Board Converting News, July 6, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 July 6, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 27

Buckeye Boxes Paves Path With Innovation BY GREG KISHBAUGH

IP To Close Multiple U.S. Facilities

Memphis, Tennessee based International Pa- per (IP), a sustainable packaging solutions provider, is set to close more plants in the US by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Operations due for closure are its sheet plant in Aurora, Illinois and preprint activity at its Richwood, Kentucky site, along with con- verting facilities in Elk Grove, California, and Barrington, New Jersey. Affected employees will receive outplace- ment support, severance and benefits. To maintain supply, the company is transi- tioning impacted customers to alternative re- gional facilities. Earlier this year, International Paper’s packaging plants in Compton, Cali- fornia, and Louisville, Kentucky, ceased their operations. The closures affected 125 and 93 employees, respectively. In 2025, it shut down the Red River con- tainerboard mill in Campti, Louisiana; a recy- cling plant in Phoenix, Arizona; a box plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; and a sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The company said the latest downsizing efforts are intended to streamline its oper- ating network and direct spending towards

As the third generation President of Buckeye Boxes in Columbus, Ohio, Chris Pieroni has spent a lifetime learning about the industry he has called home. As he looks over the competitive landscape today, his conclusion for remaining relevant is very straight-forward: “You must do more with less.” In order to make that possible for Buckeye, Pieroni had to do some- thing past company executives had been hesitant to tackle — invest in new technology.

As such, over the course of a decade he oversaw the investment of $11 million, which radically redefined the company’s capabilities. At the cornerstone of the investments was a new top-of-the-line ApStar HG2 1228 flexo folder gluer from Haire Group, Merrillville, Indiana. The addition of the flexo folder-gluer from Haire changed the com- pany’s trajectory, Jim Mullins, Production Manager, said, as did Buck- eye’s additional investments. “We doubled the productivity with half the machinery and half the employees,” he said. From The Beginning Pieroni’s grandfather started the company in a (literal) junkyard with three partners in 1966, all of whom he soon bought out. As testament to his grandfather’s business acumen, all three of his ex-partners re- mained employed at the company for the remainder of their careers until they all retired. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 President Chris Pieroni takes pride on the wide range of products Buckeye produces for its customers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE 8 A.G. Stacker Recognized By Siemens As Valued OEM 10 Barry-Wehmiller Names Chapman Board Chairman 12 TRG, BHS Reach Milestone With First BHS Jetliner In U.S. 14 Amtech Introduces New Capabilities For Hand Assembly

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

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Numbers at a Glance: Reduction of DC

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The SUN625 HD retains the fixed-frame, vertically opening design that made the original a success. With structural upgrades, increased load capacity, enhanced speed, and reduced wear, the SUN625 HD redefines productivity and durability in high-volume production environments.

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry

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BCN/AICC Innovator Of The Year Now Accepting Entries AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is now accepting entries for the 2026 AICC & Board Converting News Innovator of the Year Competition in the Non-Ma- chinery Category. The Innovator of the Year Competition was developed more than two decades ago as a forum for box makers and suppliers to showcase their most impactful innova- tions. Each year, the AICC Plant Innovations Committee reviews submitted entries and selects finalists, which are then presented to attendees of AICC/TAPPI 2026 Corru- gated Week for voting. The 2026 Competition is focused on the Non-Machin- ery Category and is open exclusively to AICC Associate (Supplier) Members. This category provides suppliers with an opportunity to showcase innovations introduced after September 2023 that may include, but are not limited to: Computer systems, software, and information technologies, inks and coatings, linerboards and substrates, adhesives, consulting ser- vices, quality and management control systems, admin- istrative support solutions, financial services, training and educational programs. All entries must be submitted by Friday, August 14, 2026, to Chelsea May at cmay@AICCbox.org.

