of Ohio in providing financial support aimed at accommo- dating the firm’s anticipated operations. I see this as an exceptional opportunity for our residents and business community to have a new partner in growing economic opportunities, and also for Welch Packaging Group. This is further evidence of what a fantastic place Wooster is to do business.” “We are pleased that Welch Packaging has selected to invest in Wayne County,” said Maribeth Burns, president of the Wayne Economic Development Council. “Since the late nineties, Welch has continued to expand their geo- graphic footprint across the Midwest through expansion from organic sales growth, acquisitions, and the continued development of their roughly 1,400 associates. They will be a great addition to Wayne County’s driven, dynamic, and diverse business base.”
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner $955.00-960.00 $970.00-980.00 $970.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $1000.00-1010.00 $973.00-983.00
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.
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
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February 5, 2024
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4 February 5, 2024
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AICC Releases Second White Paper On Challenges Of Implementing AI AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has re- leased Challenges of Implementing AI, the second white paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This paper aims to shed light on key aspects of AI implementation, making com- plex concepts accessible to a wider audience. Change is necessary but not always easy. When imple- menting a new technology like AI, there will be challeng- es. This new white paper will help AICC members prepare and plan for the challenges associated with implementing AI in their plants.
TAKE BOXMAKING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
In easy-to-understand terms, this paper briefly de- scribes implementation costs, data silos, and data man- agement and security. “We know well that AI offers manufacturers tremen- dous upside for efficiency in their operations, and we ex- pect adopters will find great value,” said AICC President Mike D’Angelo. “But we cannot ignore the challenges that may arise when embracing AI. This second white paper will provide relevant information for you to be prepared for the AI journey.” AICC remains at the forefront of promoting knowledge and innovation within the packaging industry, and the re- lease of this white paper reaffirms its commitment to pro- viding valuable resources for its members and the broader community. All AICC products begin with our members. AI, Manu- facturing, and the Next Big Step in Operational Efficiency is the first white paper in a series on AI written by the AICC AI sub-committee, other AICC members, and subject mat- ter experts. AICC thanks each of them for their contribu- tion to this educational tool. The white paper, Challenges of Implementing AI, is now available for download at www.AICCbox.org/Papers. AICC encourages everyone in the packaging industry to explore the insights provided in this white paper. Questions about AICC’s AI resources can be directed to Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Leadership Develop- ment, tpyle@AICCbox.org or (703) 836-2422.
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February 5, 2024
Mesirow Advises Sumter Packaging On Its Sale To Hood Container Corp. Chicago, Illinois based Mesirow announced that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sumter Packaging Corporation on its sale to Hood Container Corporation. Founded in 1980, Sumter is a leading provider of high-graphic corrugated displays, graphic packaging and corrugated packaging to the Southeast. The company boasts more than 315,000-square-feet of capacity in Sum- ter, South Carolina and Statesville, North Carolina. “I came from investment banking and have known the Mesirow packaging team for decades. Mesirow knows the corrugated packaging sector better than any other bank. The solid advice and tremendous dedication of the Me- sirow team led to a highly competitive process and an excellent result for our shareholders.” said Ben DeSollar, CEO of Sumter Packaging. “We are excited to be a part of Hood Container, a company with strong values, vision, and the capability to further improve on the strengths we already have with its national network and the ability to offer vertical supply chain integration.” Melanie Yermack and Rick Weil, Managing Directors at Mesirow Investment Banking, said, “We were pleased to advise Sumter in its sale to Hood Container. Sumter's com- mitment to exceptional customer service and quality has created an outstanding reputation in the market.”
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
29.711 30.124
-1.4
7.819 7.927
-1.4
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
380.555 400.520
-5.0
7.611 7.979
-4.6
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2023 2022
2.4080 2.4260
-0.7
30.9333 32.5461
-5.0
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.1892 2.1071
3.9
3.5 3.5
6.1
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2023 2022
19 19
250 251
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
Nebula’s advanced closed-loop technology utilizes specialized scanners to ensure reduced starch consumption, flatter board, and increased output.
HUMIDITY SCANNER The humidity control scanner detects the corrugated board moisture and temperature data with an “S” movement that allows a real-time reading of values on the line at a controlled speed.
WARP SCANNER Continuous and real-time monitoring of the production line provides immediate insights and data, enabling prompt adjustments within a dynamic closed-loop control system.
