Board Converting News, March 10, 2025

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years March 10, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 10

‘Future-Proofing:’ A.G. Stacker’s Path to Digital Transformation BY STEVE YOUNG Joe Wunder, President of A.G. Stacker, displays in his office two props to remind him of the path he has chosen for his company: One is a Blockbuster video card; the other is a Motorola pager. “The Blockbuster card actually has my mom's name on it because she gave it to me when I was a teenager to rent movies,” he explained. “And this is the pager I had in high school when there were no cell phones. The reason why I have them,” he continued, “is that they are a great history on how things change and how you have to look at technology.”

UFP Packaging Opens New Corrugated Plant In Indiana Grand Rapids, Michigan based UFP Packag- ing, a subsidiary of UFP Industries, announced the opening a new 165,000-square-foot cor- rugated facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana, that will continue to undergo advancement and expansion throughout 2025. The latest expansion features advanced graphics and production capabilities for retail and e-commerce markets. “This facility represents UFP Packaging’s commitment to innovation and supporting the evolving needs of our customers across diverse markets,” said Vice President of Pro- tective Packaging Nick Hoffman First opened in late 2024, the Jefferson- ville facility will continue to scale throughout 2025 with machinery to enter new market segments. The company said that the new printing and automated production systems reinforce itself as an emerging leader in cor- rugated solutions. Some of the corrugated capabilities planned for 2025 include: • Color Printers: Dual-sided printing and precision die cutting in one pass • Flexo Folder Gluers: High-speed machines CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

As Wunder tells it, Blockbuster failed to see the future of video en- tertainment and thus met its demise. “Blockbuster didn’t really change,” he said. “They tried at one point, but honestly, they didn’t change quick enough. They didn't evolve; they didn't see the future fast enough.” The Motorola pager, Wunder says, offers a different lesson in how a company can respond to change. “No one uses pagers anymore,” he said. “That died too. But what Motorola did is they got out of the widget-making [flip-phones and pagers] and they said, ‘We are going to be a communication company.’ And that's what Motorola did. So, they build the guts of almost every communication device now. They’re a thriving huge company because they decided, ‘Listen, building a wid- get like the Model T isn’t good enough. We have to continue to evolve. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Joe Wunder, President of A.G. Stacker, with his Blockbuster video card and Motorola pager, reminders that technology changes rapidly, and businesses need to keep up.

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x Packaging Leader Larry Schiffenhaus Dies At 95 SUN Honors Pamila Lin’s Career In Corrugated Industry 10 Registration Open For FBA Meeting In Naples, Florida 12 Fourth Gen Leader Continues Legacy At Accurate Box Co.

CELEBRATING CORRUGATED INNOVATION SINCE 1985

Congratulations, Pamila!

The Employee Owners of SUN Automation proudly celebrate Pamila Lin of Latitude Machinery Company (LMC) for her 41 years of leadership and dedication to the corrugated industry. Her impact has been truly remarkable and we are grateful for the partnership and collaboration we’ve shared over the years. We wish Pamila a fulfilling and joyful retirement!

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry

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

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Types and styles include 500+ stock box SKUs, custom die cuts, point of purchase displays, regular slotted con- tainers (RSC), half slotted containers (HSC), full overlaps (FOL), single, double, and triple wall gaylords, 5-panel box- es, pallet layer pads, box partitions, one piece folders, and digital printing and signage capabilities.

AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION

UFP Packaging Opens (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

• Flatbed Die Cutter: Handles large-format boxes • Rotary Die Cutter: Four-color die cutter with automated box separation The facility blends a strong stock box presence and cus- tom corrugated offerings including custom boxes, stock boxes, point-of-purchase displays, bulk bins, e-commerce shippers, shelf-ready packaging, and corrugated sheets. The company also offers graphic and structural design support with in-house designers and design suite options. Tailored solutions include custom board grades, spe- cific ECT or Mullen ratings, combo runs, and unique style modifications.

