Board Converting News, April 28, 2025

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years April 28, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 17 Tilsner Carton Company Gets Better, Faster, More Competitive BY LEN PRAZYCH CWC Acquires Assets Of Cactus Container

Rick Oshay, CEO of San Leandro, Califor- nia based Continental Western Corporation (CWC) announced on Linkedin that CWC has acquired the assets of Cactus Container LLC, a Phoenix, Arizona based sheet plant/corru- gated box manufacturer. “This acquisition will give CWC the ability to sell many types and styles of custom corru- gated boxes in the Southwest to a variety of industries and customers,” Oshay said. “A big shout out to Frank Larson for helping with the review and due diligence of this acquisition as well as Mark Riley helping to get the initial dialogue started.” Continental Western Corporation has been serving thousands of customers world- wide for more than 60 years. They carry a wide selection of industrial supplies such as rope, twine, packaging, safety, and janitorial

If the occasion of AICC’s 2025 Spring Meeting in Bonita Springs, Flor- ida, isn’t enough of a reminder to celebrate the country’s independent box makers, Board Converting News is again both pleased and hon- ored to share yet another success story that contributes to the body of evidence that box plant independence continues to be the order of the day.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

5 Registration Open For AICC Southeast Summit 10 Susan Robertson Explains Why ‘Your Brain Is Lying To You’ 16 Ryan Fox Shares Insights On Rising Containerboard Prices 26 Key Container Invests In Vanguard SFG Singlefacer 36 Lewisburg Patterson Company Unveils United Brand 38 Air Systems Design Marks 43 Years Of ‘Dusting Up’ 54 Signode Opens New CEC

The family-owned and forever independent Tilsner Carton Compa- ny of St. Paul, Minnesota, is in its fourth generation, having its humble beginnings in 1918 when Isadore Tilsner ran a “horse and buggy” oper- ation reselling used boxes from liquor stores and merchants in St. Paul. Isadore’s son, Mike, eventually joined him in the business, and Mike’s nephew, Joel Tilsner, succeeded him as the company’s current owner and president. Operations Manager Brad Liszt married Joel’s daughter, Laura, thus ushering in the fourth generation. Brad and Laura’s two children are under three years old, so it’s a little too early to determine if they will join the family business, as there are boxes in their blood. We’ll find out soon enough. Family ties continue with Mike Mackley, Tilsner Carton’s vice pres- ident, who joined the company less than two weeks after graduat- Brad Liszt, Operations Manager, left, and Mike Mackley, Vice President of St. Paul, Minnesota based Tilsner Carton Company, a fourth-generation fami- ly-owned business founded in 1918.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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April 28, 2025

called “The Stables and nine holes named “The Meadows.” Named by Golf Digest among the “Best New Private Clubs in the U.S.” when it debuted in 1997 and by Golf- week among the “Top 100 Best Residential Golf Courses for 2007-2008,” TPC Sugarloaf’s featured 18 holes feature tree-lined Bermuda fairways, streams, lakes and hills. Rental Clubs will be available to rent onsite. They are $90 plus 6 percent tax. They come with two sleeves of balls. Single registration for the summit is $395. The boxmak- er discount for multiple attendees is $365 each. Golf is $200. Register online at aiccbox.org . For more informa- tion, contact Laura Mihalick at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or (703) 836-2422. Hood Container To Close Sheet Plant In Simpsonville, SC Atlanta, Georgia based Hood Container will permanently close its sheet plant in Simpsonville, South Carolina and lay off 60 workers June 15, according to a Worker Adjust- ment and Retraining Notification (WARN). Hood Container is a family-owned, Mill to Market com- pany specializing in containerboard and kraft paper, corru- gated boxes, high graphic displays, and contract packag- ing. They describe themselves as a company that excels at offering the benefits of a large corporation while operating as a boutique business building close relationships with its customers. Hood Container operates facilities throughout the southeast as well as Texas, Louisiana and California. The plant at 1224 Old Stage Road operates a warehouse and sheet plant. Registration Open For Chicago TAPPI Trade Fair The Chicago TAPPI Local Section is hosting its 2025 What’s New Program and Trade Fair Event from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 13 at the Oak Brook Marriott in Oak Brook, Illinois. What’s New offers participants a unique way to gain in- formation about innovative technologies, products or ser- vices in the corrugated industry in North America, as well as around the world. The evening program begins with a social hour featur- ing an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and a series of eight-minute knowledge-packed presen- tations. Attendees will hear the latest technologies and innovations from Alliance Machine Systems, Blower Appli- cations, Fosber, Geo M. Martin Co., Green Ox Pallet Tech- nology, Ingredion Incorp, Isowa America, SUN Automation, Valmet, and WPR Services. For more information about the What’s New event and to register, visit tappi.org/chicagotappi.