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February 5, 2024
Feeder
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Chicago TAPPI To Host What's New In Corrugated Event On February 6 The Chicago TAPPI Local Section is hosting its What’s New in Corrugated Event, 5:00-8:00 p.m. on February 6, 2024, at the Oak Brook Marriott in Oak Brook, IL. What’s New offers participants an exclusive venue to learn about new technologies, products and services in an intimate, relaxed environment. The informative events are open to all converters and suppliers, and topics focus on emerging operational offerings in the corrugated industry in North America, as well as around the world. Additionally, What’s New offers suppliers a way to share their ongoing appreciation for customer loyalty. Any sup- plier that purchases a ticket to attend the evening’s pre- sentation (@$125 per ticket) is also eligible to buy deeply discounted four-packs of additional tickets at a cost of only $50 each ($200 for each bundle). Called VIP Passes, these additional tickets can be given to the supplier’s customers so they can attend at no charge. Other pricing includes • Converters can buy single tickets to attend at $75 each • Cost to participate in the tabletop-only is $250 • Cost to participate in the tabletop with dinner is $375 The evening program begins with a social hour featur- ing an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and a series of eight-minute knowledge-packed presenta- tions (maximum length).
Attendees will hear the latest on: • Auto Dryer Control (ADC) – A new feature of the Color Dry XL30 IR Dryers that eliminates over-consumption of energy due to over-powering IR drying systems. Pre- senter: Spencer Bird, JB Machinery • Smart Shingle - Allows operators to reduce or eliminate feed interrupt time at stack change on rotary dies cut- ters running up to 15,000 sheets/hr. Presenter: Jason Smith, Geo M. Martin • Clearvision Printcheck - Inspect the integrity and accu- racy of printing and registration on rotary die-cutters and flexo folder-gluers. Presenter: Dave Swedes, Valco Melton • BX Motion - An all-in-one, heavy-duty short-run box maker for box plants looking to expand capabilities throughput. Benefits include: processing a variety of boards (E-flute to AAC-flute), set up time < 60 seconds, produce more than 50 FEFCO box styles, automatic loading and stacking, inline glue strip application and multi-out production. Presenter: Ryan Clark, Kolbus America • Barberan S.A./FujiFilm HS6000 - A single-pass digital printer developed for retail packaging, display, and signage markets that previously relied on multi-pass devices for high-end graphic reproduction. Presenter: Chuck Slingerland, Barberan S.A. For more information about the What’s New event and to register, visit tappi.org/chicagotappi .
8 February 5, 2024
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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM
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NAM: Consumer Spending Fuels Economic Growth In Q4 2023 Real GDP rose 3.3 percent at the annual rate in Q4 2023, slowing from 4.9 percent growth in Q3 but stronger than expected, according to Chad Moutray, Ph.D. and Chief Economist at the National Association of Manufactur- ers (NAM). The U.S. economy continued to show signs of strength and resilience despite ongoing challenges and worries about the outlook, and consumer spending buoyed economic growth in the fourth quarter. The U.S. economy grew by 2.5 percent in 2023, up from 1.9 percent in 2022. The forecast is for 2.0 percent growth in 2024. Even as the probability of a “soft landing” has increased, there continues to be sizable downside risks in the economic outlook.