Last month, UFP Industries recognized a 70-year mile- stone and also introduced its new CEO, Will Schwartz. “For seven decades, UFP has been at the forefront of in- novation, consistently delivering products that support the world’s physical infrastructure, keep markets moving, and improve people’s lives,” he said. Founded in 1955, the company attributes its success to its ability to recruit and retain high-achieving employees, a down-to-earth company culture and its incentive system that aligns employee interests with shareholders. For more information, email pkgserviceteam@ufpi.com or visit ufppackaging.com/products/corrugated .

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PPC Calls For Entries For Paperboard Packaging Competition The Paperboard Packaging Council has announced sub- missions are now open for the 82nd Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition—the premier opportunity to show- case excellence in folding carton and rigid box design. The competition celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, recognizing the best in our industry. PPC has introduced updated rules and guidelines to ensure a more transparent and comprehensive evaluation process. Please review them carefully to maximize your chances of success. Follow these steps to submit your entries: 1. Review the Rules & Guidelines at paperbox.org . 2. Complete Your Submission at judgify.me/cartoncomp . 3. Send Your Physical Entries with at least two assembled cartons (one with product if not perishable); at least two flats of every size, and ship to: Paperboard Packaging Council ATTN: Kayla Brown-Frye 1350 Main Street, Suite 1100 Springfield, MA 01103 Winners will be honored at the Fall Meeting & Leader- ship Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia Nov. 5-7. For more information, contact Kyra Slocum at (413) 686- 9191 or kyra@paperbox.org.

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Laurence C. Schiffenhaus Passes Away At 95

grandfather to eighteen grandchildren and 6 great-grand- children. Laurence (along with his brother Anton) was a driving force behind the growth of Schiffenhaus Packaging Cor- poration into one of the industry’s most prestigious pack- aging entities, a company founded by his great grandfa- ther in 1895. They led the company into a new era of innovation, focusing on environmentally friendly packaging and ad- vanced printing technologies. His leadership in multiple industry associations en- hanced the company’s reputation and secured its future for his subsequent family generations. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Larry was inducted into the AICC Hall of Fame in 1995. Beyond his life in the box business, Larry was an ac- complished amateur photographer, avid vegetable gar-

Laurence C. Schiffenhaus, a devoted husband, father, and proud US Army veteran passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Laurence (Larry) graduated from Dartmouth College in 1952 and mar- ried the love of his life, Elizabeth V. Schiffenhaus (Betty), before serving in the Korean War. Together, they had an amazing marriage of 74 years and during that

Larry Schiffenhaus

time raised seven children (Chip, Mary Ann, Betsy, Peg- gy, Patty, Peter, and Mark) and he was also the cherished

dener at his homes in New Jersey and Cape Cod, and a big fan of jazz music. He also enjoyed his time on the golf course and his membership and friends at Mont- clair Golf Club in New Jersey. At his request, no formal services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in his mem- ory may be made to the Covenant House of New Jersey ( covenanthouse.org ). Larry lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a lasting legacy in his family and his industry. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. UFP Packaging Invests In Amtech’s EnCore System Grand Rapids, Michigan based UFP Pack- aging announced plans to implement Am- tech’s web-based EnCore system in two of their plants. EnCore is browser based so users can leverage PCs, Macs, and tablets to access the software. UFP Packaging is looking forward to providing their users with the ability to tai- lor the user interface for optimal efficiency This includes a custom home screen with quick links to often used screen in the application, personalized column visibility/ width/position, and the ability to export search results to Excel. UFP Packaging is a full-service provider of packaging solutions and OEM compo- nents to small and large businesses across a wide range of industries. For more information about Amtech and EnCore, visit amtechsoftware.com .

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March 10, 2025

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

Our customers have various needs for scrap and dust collection systems based on several factors including building layout, available space for the equipment, distance conveyed, local codes for noise and height as well as air permitting and available operating and maintenance staff. Change the game with a custom-designed system by G.F. Puhl. It can make all the difference. When it comes to trim collection systems, there’s virtually no problem we haven’t solved.