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

CWC Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

items. CWC has multiple locations across the US to effi- ciently supply products to businesses and users. Cactus Container was established in 1995 as a manu- facturer of custom corrugated boxes and a distributor of stock boxes, foam, cushioning and packaging supplies. They offer fulfillment services, JIT delivery, partner/vendor management inventory, and warehousing.

AICC Opens Registration For Southeast Summit In Georgia

Registration is open for the AICC Southeast Summit set for June 2-3 in Duluth, Georgia. The event will take place at The Westin Atlanta Gwinnet. The agenda includes a program and tour of Peachtree Packaging & Display in nearby Lawrenceville, a network- ing lunch, and a golf tournament at the TPC Sugarloaf fol- lowed by a closing reception and golf awards.

Peachtree Packaging & Display opened in a 15,000-square-foot facility with fewer than 10 employees in 1980. Today, it has grown to over 150 employees across two facilities totaling more than 250,000 square feet. The company specializes in corrugated retail packaging and point-of-purchase displays as well as custom storage and shipping boxes. Situated on 1,200 acres of Georgia countryside with- in the gated community of Sugarloaf Country Club, TPC Sugarloaf offers a winning combination. The par-72, 7,259- yard championship golf course is comprised of nine holes

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April 28, 2025

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Sauer Names Tim Engle Regional Sales Manager

Registration Open For PPC Folding Carton Boot Camp

St. Louis, Missouri based Sauer System, a leader in high-performance tooling solutions for the corrugated box industry, announced the addition of Tim Engle as Regional Sales Manager. This strategic appointment strengthens Sauer System’s

PPC’s Folding Carton Boot Camp is back this spring on May 20-21. The two-day program is essential for those new to cartons or the industry and for non-plant personnel eager to deepen their knowledge beyond a single-plant operation. The Folding Carton Boot Camp delivers an interactive, hands-on experience that immerses attendees in every

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dedication to advancing the corru- gated box industry by delivering exceptional support and innovative solutions to its customers. Based in Stevens Point, Wis- consin, Engle brings more than 25 years of expertise in the corrugat- ed industry, along with a warm, per- sonable spirit.

The SUN625 HD delivers even more production volume without compromising container quality. These enhancements ensure consistent output while reducing the need for downtime — all contributing to a more reliable and efficient operation.

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As a respected industry veteran, Engle has dedicated the past decade to serving on the AICC Region 6 board and has contributed seven years of valuable expertise to its scholarship committee. “This is an exciting time for our business, and we are confident that Tim will be an invaluable member of the team as we continue to drive innovation and meet the unique needs of our customers,” says Peter Sauer, Vice President of Sales. For more information, visit sauersystem.com .

key aspect of the folding carton process. Attendees gain a practical understanding of essential topics, including win- dowing, rigid boxes, automatic packaging, cold and hot foil stamping, tooling, laminating, and much more. Participants engage directly with the materials, machin- ery, and processes that make the folding carton industry so unique. Register on PPC’s Member Portal at paperbox. com . For information, send inquires to info@paperbox.org or call (413) 686-9191.