Personal consumption expenditures jumped 0.7 per- cent in December. Over the past 12 months, durable and nondurable goods spending increased 6.1 percent and 4.5 perecent, respectively, with service-sector purchasing in- creasing 6.3 percent year-over-year. Meanwhile, personal income increased 0.3 percent in December. Over the past 12 months, total wages and salaries have increased 6.8 percent, with manufacturing wages and salaries rising 5.9 percent year-over-year. New durable goods orders were essentially flat in De- cember but increased 0.6 percent to a new record high with transportation equipment excluded. Overall, new du- rable goods orders have risen 4.8 percent over the past 12 months, or 2.3 percent year-over-year with transportation equipment excluded. Indeed, orders for core capital goods—a proxy for cap- ital spending in the U.S. economy—rose 0.3 percent to a
record $74.33 billion. Core capital goods or- ders have risen 1.4 percent year-over-year. The S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufac- turing PMI rose from 47.9 in December to 50.3 in January, starting the new year off on a positive note. It was the first expansion since April 2023, buoyed by growth in new orders, which grew at the fastest pace since May 2022. Manufacturers remained upbeat in their expectations for future output, with that measure rising to the highest point since April 2022. In contrast, manufacturing surveys from the Kansas City and Richmond Federal Re- serve Banks mirrored other regional reports showing continued weakness in the sector, but with a more positive outlook for the next six months. California created the most net new manufacturing jobs in December, adding 2,600 workers, while Texas had the great- est growth in manufacturing employment over the past 12 months, up 24,100. Mary- land and North Dakota had the lowest un- employment rate nationally at 1.9 percent. After falling in both October and Novem- ber, new single-family home sales jumped 8.0 percent in December, rising to 664,000 units. The average 30-year fixed-rate mort- gage has trended lower over the past few months, helping to fuel additional demand. The PCE deflator increased 0.2 percent in December, and it has risen 2.6 percent over the past 12 months, the same pace as in November and remaining the lowest since February 2021. Excluding food and energy, core PCE inflation was 2.9 percent year-over-year in December, down from 3.2 percent in November and the weakest pace since March 2021.
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10 February 5, 2024
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MACHINERY SHOWROOM TRAINING CENTER AND
WestRock To Close Packaging Plant In Seattle, 87 Impacted
plant. The union said they could not respond to questions or give a comment. WestRock and the union will engage in the effects bargaining process. WestRock announced last September that it would merge with the packaging company Smurfit Kappa. The fourth quarter earnings presentation for WestRock showed growth for the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization throughout the 2023 fiscal year, with a slight decrease in the fourth quarter. The company laid off 400 employees in Tacoma when the WestRock paper mill there closed. Johnson said he didn't know how many of those employees were relocated to positions at the Longview plant.
Months after a century-old paper mill owned by WestRock closed in Tacoma, Washington, the company is closing a packaging plant in Seattle. According to local media re- ports, about 87 employees at the Seattle plant will lose their jobs March, when the plant officially closes. The com- pany notified the Washington State Employment Security Department of the layoffs on January 19. Both closures come after a WestRock's new packaging plant in Longview, Washington, opened last year. Robby Johnson, Senior Manager of Corporate Commu- nications for WestRock, said, the company is closing the Seattle plant because the upgrades made at the Longview plant mean it is better equipped. “The Longview facility is state-of-the-art and provides significant capabilities that allow us to more effectively and efficiently serve our cus- tomers in the Pacific Northwest,” Johnson wrote, adding that the company decided to close the Seattle plant more than a year after it announced the opening of the new Longview plant According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, which regulates activities with potential environ- mental impacts at the plant, the Longview plant has about 1,000 employees. The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Union represents employees at the Seattle
Hood Container Adds Clark As SVP Converting Division
Hood Container Corporation reported that Alan Clark has joined the company in the role of Senior Vice President, Converting Division. In this role, Clark will work to advance efforts in improving company culture, sales, operational performance, and profitability while leading a group of ex- perienced leaders. He has more than 30 years manufac- turing, containerboard, and corrugated packaging experi- ence, having previously served as CEO of Jackson Paper Corporation. Prior to that, Clark held various leadership positions with Harper Love, IP, and McKinsey & Company.
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 | color@heartlandsheets.com
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Packaging & Pads-R-Us (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
What are some of the biggest ways your company has changed over the past 10 years? Ten years ago, our plant was still new, reestablishing our roots in Milan, Ohio. Our ability to marry board with latex, wax, and grease resistant coat- ings to create food grade packaging, as well as corrugated single face, allows us to offer a wide range of solutions for the paper market. In the
past decade we have focused on more. More relationships, more product development, more floor space, more machine centers, more local jobs, and more happy customers. Our work family truly has a passion for the work that we do here, servicing a diverse mix of American industries, with an emphasis on quality food packaging. We continue to enjoy a 99 per- cent customer retention and appreciate their positive testimonials of our quality products and outstanding customer service. What are some of the factors that have driven this change? Shifting consumer preferences has increased focus on sustainability and convenience, which has opened doors for eco-friendly and adaptable recyclable packaging options. Being customer-centric, coupled with our dedication to building strong relationships and understanding customer needs, has led to their loyalty and trust. Investing in technology and imple- The company’s pizza pads help keep pizza warm and absorb grease to prevent a soggy pizza.
menting modern machinery and automation has increased efficiency and production capacity. We remain focused on food safety and maintaining a strong food safety culture that has attracted clients looking for reliable and compliant packaging solutions. Our team excels at troubleshooting supply chain disruptions, and we have diversified our sourcing to ensure continued operations. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Packaging & Pads-R-Us manufactures protective food packaging that can even be baked in the oven.