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

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

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SUN Honors Pamila Lin’s Legacy Following Her Retirement Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation Group hon- ored and extended its heartfelt gratitude to Pamila Lin, General Manager of Latitude Machinery Corp (LMC) following her recent retirement in February. A valued partner and respected industry leader, Lin has played a pivotal role in advancing corrugated technology and strengthening the industry worldwide. For 40 years, Lin has been a cornerstone of the corru- gated industry, pioneering LMC’s success in North Ameri- ca. She began her career in Taiwan in 1984 with TCY and later led LMC’s expansion into the US and Canadian mar- kets. Through her unwavering commitment to quality, ser- vice, and customer satisfaction, Lin played an instrumen- tal role in building LMC’s reputation for high-performance Flexo Folder Gluers and Rotary Die Cutters. Her leader- ship has helped drive the adoption of LMC solutions, with more than 115 machines sold across North America since 2008—a testament to her impact and dedication. “Pamila is an industry trailblazer,” said Greg Jones, Ex- ecutive Vice President of SUN Automation Group. “She deeply understands the demands of the US corrugated market and always does the right thing for her custom- ers. Under her leadership, LMC never wavered in its com- mitment to delivering on time and fulfilling promises—no

matter the challenges. It was a privilege to work alongside her.” Lin’s hands-on approach and technical expertise earned the trust and respect of colleagues and customers alike. “She was one of the most remarkable people I’ve met in this industry,” said Jim Haglund, Chairman of Central Pack- aging Group and longtime customer of LMC. “Pamila could be on the machine explaining every detail, but she was also

an ambassador, a technician, an engineer, and a mentor. The industry will miss her expertise, her warmth, and the immense respect she commanded.” As Lin steps into retirement, Tien Hsiao will take on her responsibilities, to help ensure a seamless transition for LMC customers. SUN Automation Group and LMC remain dedicated to delivering the same exceptional service and support that Lin championed. “We are grateful for Pamila’s contributions and wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement,” added Jones. “Her legacy of excellence will continue as we move forward with the same commitment to our customers.”

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

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March 10, 2025

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Registration Open For FBA Annual Meeting In Naples, Florida The Fibre Box Association looks forward to welcoming its membership on May 4-6 to the Annual Meeting at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, Florida. A celebrated icon on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the property was fully renovated in 2023 and offers an iconic experi- ence and tranquil moments in a luxurious setting. During the first general session, you’ll hear from speak- ers including Laurent Sellier, President and Chief Execu- tive Officer North America for Smurfit Westrock, who will deliver his outlook for manufacturing under President Trump and an engaging conversation about plant safety. Appointed CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas in 2022, Laurent joined the Company in 1994 as an Internal Auditor and since then has worked in several positions across Smurfit Kappa in France, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. Previous to his current position, Laurent was COO of the Smurfit Kappa Europe Paper and Board Di- vision. Laurent graduated from the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris in 1990 and served in the French Navy. In the second session, the newly introduced end-use segment series continues in 2025 with insights into the important produce segment, a dive into new technologies for the corrugated industry and a customer presentation. Other speakers include:

Stephen Moore—an economist and author, serving as a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a co-founder of The Committee to Unleash Prosperity. He is a frequent lecturer to audiences around the world on the US eco- nomic and political outlook, and is the author of six books, including “Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive our Economy.” Moore served as a senior economic advisor to President Trump’s 2016 campaign, drafting tax, budget, and energy policy plans. Sam Richter—a best-selling author and Hall of Fame Speaker, SBR Worldside/Know More. Generative AI is transforming our world at a speed never before seen in history. For the first time, everyone has unprecedented access to harness and shape data, forever changing the landscape of business and lives. You will discover the dif- ference between AI and Generative AI—and how tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini can give your company an immediate competitive advantage. What are the tactical applications to improve operations, marketing, and sales to create massive efficiency, allowing you to spend more time executing strategy and providing value. Golfing will be at the Tiburon, a Greg Norman designed course which is home to the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s Grant Thorton Invita- tional and the Chubb Classic. The course is consistently rated among the top 20 golf facilities in Florida by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. To register, visit fibrebox.org .