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Your Brain Is Lying To You—And It’s Costing You Breakthroughs BY SUSAN ROBERTSON “You must fly the plane.” That’s the 2025 AICC Chairman’s theme — and it’s exactly what leadership feels like right now. You’ve got

These aren’t facts. They’re filters — installed by past ex- perience, running quietly in the background. We don’t no- tice them because they feel like truth. But the real problem is that we stop questioning them. The Curse of Knowledge makes it harder to see new solutions, new paths, and new ways to solve the new chal- lenges you’re facing. And in a business like yours — where capital investments are big, timelines are long, and the market is in motion — that can cost you dearly. There’s a different way to lead through uncertainty. And it starts with possibility thinking. Possibility thinkers don’t assume that the first roadblock is the end of the road. They’re willing to look again. To question what seems fixed. To ask, “What else could be true?” This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s disciplined curiosity. And in industries that are balancing new tech, gener- ational transitions, and growing complexity — curiosity is one of the most underutilized competitive advantages available. Here are three practical ways to break out of the Curse of Knowledge and shift from “obstacle” to “opportunity:” 1. Assumption Smashing. Most of what limits your think- ing isn’t a real rule. It’s a made-up one. It’s created by your brain based on all your past experience and expertise. People absorb assumptions from their own history: what’s worked, what hasn’t, what got praised, what got shut down. But just because something was true once

priorities, pressures, and people counting on you. You’re watching your market, your margins, your team. You’re flying through turbu- lence, and the instruments keep changing. But what if the biggest threat to your trajectory isn’t external? What if it’s how your own experience

shapes what you can no longer see? The Curse of Knowledge is a cognitive bias that hap- pens when we become so familiar with something that we stop examining it. Once we “know” something, our brains tag it as settled. We make it part of the mental autopilot. That’s helpful for getting through a busy day. But it’s dangerous in an environment that demands change. Here’s how it shows up: • “That’s how we’ve always done it.” • “We already tried that.” • “Our customers wouldn’t go for it.” Susan Robertson

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Your Brain (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

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doesn’t mean it’s true now. Assumption smashing is the act of surfacing those in- visible “rules” and breaking them on purpose. In innovation sessions, it often takes just one bold move — and it shifts the entire room. Once someone questions what others were treating as non-negotiable, it unlocks the permission to do the same. One person’s reframing can become everyone’s break- through. As a leader, that person needs to be you. You go first — and show others that it’s not only allowed to ques- tion assumptions, it’s expected. 2. Change the Question. If a team is stuck, the problem might not be the problem. It might be how it’s being de- fined. Small changes in language lead to big differences in thinking. Let’s say the goal is to reduce customer churn. It could be framed as: • “How can we retain customers?” • “How can we surprise our customers?” • “How might we create something they’d brag about?” • “What would make them stay, even if a competitor charged less?” Each question sends the brain down a different path. The goal isn’t to wordsmith. It’s to find the frame that leads to fresh possibility. 3. Borrow a Brain. Sometimes teams are simply too close to the problem. That’s why bringing in someone who doesn’t “know how it works here” can be so power- ful. They’re not stuck inside the same patterns. They don’t carry the same assumptions. Invite a colleague from another department. Pair up a veteran with a next-gen team member. Ask a new hire what they see. Fresh eyes can expose what the curse of knowledge has hidden. You’re already Flying. Just don’t forget to check the map. Pilots check their instruments constantly. They don’t as- sume. They cross-check. They adjust course when need- ed. As a leader, that same discipline matters. The curse of knowledge isn’t a flaw. It’s a cognitive bias — a natural part of how human brains work. But it doesn’t have to decide what’s possible. It can be challenged — and others can be led to do the same. You’re already flying the plane. Now ask yourself: Are you still headed in the right direction? The most dangerous limits are rarely external. They’re the ones that go unquestioned Susan Robertson empowers individuals, teams, and orga- nizations to more nimbly adapt to change, by transforming thinking from “why we can’t” to “how might we?” She is a creative thinking expert with over 20 years of experience speaking and coaching in Fortune 500 companies. As an instructor on applied creativity at Harvard, Susan brings a scientific foundation to enhancing human creativity. To learn more, please go to: SusanRobertsonSpeaker.com.