14
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February 5, 2024
Our long-awaited 2023 Packaging Playbook is finally here. We talk through all the challenges present in
our changing world of corrugated packaging and more importantly, how to solve them.
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Packaging & Pads-R-Us (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
with bubble wrap and plastic packaging. This has been an excellent market, and we see only growth in the future. In 2011, your company was shipping approximately 10 million feet of product. What do your shipping numbers look like today? In 2023 we shipped about 200 million feet of product. What is your shipping area? Do you deliver your prod- ucts, or do you outsource that function? We service the entirety of the United States, as well as customers in Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. As an independent, what are some of the biggest chal- lenges you face? The challenge in being a small independent is staying competitive; not just in the goods that we provide, but also regarding human resource capital. It can be a challenge to offer competitive benefits at a cost-effective price with minimal negative impact on the bottom line. Attracting and retaining talent can also be a challenge when competing with larger converters, as they may be able to offer a more robust benefit package. Another challenge is in distribution and logistics, and the volatility that is within the industry. As customers like to have this cost built into their pricing, it can be a challenge to predict and build this factor into costing. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Has the company grown in recent years? Yes, the company has grown in recent years. In a phys- ical sense, we have grown from 20,000 square feet in 2008 to occupying over 100,000 square foot today. Within this additional space we have added five machine centers and two new single facers in the last four years, with an- other single facer implementation taking place currently. We are fortunate to have remained a family company, with a strong emphasis on our food safety culture. Our food safety compliance standards have also expanded from AIB to GSFI SQF so that we may serve a broader range of customers with tighter compliance needs. We continue to thrive in this area of the business, and guarantee we run one of the cleanest food packaging plants around. Who are your customers? Have you entered new mar- kets in recent years? We pride ourselves in the fact that we are very custom- er oriented and will do the utmost to satisfy delivery dates and produce quality products. Many of our customers require food grade packaging, relying on FDA approved packaging that we supply in A, B C, and E flute. We also have nonfood grade customers in which we supply single face pads and rolls, as well as cohesive pads and rolls in A, B, C, and E. Our newest market is producing products to be sold at local hardware stores in direct competition
16 February 5, 2024
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Packaging & Pads-R-Us (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
well as internationally. To further our education and com- mitment to the food packaging industry, we have worked to gain GSFI SQF compliance as well. What equipment do you operate at your plant? Most of our single facers are Langston XDs that we have rebuilt in house. Our last Langston rebuild, received
Who are your raw material suppliers? Do you have a reli- able supply for the paper grades you use? We work with numerous mills that provide us with a reliable supply, including Canfor, Cascade, Nordic Paper, Pratt, and Georgia Pacific. Now that the pandemic is be-
With additional space, Packaging & Pads-R-Us now operates five machine centers and two new single facers.
hind us, it seems the paper mills are back to a consistent schedule. We are always looking for alternative supplies. How long have you been AIB certified? How has this af- fected the types of accounts you have secures? We have been AIB certified since 2013. This has al- lowed us to serve many customers from coast to coast, as
a full AC conversion, with a custom hydraulic valve body, and proportional hydraulic valves controlled by a PLC with HMI controls. Our in-house engineers and good relation- ship with our multiple local engineering shops have really set us up for success in customizing our machines to tai- lor to what we do best. Three of our center winders are
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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18 February 5, 2024
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Packaging & Pads-R-Us (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
custom design, with several surface rewinders in use. Our sheeters range from custom-made high-speed servo driv- en, to an HMS plastic slitter converted to run paper. We have upgraded our starch mixing and delivery sys- tem to only include stainless steel and highly corrosion resistant materials. The mixer was a solution provided by MXD Process, and our own local fabrication team. In- vesting in new material handling equipment has greatly reduced unexpected stresses. Are there any important projects in the works or specific goals you are working towards? We have invested in both our equipment and our peo- ple. Investing in the training and safety of our team will continue to be important so that we may better serve our customers. Our current goal is to acquire enough business to implement a second shift. However, more machine cen- ters have increased our capacity to accept new business and we remain an efficient one shift operation. Please describe your product offerings and how they serve your customers’ needs. We offer single face corrugated packaging in A, B, C, & E flute in a variety of sizes of pads, rolls, and die cuts. The single face medium can be coated for cold seal applica- tions, and cold seal liners continue to be a large market for
us outside of single face. We continue to service the food packaging industry, food distribution industry, several in- dustrial markets, and offer several retail solutions as well. What are your hopes for the future of Packaging and Pads-R-Us? Our hope is to be standing for the next generation, op- erating with three shifts, and do our part to offer great jobs to the community. We strive to continue being a competi- tive solution for plastic packaging alternatives. Please tell us about your team: • Harry Perdue, Jr. – President & CEO – Provides general guidance to the team and acquires sales. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 The company offers a wide range of food grade die cut paper solutions.