IP To Close (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

“highest-value” areas, and the decision is in line with its plan to improve its cost base. International Paper North America packaging solutions executive vice-president and president Tom Hamic said: “These are difficult but necessary decisions that strength- en our network, focus investments where they create the

greatest value and position International Paper to better serve customers and compete for the long term. “We are grateful to the employees affected and are committed to supporting them through this transition and ensuring a seamless experience for our customers.” Meanwhile, last month, the company started construc- tion of a new packaging plant in Rankin County, Mississip- pi, with the project entailing an investment of $225 million. The development involves a 468,000 square-foot corru- gated packaging facility on an 80-acre site at the East Met- ro Centre in Brandon.

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FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

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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 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 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: 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: 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. 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 hauler is changing out the container. Problem: No budget for a new system.

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A.G. Stacker Recognized By Siemens As Valued OEM

The visiting group toured A.G.’s manufacturing facility and viewed several systems in production, with discus- sions centered around machine controls, electrical inte- gration, HMI & SCADA technologies, and the future of in- dustrial automation in corrugated operations. Siemens plays an important role in supporting A.G.’s equipment platforms through electrical and automation technologies that help power high-performance corru- gated machinery systems. The collaboration reflects both

A.G. Stacker recently welcomed representatives from Sie- mens and WESCO International to its Weyers Cave, Virgin- ia headquarters for a facility tour and collaborative discus- sions surrounding innovation in the corrugated industry. During the visit, Siemens presented A.G. with a “Valued

OEM” recognition plaque honoring the company’s commit- ment to “Innovating Solutions in the Corrugated Industry.” The visit highlighted the long-standing relationship be- tween the companies and their shared focus on advanc- ing automation, industry 4.0 & 5.0, and digital technologies within modern manufacturing environments.

companies’ commitment to innovation, reliability, and de- livering advanced solutions to the industry. “We appreciate Siemens and WESCO taking the time to visit our facility and recognize our relationship,” said Joe Wunder, President of A.G. Visit: www.agstacker.com .

8 July 6, 2026

THIS ITALIAN MASTERPIECE IS USHERING IN A CORRUGATED Renasce

A renaissance of sophistication and innovation is upon us with the introduction of Haire’s Encore FD 821 Flexo Folder Gluer . With features like full servo design, set-up-while-run print units, and revolutionary rotary shear glue tab technology, this Italian-designed and -manufactured marvel is bridging world-class design and cutting-edge speed. Experience the rebirth of corrugated production—where timeless craftsmanship meets modern performance.

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Barry-Wehmiller Names Chapman Chairman Of The Board St. Louis, Missouri based Barry-Wehmiller, the privately held, 141-year-old, $4 billion global platform of industri-

organization’s commitment to redefining success in busi- ness by showing that “it is possible to achieve extraordi- nary financial strength without compromising your commit- ment to people,” Chapman explained. “Barry-Wehmiller is at an inflection point in its history,” said Chapman. “We’re poised for incredible growth. And as we grow, as we redefine success in business, we're go- ing to attract more talent, complete more acquisitions, de- velop more leaders and have more influence. People are going to want to adopt our methodology.” After earning his Bachelor of Science in commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, Kyle’s career started at Banc of America Cap- ital Investors, where he completed approximately $300 million in investments across various industries. In 2009, he co-founded BW Forsyth Partners — Barry-Wehmiller’s $850 million-plus hybrid equity firm. From 2015–2019, Kyle

al and packaging automation, pro- fessional services and life sciences technology, has announced that Kyle Chapman has been elected Chair- man of the Board. In this role, Kyle succeeds his late father, Bob Chapman, who led the company for five decades. Kyle has