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Samara Ronkowitz Named Executive Vice President Of Accurate Box Company Paterson, New Jersey based Accurate Box Company, a manufacturer of litho-laminated corrugated packaging, announced that Samara Ronkow- itz has been named Executive Vice President. As the fourth generation of the Hirsh family to take on a leadership role within the company, Sama- ra’s new role marks an important milestone in the company’s long-stand- ing tradition of family leadership. Founded in 1944, Accurate Box Company has been family-owned and operated for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Lisa Hirsh and her husband, Mark Schlossman—the third-generation leaders since 1997— the company has grown into a 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for litho-laminated packaging. “Thirty years ago, my father began transitioning the business to Mark and me, and now it is our pleasure to start handing over responsibilities to the next leadership team,” said Lisa Hirsh.

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“Our daughter, Samara, has a wonderful team behind her to support this transition, and we are confident in her ability to lead our family busi- ness.” Having been with Accurate Box for over a decade, Samara has inte- grated herself in sales, marketing, customer service, and innovation. Now, as Executive Vice President, Samara will work closely with the leadership team to drive strategic initiatives, strengthen company partnerships, and oversee other core business functions. As she takes on this role, she will gain deeper insight into various aspects of the company and gradually assume more responsibilities to ensure a seamless leadership transition. “I am honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation my family has established,” said Samara. “The compa- ny means the world to me, and I’m thrilled to help lead it into the future.” Accurate Box Company is one of the largest manufacturers of custom litho-laminated corrugated packaging in the United States. All its box- es are sustainability-sourced, 100 percent recyclable, and printed with eco-friendly inks. They ship competitively throughout North America by negotiating freight back-haul rates with its carriers. In business since 1944 and women-owned since 1998, they create packaging for the club store, e-commerce, and quick-service restaurant industries. For more information, visit accuratebox.com . Mark Schlossman, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, third generation; Samara Ronkowitz, Executive Vice President, fourth generation; Lisa Hirsh, CEO & President, third generation; and Charlie Hirsh, Chairman of the Board, second generation.

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International Paper Announces Changes To Executive Leadership Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper an- nounced changes to its executive leadership team. Tim Nicholls has been named Executive Vice President and President of DS Smith, an International Paper compa-

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

ny, reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andy Silvernail. Tim has more than 30 years of in- dustry experience including a variety of business and finance leadership roles. He has served as the CFO of International Paper since 2018 and held the CFO role from 2007 to 2011. From 2014 to 2018, Tim led IP’s Pack-

Tim Nicholls

aging business in North and South America and earlier in his career he was based in Europe as the VP and CFO for IP Europe. He led the IP side of the integration planning for the combination with DS Smith and served as the interim leader of the combined business in EMEA since the close of the transaction. “Tim is an exceptional leader with a passion for people and results. I look forward to working with him in this new leadership role where he can continue to build a strong team that will drive excellence,” said Silvernail. Lance Loeffler will join International Paper as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting

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

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

to Silvernail. Throughout his more than 25-year career, he has worked in finance, strategy and business leadership roles at UBS Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities and Halliburton. At Halliburton, he served as CFO for four years and most re- cently was the SVP, Middle East, and North Africa Region.

Lance Loeffler

“We are thrilled to have Lance join the IP team,” Silver- nail added. “Lance is an effective and experienced CFO and public company leader with a proven track record of performance. He will be an incredible asset in supporting International Paper’s transformational journey as a lead- ing producer of sustainable packaging solutions in North America and EMEA.”