WPR SERVICES
video analysis
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communicators
ergometrics & haptic feedback
conveyor controls
custom dashboards
9059 Technology Lane Fishers, IN 46038 317.513.5269 WPR SERVICES
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ProVantage Powerflute ®
You told us what matters to you, and we listened. By working together, we can make improvements where it counts. • Lighter grammage options and high-performance packaging solutions • Improved sustainability aspects such as reduced waste and an optimised use of raw materials • Reduced packaging weight, using less fibre while ensuring superior strength You challenged us to make high-performance fluting even better. Our New Generation of ProVantage Powerflute ®
Sustainable by Design
Packaging & Pads-R-Us (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry 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 country and the world.
• Lisa Brownell – Controller & General Manager – Sister to Harry. All things financial and HR related. • Tyler Brownell – Operations Manager – Nephew to Harry. High level operations and oversight, project planning and implementation. • Cameron Perdue – Production Manager – Son to Harry. Daily operation, overseeing of production and people. • Alexandria Busdicker – Account Executive and Human Resource – Daughter to Harry. • Sharon Berger – Customer Service Manager – Long- time family friend. Customer relations, administrative and operational support. • Dana Brownell – Purchasing & Logistics Manager – Wife of Tyler. Primary materials purchaser and out- bound scheduling. • Cameron Campbell – Quality Manager – Ensuring com- pliance and quality standards. • Isaiah Cremean – Maintenance Manager Describe your relationship with AICC. Are you a long- time member? What value does it bring your company? We started as a sheet plant in 1989 and enjoyed a great association with the AICC and its’ members. After selling our sheet plant in 2006, we started a new company in 2008 as a single face pizza pad/insert manufacturer and we quickly reestablished our ties with the AICC. Being a small converter, the AICC gives us big converter resourc- es. The educational tools now available are priceless, and our relationships are even more important. AF&PA Releases Q4 2023 Boxboard, Containerboard Quarterly Reports According to the quarterly containerboard report, total production in Q4 increased 12 percent compared to Q4 2022. It was down three percent when compared to the same 12 months of 2022. Operating rates for all major grades except Recycled Medium increased compared to Q3 2023 while total pro- duction was up 2.6 percent. Total production for export for the year was up 2.6 percent. It had been trailing year- ago levels through the first 3 quarters but finished the year strong, as Q4 2023 exports were over 60 percent higher than the same quarter last year. New supply of container- board (domestic production plus imports) ended the year 3.5% lower than in 2022 as total production declined and the share of exports increased. Total Boxboard production in Q4 decreased 10 per- cent compared to Q4 2022. The boxboard operating rate was 82.2 percent, down 4.9 points from Q4 2022. Solid Bleached Folding - Domestic production decreased six percent compared to Q4 2022. Recycled Boxboard - Coat- ed Recycled unmade orders were up nine percent com- pared to September and down 34.7 percent year to date.