Kyle Chapman

served as President of Barry-Wehmiller since 2020 and as CEO since 2025. His election to Chairman builds upon the foundation established by his father and advances the

served as a Strategic Financial Advisor to Barry-Wehmiller’s leadership team, and in 2020, he was appointed Barry-Wehmiller’s Interim Chief Financial Officer before be- ing named President later that year. “In his 15-plus years at Barry-Wehmill- er, Kyle has risen to every responsibili- ty placed before him,” said Chet Walker, Board Member, Barry-Wehmiller. “He does not simply carry his father's name. He carries his father's conviction, backed by a sharp and tested business mind of his own, and a clear-eyed understanding that our measure of success is not found on a balance sheet alone, but in the lives we touch and the trust we earn. This transition mirrors, in some ways, the one that shaped Bob himself. When Bob lost his father in 1976, he stepped forward and built some- thing extraordinary. We believe Kyle will do the same and we believe Bob knew it, too.” Bob Chapman, who passed away ear- lier this year, led Barry-Wehmiller’s trans- formation from traditional management practices to Truly Human Leadership — a people-centric approach where Bar- ry-Wehmiller team members feel valued, cared for and an integral part of the com- pany’s purpose. In a blog post following Kyle’s appoint- ment as CEO, Bob wrote, “In Kyle, I see not only the future of Barry-Wehmiller but also the future of business itself — a future where leaders prioritize humanity as much as profitability, where care and compas- sion are as integral to decision-making as strategy and execution. As he steps fully into this role, I know that our legacy is se- cure, and I feel an immense sense of hope for what lies ahead.”

10 July 6, 2026

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TRG, BHS Reach Milestone With First BHS Jetliner Xceed In U.S. Following the initial announcement of Cicero, Illinois based TRG Packaging and Display Solutions’ investment in the BHS Jetliner Xceed, a major milestone has now been reached: TRG, one of the nation’s largest independent cor- rugated packaging and display manufacturers, and BHS Corrugated, the world’s leading provider of solutions for the corrugated industry, are celebrating the successful in- stallation and full operation of the first BHS Jetliner Xceed digital preprint press in the United States. Installed at TRG's facility in Zionsville, Indiana, the BHS Jetliner Xceed represents the collaborative partnership between the two companies to bring industrial-scale digi- tal preprint technology to the North American corrugated market. Together, TRG and BHS Corrugated have transformed an ambitious vision into a production-ready platform. Un- like traditional approaches that require individual facilities to maintain their own high-graphic print capabilities, TRG's centralized preprint model distributes digitally printed rolls and sheets across its converting network, extending ad- vanced digital printing capabilities throughout its 24 facil- ities. As a result, the BHS Jetliner Xceed helps TRG meet growing demand for faster turnaround times, greater SKU flexibility, and more agile packaging programs.

“The successful launch of the Xceed is a significant step forward for TRG, our customers, and the industry,” said Kevin Miller, CEO of TRG Packaging and Display Solu- tions. “By combining this game-changing technology with our manufacturing network, we're delivering new levels of speed, flexibility, and graphic capability.”

“This achievement highlights the strong partnership between BHS Corrugated and TRG,” said Greg Grdinich, Chief Sales Obicer - NASA (North America / South Amer- ica) at BHS Corrugated. “Together, we are showing how advanced digital print technology can be successfully implemented in a demanding production environment.” Nils Gottfried, Senior Sales Manager Digital Print at BHS Corrugated, added: “Seeing the first Xceed in the U.S. en- ter production is an exciting milestone and a clear sign of how digital print innovation can deliver measurable perfor- mance on the production floor.” The successful launch of the BHS Jetliner Xceed demonstrates what can be achieved when innovative technology and operational expertise come together.