PCA Announces Planned Management Changes

Lake Forest, Illinois based Packaging Corporation of Amer- ica has announced several changes to its management team. Robert (Bob) P. Mundy, PCA’s Executive Vice Pres- ident and Chief Financial Officer, will step down as CFO on May 1 and remain employed by PCA in an advisory role through his planned retirement date of March 1, 2026. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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PCA Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

“Kent has been a member of the senior leadership team for 18 years as a trusted advisor to our board of di- rectors and me and has significantly contributed to the de- velopment and implementation of PCA’s strategy. He has a strong accounting and finance background and is very familiar with our finance function. “Tom has had a remarkable 45-plus-year career with PCA. He joined in 1977 and was quickly promoted to se- nior-level roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as PCA’s Executive Vice President, a role he has held since 2009. During his tenure, he has been the key driver of our profitable revenue growth strategy. “As President, Tom will be involved in all strategic deci- sions of the company. He will continue to be fully engaged in the leadership of the corrugated products business as well. In addition, Tom will now lead the next phase of our growth strategy. He will be responsible for allocation of capital to drive our business in support of our customers and continue to lead acquisition opportunities. “Ray has had a successful career at PCA, first on the mill side of the business, and for the last seven years, exe- cuting capital projects for our box plants. His contributions have led to best-in-class production capabilities for our customers. “Ray’s accomplishments and business acumen have earned him a great deal of respect across our organiza- tion, and he is perfectly aligned to manage the corrugated products business.”

Bob has served as PCA’s CFO since 2015. Kent A. Pflederer, PCA’s General Counsel since he joined PCA in 2007, will become PCA’s Executive Vice President and CFO on May 1. Thomas A. Hassfurther, PCA’s Executive Vice President, Corrugated Products has been named President of PCA. Tom will continue to report to Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, and will oversee PCA’s strategic growth efforts in addition to leading the corrugated products business. Tom has led PCA’s corrugated products business since 2009 and joined PCA in 1977. D. Ray Shirley, PCA’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Engineering and Process Technology since 2019, has been named Executive Vice President, Corrugated Prod- ucts. Ray will report to Tom Hassfurther and assume day- to-day management of the corrugated products business. Ray has worked for PCA since 1996 in various business and operational roles across PCA’s containerboard and corrugated products system. Ray will continue to oversee all aspects of PCA’s engineering and technology. “Bob has been instrumental to PCA’s growth and suc- cess over the last ten years. As a 45-year industry veteran, he brought considerable operational and strategic exper- tise to complement his leadership of our finance function. I am very pleased that he will remain with PCA to assist in the transition of the CFO role to Kent,” Kowlzan said.

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Gluing on Specialty Folder Gluers is Our Specialty

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Koenig & Bauer Names Bridget Rice Northeast Territory Sales Manager Dallas, Texas based Koenig & Bauer (US) has announced a key addition to its sales team. Bridget Rice is joining the

providing them with opportunities and profitable solutions for their businesses.” Rice joins the firm with an outstanding resume in the printing industry. She has spent her entire career as a sales representative and account manager with the larg- est and most reputable graphic arts corporations, earning a reputation as the top worldwide sales representative and displaying a proven track record of consultative solu- tion-based sales strategies. “We are proud to welcome Bridget to our sales team,” says Alex G. Stepanian, Regional Sales Director of Koenig & Bauer (US). “She is a knowledgeable and strong leader who builds positive customer relationships. Her multi-de- cade experience as a print production specialist for sheet- fed and digital press markets makes her a tremendous as- set to our team where she will deliver custom solutions for our customers.”

company as its new Northeast Terri- tory Sales Manager, taking over for Edward Heffernan, who recently re- tired after more than 20 years with the company. “I’m thrilled to join Koenig & Bau- er,” says Rice. “Its legacy of innova- tion and excellence in print technol- ogy is unrivaled, and I’m excited to

Bridget Rice

contribute to its continued success. I’m looking forward to meeting one-on-one with current and potential clients and

DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION

AF&PA Responds To 25% Tariffs On Canada, Mexico The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico and related retaliatory measures: “While we recognize the Administra- tion’s goals of securing our borders, AF&- PA remains concerned that today’s new North American tariffs have potential to seriously disrupt our industry’s complex, cross-border supply chains. “These manufacturing processes have been built and refined with the customer in mind around existing mill infrastructure for decades. “Pulp and paper mills are strategically located across the United States to effi- ciently and sustainably create essential products for everyday use. “From turning wood chips into pulp, pulp into base stock, and then transform- ing that raw material into a product that is then packaged for distribution, our indus- try’s manufacturing process involves many stages that can each happen at different facilities on both sides of the border. “Additionally, certain raw material in- puts must be sourced from Canada due to specific fiber quality demands and trans- portation efficiencies. “The U.S. forest products industry em- ploys more than 925,000 people, largely