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
SPECIALTY FOLDER GLUERS • Operator Training • Rebuilds and Relocations • Reconditioning in Racine • Parts & Machine Reviews • GUARANTEED IMPROVEMENT TOROSIAN TECH SERVICES INC. Training and Reconditioning Center 930 Tenth Street • Racine, WI 53403 (800) 555-5876 (U.S. only) Phone: (262) 633-5133 • Fax: (262) 633-5176
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Your Corrugator Could Use More Brain Power... And the Precision of AI
CoparSolutions SyncMaster AI ™
The CoparSolutions SyncMaster AI enhances both current and next generation corrugators making operations run smarter, more efficient and more reliable. CoparSolutions products are customized to the exact ways you operate. u Automatically aligns & removes splices for grade and width changes u Stores & recalls each grade’s process values u Closed-loop Process Control eliminates ‘guess work’ and operator error Fully Synchronized Splice Control:
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SUPPLIER REPORTS 2024 (PART 1)
“Following the blueprint for Box Plant 2025, the BHS Jetliner® Xceed (XC) digital printer, using the RSR® con- cept (Roll to printed sheet in real time), continues forward. “In April of 2023, BHS hosted an open house at a cus- tomer in Greven, Germany to showcase the first BHS Jet- liner® Xceed (XC) full-color digital printer, as well as our full complement of digital, corrugated, and logistic solutions. This BHS customer has successfully completed its first full year in production using our “Box Plant 2025” strategy. “The Jetliner® Xceed (XC) full-color digital printer runs both roll to roll as well as directly to the corrugator keeping with RSR® concept; truly running rolls to printed sheets in real time. In addition, the Jetliner® Xceed (XC) and Speed Line Corrugator are supplied paper rolls using the BHS iMotion/iShuttle autonomous transport system; making this customer the first to fully implement “Box Plant 2025.” “Look for exciting news in 2024 regarding the new Jetliner® Monochrome digital printer: an inline solution for both new and existing BHS corrugators. The Jetliner® Monochrome digital printer is designed to operate at the speed of the corrugator and provide a single-color digital solution that reduces the need for printing in the convert- ing process.
BHS CORRUGATED Knoxville, Tennessee: Chris Weaver reports, First and fore- most, we would like to wish everyone a healthy and hap-
py New Year! Based on the contin- ued growth in our industry, we enter 2024 with a strong backlog and very positive outlook”. “As mentioned in previous years’ reports, BHS Digital and Logistics continues to push technological ad- vancements with our iCorr® technol-
Chris Weaver
ogy, and in 2023 we have seen these advancements pay dividends for our customers. Our iCorr® products continue to be rolled out to our customers at a rapid pace to support their operations as well as our BHS employees worldwide. “The use of iCorr® and iCorr® Assist Glasses allows BHS to bring the technical expertise to site remotely cov- ering all areas from a service visit to a corrugator start-up. The iCorr® product line with online monitoring, data col- lection, remote diagnostics and troubleshooting brings an unprecedented level of technology and support to the box plant at your fingertips 24/7. The iCorr platform and its line of support products are a key contributor to the BHS vision of Box Plant 2025.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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
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FLEXO ROTARY DIE CUTTER
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.
K7io The Original Multi-Color Inside/Out Flexo Rotary Die Cutter Pioneers in inside/outside printing offering quality printing and die cutting. The K7 offers the ability to print on both sides of the box in a single pass. The K7 Series can be equipped with slotting and scoring and a SHINKO Super Alpha folder gluer/counter ejector thereby making it a K7S. Global has also incorporated a unique configuration to our K7S 66” X 142” 1636 Flexo Folder Gluer creating the “Dual-Line”. The Dual-Line configuration enables a customer with two of the same size machines to have side tracking printer interchangeability. Sizes Available: 66” X 110” to 66” X 190”
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com THE ORIGINAL WORLD WIDE LEADER IN MULTI COLOR INSIDE/OUTSIDE PRINT TECHNOLOGY
SINCE 1955
Supplier Reports, Part 1 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
