Converter Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
to defend against global cyberattacks that cause about a trillion dollars in damage annually. He’s been backed with golden passports that bypass immigration problems. In his alarming view, AI start-ups look more like financial Ponzi schemes than long-term tech businesses, with high valuations and very little delivered product value for many years, if ever. (He is on YouTube.) “Cost pressures aren’t easing up, especially in high- cost states. For most manufacturers, the takeaway is sim- ple: it’s getting harder to run a profitable operation without constant attention to efficiency and cost control. Compa- nies are rethinking where they invest, where to expand and how to structure their operations. It’s no surprise that our businesses and workers continue to focus on individ- ual productivity, goals and achievements. By contrast, we are not following the competition or Wall Street. “That said, there are still reasons for cautious opti- mism. Containerboard demand is expected to hold rela- tively steady, supported by ongoing supply-chain adjust- ments and baseline consumer demand. Even with softer sales in 2025, many U.S. manufacturers managed to stay profitable by learning to do more with less—leaner staff- ing models, higher automation levels and faster deci- sion-making. That same mindset carries into 2026. “At Cal Box Group, we’re staying disciplined. We con- tinue to evaluate the right timing for major capital invest- ments, including new software, a new corrugator to even- tually replace our existing 98-inch BHS, a new EMBA Flexo folder gluer, and additional 50,000-square-foot. building expansion, following the recent installation of a 90-inch by 220-inch three-color jumbo rotary die cutter. These de- cisions aren’t rushed. Capital only makes sense when it improves long-term efficiency and customer service. “Our philosophy hasn’t changed: we look for opportu- nity when others pull back and we’re prepared to invest in both American and foreign machinery once tariff and market conditions stabilize in our multipolar world. The future isn’t about grand predictions—it’s about staying grounded. Markets don’t respond well to shortcuts, and manufacturing doesn’t reward wishful thinking. “Real progress still comes from fundamentals: disci- plined operations, smart capital spending, reliable loyal people and customers who trust you to deliver on time. That said, I am also searching for my replacement. Fifty years in this industry was long and rewarding. Corrugat- ed has always been a fundamental business built by en- trepreneurs, the companies and its leaders that keep it simple, stay flexible, and focus on what actually works will be the ones still standing—and growing—when conditions improve. This is my bipartisan consensus: the worst thing being capped, in 2026 will be common sense.” To stay on top of how the year ahead unfolds, be sure to keep an eye on Board Converting News , the only week- ly publication reporting the news for the North American corrugated and folding carton markets.
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.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
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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January 12, 2026
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