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

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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AF&PA Responds (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

in rural communities across the country. We rely on Can- ada and Mexico as key trading partners and strongly en- courage them to continue addressing concerns raised by the U.S. government. “We look forward to continued conversations with the Administration to highlight our industry’s contributions to the American economy and workforce in an effort to avoid longer term disruption to U.S. pulp, paper and packaging manufacturing operations.”

Maritime Paper Celebrates Installation Of Mitsubishi FFG

Precision Anilox & Glue Roll Technology

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia based Maritime Paper Products Limited announced the successful installation and com- missioning of its newest Mitsubishi EVOL 4-color Flexo Folder Gluer at its Dartmouth facility.

The company said the $18.8 million investment is the largest capital project in Maritime Paper’s history and marks a significant step in advancing its printing and con- verting capabilities. The occasion was celebrated with employees, in- vestment partners, customers, and elected officials from ACOA and Invest Nova Scotia, whose support has been instrumental in bringing theproject to life. With contributions including a $3.7 million business de- velopment incentive from Invest Nova Scotia and a $3 mil- lion repayable contribution from the Government of Can- ada (ACOA), this milestone reflects a shared commitment to innovation and growth in Atlantic Canada’s packaging industry. “This investment ensures that we are responsive to the increasing demand for sustainable products and that we remain modern, relevant, and efficient for our existing and future local and international customers. As Maritime Pa- per continues to grow, this initiative will increase our pro- duction capacity by approximately 33 percent,” said Shel- don Gouthro, President and CEO, Maritime Paper Products Limited.

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CREATIVE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS SINCE 1929

US Treasury To Cease Enforcement Of Corporate Transparency Act The US Treasury Department announced a major policy change on March 2 saying it will not enforce the Corpo- rate Transparency Act (CTA) against beneficial owners or domestic companies and will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies instead. In the interest of “hard-working American taxpayers and small businesses,” the Treasury said it will not be enforcing any penalties or fines against US citizens or domestic companies under the existing regulatory dead- lines, previously set by FinCEN for March 21, after the rule changes take effect. “This is a victory for common sense,” said U.S. Secre- tary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Today’s action is part of President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American prosperity by reining in burdensome regulations, in par- ticular for small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy.” The CTA was signed into law in 2021 and targets indi- viduals who “seek to conceal their ownership of corpora- tions, limited liability companies, or similar entities in the US to facilitate illicit activity, including money laundering, the financing of terrorism, proliferation financing, serious tax fraud, human and drug trafficking, counterfeiting, pi- racy, securities fraud, financial fraud and acts of foreign

corruption harming the national security interests of the United States.” Those critical of the CTA beneficial ownership rule have cited compliance costs, lack of awareness of the require- ments for small businesses, and costly penalties. Others have declared in lawsuits that CTA is unconstitutional. ‘How to Maximize Labor and Machine Efficiency’ Webinar Set For April 2 AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, announc- es open registration for a free webinar on, “How to Maxi- mize Labor and Machine Efficiency,” set for 2:00 p.m. East- ern on April 2. The webinar will show you how an integrated, automat- ed solution can help you streamline your factory floor by automatically assigning tasks to work orders, minimizing manual data entry and errors, and more. Speakers are Wayne Stocks, a software engineer, and Sharon DiRe, a senior product marketing manager for Ad- vantive’s packaging and manufacturing solutions. Wayne has worked for Kiwiplan for 32 years in a variety of roles, including QA Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Develop- ment Manager, Product Manager, and Software Engineer. Sharon has more than 15 years in the marketing field with extensive experience in researching and assessing indus- try and market trends. To register, visit aiccbox.org .