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Amtech Introduces New Capabilities For Hand Assembly, Fulfillment Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech, a leading provider of AI-powered software solutions for the corru- gated industry, has announced the launch of a new suite geared toward hand work, which has capabilities that helps box and sheet plants centrally manage hand as- sembly, assembled products, contract packaging, and val- ue-add fulfillment services. As containerboard and sheet costs continue to rise, corrugated manufacturers are facing increasing margin pressure. At the same time, customers are seeking broad- er packaging solutions, from kits and displays to pack-out, fulfillment, and contract packaging services. These val- ue-add offerings create opportunities for corrugated busi- nesses to protect margins, strengthen customer relation- ships, and expand revenue with less exposure to board and sheet price increases. This new suite gives manufacturers two levels of ca- pability for managing diversified products and services. The first level – EnCore Assembled Products – supports assembled products such as kits, sets, displays, and oth- er hand assembly workflows. The second level – EnCore Contract Packaging – extends these capabilities for more complex contract packaging, pack-out, and co-manufac- turing operations including customer-supplied materials, component tracking, line reconciliation, variance visibility, and audit support. The suite also includes new hand assembly schedul- ing capabilities in Amtech's Advanced Planning Board, en- abling schedulers to manage converting and hand assem- bly work together. This gives teams better visibility into crew sizing, capacity, person-hour requirements, and the relationship between converting production and down- stream assembly or fulfillment. “Amtech worked directly with the industry to deliver a solution that simplifies the planning, scheduling, exe- cution, and tracking of assembled products and contract packaging,” said Danna Nelson, SVP of Products at Am- tech. “With these new offerings, we are enabling our cus- tomers to strengthen their operations while expanding the commercial offerings they can bring to market.” By bringing these workflows into EnCore and Ad- vanced Planning Board, Amtech helps corrugated manu- facturers reduce the time, cost, and complexity of siloed spreadsheets, homegrown databases, and point solutions primarily built for 3PLs. Plants can manage complex prod- uct structures, components, hand assembly lines, produc- tion reporting, inventory activity, and scheduling from a unified operating platform. This new suite targeted at hand work is part of Amtech's continued investment in helping corrugated manufactur- ers capture new revenue opportunities through diversified products and services. Visit: amtechsoftware.com .

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Operator Savings & Safety TopBot reduces dependance on manual labor for dunnage application; reducing direct cost and potential for injury of operators working in a moving conveyor zone.

Read the articles in Board Converting News every week to learn about the people, places and machinery that will open the doors to new or repeat business.

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

14 July 6, 2026

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ASSEMBLED PRODUCTS AND CONTRACT PACKAGING REQUIRED EXTRA HANDLING – UNTIL NOW Specialty packaging diversifies revenue, deepens customer relationships, and protects margins against board-grade price pressure.

Point-of-purchase displays, packaging solutions, and contract packaging require more coordination than standard converting without investing in new equipment.

Every job that relies on clipboards, spreadsheets, and disconnected systems force manual exceptions at every step, materials chased, schedules built offline, production reconciled after the fact.

Amtech changes that.

Built on 40+ years of industry expertise, Amtech’s Assembled Products and Contract Packaging solutions bring planning, scheduling, inventory, and reconciliation into a single connected operating model.

What plants can do with better:

Schedule hand assembly alongside converting productio n.

Improve line-level execution.

Manage complex assembled product structures.

Support compliance and traceability.

Assembly and packout needs to be done by hand. Purchasing, scheduling, inventory, and reporting don’t.

Whether your plant offers contract packaging or is exploring it, Amtech makes complex work easier to plan, execute, and scale.

Business expansion is coming to a plant near you. Make it yours.

Learn more at www.amtechsoftware.com.

AICC Announces Leadership Restructure For Growth, Innovation AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has an- nounced a series of promotions and an organizational re- structuring effective at the close of fiscal year 2026, posi- tioning the Association for continued growth, innovation, and service to its membership. The changes, shared by AICC President Michael M. D'Angelo, encompass seven promotions, including the establishment of one newly cre- ated role. The restructuring goal is simple: to strengthen the As- sociation's capacity to serve our members better. “These changes bring important clarity to our organi- zation and create clear opportunities for a collaborative work environment between and within departments,” said D'Angelo. Cindy Huber has been promoted to Senior Director of Conventions & Meetings, overseeing the continued devel- opment of the Association's convention and meeting pro- gramming.