“EAM-Mosca’s latest squaring bundler, the MAX-Q, re- invents the conventional Tandem System for squaring and strapping bundles by combining proven technologies with new designs and product handling. The Max-Q, which is designed to be used behind a box slitter, integrates two strappers whose position can be varied inside a fixed- length chassis to align with the strap-to-strap distance of adjoining bundles. This design allows it to strap two bun- dles simultaneously without separating the bundle after slitting. By simultaneously strapping, the MAX-Q increases bundle throughputs by 50 percent from 32 per minute in the current SQ4A Tandem System to 48 per minute. “In addition, the MAX-Q features an innovative, pat- ent-pending variable-length roller conveyor that enables a 48 percent reduction in line space compared to the SQ4A Tandem System, from 160.8” to only 83.6”. The space-sav- ing shorter footprint simplifies the high-speed conveying of unstable small box bundles that complicate conven- tional bundling systems. EAM-Mosca’s next generation of bundling systems enables box makers to take full advan- tage of faster flexos and bundle splitters in response to increased demand for small boxes. “The five-headed CTV-SoniXs is an all-electric unitizer designed to allow high throughput when strapping units requiring closer strap spacing, a higher number of straps per unit, or more units per hour. The CTV combines the speed, reliability, and longevity of prior EAM-Mosca So- niXs unitizers with a narrower version of the SoniXs strap- ping head that allows strap spacings as close as 9” with up to 5 heads per unitizer. Heads and tracks may be placed at spacings of 9, 9, 23.5, and 15”. Three straps can be applied in a single hit within 18 inches, and up to 5 straps can be spaced as wide as 56”. “The benefit is a higher percentage of single-hit units, enabling the system to approach peak production levels for a broader range of unit load variation and strapping re- quirements. Importantly, the narrow version of the SoniXs sealing head is a reconfiguration of the previous SoniXs unitizer head that has been the key component for the Mosca Unitizer program for well over a decade. Thus, the narrower version provides customers with all the perfor- mance and reliability of the current SoniXs unitizer head while accommodating the required strap patterns of small loads with a single platen hit. “Given the increase in e-commerce shipments and re- lated small box demand, EAM-Mosca has a proven solu- tion to fill the need for faster throughput to maintain bun- dle or unit load integrity.” For more information, visit eammosca.com . FOSBER/TIRUNA Green Bay, Wisconsin: Todd Evans reports, “Happy New Year and good tidings to all. Fosber America is thankful for the synergy and collaboration we have with our customer base. We continued to move in the right direction for on time component deliveries with indications we can all get CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
“Keep your eyes open for announcements throughout 2024. It will be an exciting year as we bring this technol- ogy to more in our industry; “Box Plant 2025 – Think Be- yond” as we say the “Time To Start Is Now”. “BHS Robotics is prepared for the future as they offer upgrade solutions for non-BHS corrugators as well as ro- botic solutions in the box plant and beyond. Installations of the new BHS Robotics Profeeder took place in 2023 and more installations are planned in 2024. The Profeeder is high-speed six-axis robot with a feed rate of 400 BPM. This is just one example of robotic products developed for the corrugated market. “The development of our “Life Cycle” philosophy and product offerings continues into 2024. We are poised for growth in all “Life Cycle” areas. From our full maintenance programs (M2P), to our flexible programs (M2P Flex), to our audit-based programs (TCI), we have the exact solution to fit your requirements. As with our machinery growth, the M2P product has grown as well. We have also expanded our offerings in Service (ESA) and Parts to better serve our customer’s needs. “BHS Corrugating Rolls continues to set the industry standard with their consistent quality to their industry lead- ing profile designs. BHS Corrugating Rolls is positioned to help you in every capacity. BHS continues to be the lead- er in corrugating rolls in North America and worldwide by producing the most corrugating rolls with shortest lead times and most importantly, at the highest quality. “The BHS product offerings NICE Rolls® (Not Including Capital Expenditure) and C.A.R.E (Corrugating Roll Cart Ex- change) continue to lead the way by providing a cost-ef- fective solution to corrugating roll management. Not only do these programs alleviate the need for upfront capital investment, but they also take away the burden of corru- gating roll planning and execution. “Time to Start is Now “Box Plant 2025 – Think Beyond.” Call (410) 574-1550. Visit www.bhs-world.com . E-mail cweaver@bhs-world.com. EAM-MOSCA Hazle Township, Pennsylvania: Jimmy Dodd reports, “Well known for highly successful bundling and unitizing strap-
ping systems, EAM-Mosca now in- cludes the addition of Movitec rotary ring stretch wrappers to its compet- itive portfolio for the Americas. As a Mosca company since 2021, Movitec is recognized for its outstanding stretch wrapping systems, providing unparalleled protection and stability
Jimmy Dodd
for palletized and unpalletized loads with throughput ca- pabilities of up to 160 loads per hour. By combining sys- tems, customers can expect to benefit from maximized product security, reinforced protection, efficient load con- tainment, and increased damage prevention.
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February 5, 2024
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