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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A.G. Stacker (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

We know how to make communication technology. We don't need to make a pager. We’ll do the guts of it.’” “This is our mindset: it can be a stacker; it can be a bundle-breaker; it can be anything. We're going to collabo- rate with the customer, but we're going to have this scope of work that's basically like Motorola—they’re really good at communication. We’re going to be good at designing equipment that connects to everything. That’s why and where we’re going.” Thirty-Six Patents, And Counting Wunder’s Blockbuster and Motorola analogies elegant- ly reflect his vision for A.G. Stacker, which next year will

celebrate its 30th Anniversary. The company, headquar- tered in Shenandoah Valley hamlet of Weyers Cave, Vir- ginia, was founded in 1996 by Clarence and Helen Allen. The Allens began as a full-service rigging company for plant moves, machine installations and workflow redesign, and after years of experience in improving plant layout for greater efficiency, they applied their growing knowledge base to the design and manufacture of material handling equipment and systems, most notably stackers for rota- ry die cutters. Their first model was delivered in the year 2000. Today, the company holds 36 patents on various innovations in material handling component designs and software applications to improve the speed and through- put of corrugated boxmaking equipment. More are in de- velopment. Joe Wunder’s background as an electrical and comput- Eric Stempihar, Senior Design and Project Engineer, demon- strates A.G.’s eTAMP system.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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A.G. IS MORE THAN STACKERS  we provide a full line of converting solutions and technology designed to maximize uptime, speed, and precision. With our innovative systems, you can meet growing customer needs without compromise. Stay ahead of demand with technology that works as hard as you do.

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UPGRADE YOUR PRODUCTION. VISIT WWW.AGSTACKER.COM .

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A.G. Stacker (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

er engineer has informed his leadership of A.G. and has propelled the company into the world-class manufacturer it is today. He received his undergraduate degree in elec- trical engineering from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia, and his MBA from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. He arrived at A.G. in 2017 after spending a combined 11 years at an Allen-Bradley and Siemens sup- plier of electrical panels, components, and engineering to the company. “I knew the Allens,” he recalls. “I was an automation engineer for a major electrical distributor, and so I helped them with their PLCs (Programmable Logic Controller) and control cabinets on and off for 10 years. They were great to me, but they beat me up on price when they had to.” The Allens offered Wunder a position when they learned he was looking for a new role, and he immediately accepted. Shortly after accepting the role, the Allens then asked him to be director of engineering and operations. “Three months after that they asked me to be President.” ‘Digital Connection’ And ‘Human Interaction’ Wunder points to the digital transformation in corru- gated converting technology in recent years, especially through developments in machine connectivity and human interaction. This, he says, is the basis for A.G.’s collabora- tive mindset, adding that while machine connectivity has been around for many years for predictive maintenance or identification of component failure, the technology is limit- ed in its ability to optimize machine performance. “When you talk about remote connection, everyone can do it. But in my mind, that’s ‘90s, early 2000s,” he said. “We need to go beyond that, and so we’re adding collab- oration with the equipment, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) so a person can actually work with it.” Wunder uses this example as a definition of “Industry 5.0,” where the human-machine interaction allows re- al-time process modification and improves safety for the worker. Pointing to A.G.’s own manufacturing floor, he says, “You’ll see out here what we’re doing is getting into collaborative robots, or ‘cobots,’ where a person can actu- ally work next to the robot safely. It’s not like a standard ro- bot that has to be guarded and fenced off. A cobot doesn’t need a fence; you can go right up to it, and it stops in a safe manner that won’t hurt you.” This technology, he said, is being introduced into A.G.’s automatic load forming lines to allow box makers the flexibility of using the automated cobot, or employing a worker for orders that may require more human oversight of the process. ‘Future-Proofing’ “That’s why we want to collaborate with our custom- ers,” he explained. “Everything we do is a digital platform. We just add it—like your phones, you get an update.” This platform approach, says Wunder, is the basis for A.G.’s line of “eSERIES” machines which are fully electric, modular systems without the predominance of hydraulics or pneu-

ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com

Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.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.

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.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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