Specialty Folder Gluers

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Cindy Huber

Virginia Humphrey Chelsea May

WANTED BY BOARD CONVERTING NEWS

Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )

Laura Mihalick

Patrick Moore

Virginia Humphrey has been promoted to Senior Direc- tor of Communications, Data Benchmarking & Innovation, a newly created position. In this role, Virginia Humphrey will remain responsible for BoxScore and the Breaking Down Boxes podcasts. She will additionally serve as the AICC resource for advancing the Association's member value and data-driven impact across surveys, benchmark- ing, and applied innovation, including artificial intelligence. Virginia will also serve as Staff liaison with the AICC Inno- vation Sub-Committee. Chelsea May has been promoted to Director of Opera- tions & Events, formalizing her responsibility for office op- erations while retaining her role on the Convention and Meetings team, including Emerging Leaders. Laura Mihalick has been promoted to Director of Con- ventions & Meetings, supporting the continued growth of the Association's convention and meetings initiatives. Patrick Moore has been promoted to Director of Mem- CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting! Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-Makers READ BCN Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

16 July 6, 2026

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We’ve got our customers cov ered... TM

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Manufacturing Day 2026 Scheduled For October

AICC Restructure (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

bership, assuming sole responsibility for membership re- cruitment and retention while continuing his management of the Foundation for Packaging Education's donors and record keeping.

The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Man- ufacturers (NAM), has announced that its 2026 Manufac- turing Day (MFG Day) will take place on October 2. Each year on the first Friday in October (with events con- tinuing throughout the month and beyond), manufacturers and their partners across the country open their doors to students, educators, parents and community members to show what modern manufacturing really looks like. Plant tours, hands-on activities, career conversations, classroom visits and community events are changing the way a new generation sees our industry. An event qualifies as an official MFG Day event if it meets one or more of the following criteria: Expands awareness of modern manufacturing careers among any audience; positively shifts perceptions of the manufac- turing industry; or inspires individuals of any age or back- ground to explore manufacturing as a career path. MFG Day belongs to everyone who believes in the fu- ture of American manufacturing, and every effort to ad- vance that mission is part of the movement. There is no required date, no minimum attendance and no formal reg- istration process. For more information, visit www.mfgday.com .

Rebecca Rendon has been pro- moted to Director of Education & Leadership Development, recogniz- ing her leadership in the education transition following the retirement of Taryn Pyle and her many contribu- tions to Packaging University and oth-

Rebecca Rendon

er AICC education programming. Alyce Ryan has been promoted to Director of Market- ing, assuming sole responsibility for the AICC and the Foundation for Packaging Education brands, image, and promotion.

Together, these leadership ap- pointments strengthen AICC's ability to better serve its members through enhanced education, events, commu- nications, and membership support. By providing the tools, resources, and

Alyce Ryan

industry insights companies need to succeed, AICC re- mains committed to helping members grow, connect, and thrive in the paper packaging industry. Visit: www.aiccbox.org .

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18 July 6, 2026

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100% Recycled Containerboard from Domtar

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Buckeye (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

• Four-shaft servo dual slotter for versatility, extraordi- nary scoring and virtually no slotting knife changes; • Movable center head that allows for different slotting configurations; • High-speed, top-loading Counter Ejector for die-cutting and smaller bundle quantities; • Available with Scrap Master for customers needing a scrap management system (optional); and • Dual servo slotter virtually eliminates knife changes. The excitement generated by the ApStar folder gluer is shared throughout the facility.

Pieroni joined the company in 1994, with a mindset heavily geared toward a solutions-oriented leadership. He felt it was important to reevaluate the traditional expecta- tions of sales from the very start. Over the past five years, in particular, the industry has changed irrevocably and companies need to address these new dynamics head-on. “I started with the company in sales and felt that the best way to build lasting relationships was to pay attention to customers’ business needs first and then friendships

The ApStar flexo folder gluer from Haire has vastly improved production capacity at Buckeye.

will build from that,” he said. “Particularly since Covid, the role of technical sales person is of greater value. Since everyone is doing more with less, the same holds true of our customers. They need less old-school ‘wine and dine’ sales and more laser-focused attention to their immediate needs. If we say we are going to deliver for our customers, that’s what we do.” The nature of sales has changed substantially, Pieroni said. “The technology we implement in our facility allows us to be much more considerate with our customers’ time. I sell more now ‘off the road’ than I did when I was full-time sales,” he said. “Five times as much.” A New Age The addition of the ApStar flexo folder gluer ushered in a new age for the company, allowing it to streamline its operation and seek out new avenues for production. Among its standard features the Apstar includes: • Servo Lead Edge Feeder; • Remote Ethernet connection for 24/7 support; • SUN Microgrind for a consistent cutting and creasing surface throughout the life of the anvil blankets; • Siemens PLCs and touch screens throughout; • Impulse dust management system for highest quality graphics and more machine uptime; • Components that include Pamarco anilox rolls, CUE blankets, Rexroth, ABB, SEW Euro drive, ARO;

“The capacity has been through the roof now,” said Spencer Wade, Field Sales Manager. “The output those machines achieve has allowed us to have so much more capacity with less machines, less people.” Wade has been involved with Buckeye his entire life — his father started working at the company when Wade was only six months old. In a delightful demonstration of symmetry, Wade came to work full-time for the company when his own daughter was six months old. “I’ve been around Chris Pieroni my entire life,” he said. “A lot of the people still working here watched me grow up. Chris operates with a true open-door policy and his management style is built on respect and listening to ev- eryone’s input.” A move that Wade contributes to his success on the sales side is being tasked with serving in customer service for his first six months with the company. “Getting a first- hand crash course in how customers look at the company, what they expect, how they react, was an invaluable ex- perience.” Mullins, who started with the company in 1994 full-time, has seen every expansion and installation along the way. The company provided him a wide array of experience in all aspects of production. “I began as a general laborer,” he said. “In time, I

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Buckeye (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

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worked on the rotary diecutter and then the flexo. I was in maintenance for a time. In 1999 I went into management of the second shift we had running at the time. “From 2006 until now, I’ve been in my current posi- tion, overseeing the whole facility,” Mullins said. “There’s been such enormous change from when I started. When I first came through these doors, everything was handset with long setups, all hand fed. Our first high-speed piece of equipment was a J&L. We purchased another J&L Spe- cialty Folder Gluer and the first one was phased out. Then we actively began weeding out all the older machines and upgrading everything so that the machines were fully au- tomated with pre-feeders. “The addition of the flexo machine from Haire brought us to a new level,” Mullins continued. “Its durability, its run- nability; the Haire equipment is like night and day from the equipment we used to run compared to now. At the time of purchase, Haire promised a 15-20 minute setup time. Our guys are setting it up in 5 to 7 minutes.” Perfect Timing It is said that timing is everything. It is also something that is very often completely out of a company’s control. “As it turns out, the major steps toward installing the Haire flexo folder gluer were done during Covid,” Pieroni said. “While it was no one’s idea of the perfect time for such a big investment, we knew delaying it would only hurt us and our customers. “So, in the course of nine months during the pandem- ic, two flexos were pulled out and the new Haire machine was installed. This allowed one shift on the ApStar to out- perform and run more product than two crews on the two prior flexo models combined.” An ApStar diecutter was added at the same time, which allowed Buckeye to reduce eight shifts on its prior ma- chine down to just three. “We were running out of work because the machine eats paper,” he laughed. In 2016, the company had 79 associates; it is now run- ning with 37. The lead-up to the installation of the flexo folder gluer was long as Pieroni spent the necessary time to explain to management at the time, and the board of directors, why the investment was so important. “Haire was very patient as we considered every op- tion,” Pieroni said. “They toured us through other facilities that were running the ApStar machine to watch it in action, and they provided us with every data point we needed and requested. “We are not just buying a piece of equipment, we are entering into a partnership,” he concluded. “Haire under- stands that.” During the pandemic, Buckeye also moved to better control the data within the company in order to make more informed decisions going forward. “We installed an EnCore system from Amtech. It was

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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.

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Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

a huge leap for us. With the system, you’re getting better data. We can analyze things that were out of reach to us before, which makes us much more efficient.” Another sea-change Pieroni has witnessed — and ac- tively driven — is the way in which the competitive rival- ry between integrated and independent boxmakers has shifted. Where many sheet plant owners saw only barriers in the past, Pieroni saw opportunity.

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.

“It’s obvious that an integrated company’s size provides many benefits but in turn, it also offers many restrictions. There is so much work that we can do better and more ef- ficiently than integrateds can; it only makes sense that we make ourselves available to deliver the work for custom- ers that the bigger companies cannot provide, for whatev- er reason. So, I’ve worked more with integrated compa- nies in the past 5 years than at any other time in Buckeye’s history. We each have capabilities the other doesn’t have.” At A Crossroads At the moment, Buckeye finds itself at another cross- roads. With the efficiencies from its new technology allow- ing the company to cut back on staff during its transitional period, it now must look to hiring additional staff to take full advantage of the productivity the machines offer. “Our technology, including the machinery from Haire, has added so much capacity that we are currently turning work away, so we need to add people in order to run more shifts,” Pieroni said. “I need to expand the shifts and quit denying orders.” The challenges associated with hiring new employees is well-known throughout the corrugated industry (and be- yond). “In general the labor supply is getting a little better,” Pieroni said. “Not great, but better. As managers, we have to accept the realization that new hires are not as moti- CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 Buckeye has invested significant time and money into the or- ganization of its plant, continually striving to improve produc- tivity and quality.

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Buckeye (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

vated by just money anymore. There are other things to consider, like flexibility of schedule. “We are an ESOP, (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company which is highly appealing to workers as they have a vested interest in the performance of the compa- ny. We also offer substantial bonuses based on employee performance; we have a 401k program. “We provide very good compensation for our employ- ees,” he continued. “We also offer a referral program to employees who recommend new workers. It provides them an additional bonus, and we’ve found some of our best new employees that way.” In terms of training employees once they are in-house and bringing them up-to-speed quickly, Buckeye’s modern technology once again pays dividends. “With the advanced level of automation, new hires can be up and running so much faster,” said Mullins. “The younger people have grown up with technology; they adapt to it quickly.” And as Wade points out, employees trying to manage work/life balance may be more at the forefront today, but the sentiment behind it is nothing new. “My father’s shift at Buckeye was 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday and he absolutely loved it. He had three children and he never missed a sports game, which was very important to him.” On The Horizon With eyes ever toward the future, Buckeye is already considering next steps in the area of machinery. “With ma- chinery my opinion is its service life is 20 years, and that’s one shift generically. We’ve run the flexo consistently 7 to 9 shifts a week for 5 years now, so we’re really 10 years into the 20-year service cycle. In a couple more years we need to be replacing that, not because it’s old necessarily, but because there’s newer machines with increased capa- bilities now. So that’s on the horizon.” The company has recently become food compliant, an- other huge undertaking. The timing could not have been more fortuitous. “We had about 25 percent of our cus- tomer base that suddenly needed a facility that was food compliant,” said Pieroni. “Had we not taken the steps to become food compliant when we did we were at risk of losing all that business.” “The good thing about Buckeye is we can do anything,” said Wade. “We have customers that order 100 sheets and customers that order truckloads. Our job is to be the ex- pert and to help out any way we can. Everyone is trying to compete on price, but you aren’t going to beat us on service and quality.” “The day you quit learning is the day you should retire,” said Pieroni. “I learn every day. And everything I learn I put toward enhancing our customers’ experience with us.” “With all this new technology, we’re evolving,” Mullins said. “We’re getting better, and we’re hoping to take the company to an even higher level than we are now.”

CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com

Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.

C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com

Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.

EMBA www.embausa.com

The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.

EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com

Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.

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Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .

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