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Amtech: Innovation & Integration Powering The Packaging Industry Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech is focused on the packaging manufacturer exclusively. With an entire suite that includes ERP with financial modules, schedul- ing, business intelligence, and MES functionality, Amtech helps corrugated manufacturers optimize their plant oper- ations from the front office to the shipping dock. Their focus on making both sheet plants and corruga- tors become more efficient is demonstrated in their sched- uling products: Advanced Planning Board and Corrugator Solutions Scheduling. Amtech’s Advanced Planning Board (APB) is an auto- mated and integrated planning system designed to re- duce manual work for schedulers. The intelligent schedul-

ing system functions as an automation tool for operations, which allows businesses to manage higher volumes with existing resources. Supporting scheduling across multiple plants in a single instance, APB offers complete visibility and control over the entire production network. The system also offers precise, “Gantt Chart” displays that visualize layers of linear operations, giving real-time insights into manufacturing activities. Key areas such as run sequences, processing times, and stock availability at each machine center are displayed, allowing users to quickly assess how changes in the schedule will affect dai- ly production. Machine capacity dashboards provide real-time, graph- ical information about equipment backlog states and next available delivery dates. This enhances internal communi- cation and helps set accurate customer expectations. Embedded alerts track job statuses, while electronic

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April 28, 2025

Containerboard Prices Could Continue to Rise BY RYAN FOX

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The corrugated industry’s benchmark publication indicated in Febru- ary that prices for kraft linerboard rose $40 a ton, based on a market survey. That will raise box prices for customers with contracts tied to

the assessment. Though the hike seems to defy fundamentals, the price elasticity of demand may help it stick. The question for producers is how high can prices go before demand starts to fall? Demand for a good is said to be inelastic when it’s little affected by price changes. Last year, container- board prices rose $80 a ton, yet box demand inched up 0.1 percent. Given that demand has

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already retreated from a pandemic-driven peak to levels of nearly eight years ago, producers may be wondering whether higher prices will make much difference. Other industries have found that they can. Volumes for major food brands dropped recently after they raised prices due to inflation. Gen- eral Mills said on March 19 that organic volume in its recent quarter slipped 4 percent. To recoup it, the company may need to lower prices as consumer finances are pressured. Quick-serve restaurants also raised prices, pushing the price of a McDonald’s Value Meal to around $10. Again, volume fell, resulting in $5-$7 promotions becoming the norm. When prices get too high, buyers find alternatives. Bottled water was once shipped in corrugated boxes before transitioning to corrugat- ed trays with plastic overwrap. It’s now common for the bottles to be packaged only with the wrap. Amazon.com’s box consumption as percentage of shipments has fallen in recent years, annual sustainability reports show. We believe the aversion to boxes could be related to price and not just materi- al waste or efficiency. Amazon is shipping more products in their own packaging or paper mailing bags. From 2020-23, the company used over 1 billion of the bags, according to Georgia-Pacific, and it may be targeting 3 billion a year. Market Price? With any item, there’s usually a strategy for finding a market price. Corn pricing is dominated by futures. For a novel widget, the maker usually sets a price it thinks consumers will be willing to pay and adjusts it based on the sales response. The method for pricing boxes appears to differ from both approaches. There’s no futures market for corrugated, mainly because the open market for containerboard is so small in the US. Boxes, though cus- tomized for individual use, are mostly sold under long-term contracts and distinguished by styles and grades (for example, standard 32 ECT brown boxes with minimal print) that can be produced on a wide variety of machines. The corrugated industry typically bases movements in contracted box prices on shifts in the published price for #42 kraft linerboard, which is derived from open-market transactions. That’s provided a largely acceptable framework for years, while tending to work in favor of the major integrated producers. Though producers didn’t get the desired

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April 28, 2025

Containerboard Prices (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

$70-a-ton hike last month, they still secured $40-a-ton at a time when many signs pointed toward a price decrease. Containerboard’s price historically has risen more often than it has fallen, contrasting with commodities like corn or copper. Corn remains below $5 a bushel despite pressure from rampant inflation, equipment prices and maintenance fees. Prices are affected by volatile weather, unpredict- able harvests, international competition and fluctuating demand. Box sellers will know they’ve found the new market price when buyers stop buying and start to pivot toward plastic containers, mailer bags and other alternatives. Sell- ers will try to maintain that price as long as possible – until they can raise it again. Major box producers, needing to cover the costs of recent capital investments, don’t appear willing to lower prices even when market fundamentals appear to warrant it. Yet linking box prices to the cost of a commodity like containerboard appears to miss a major point: The over- capacity for boxes still far exceeds that for containerboard. This will leave box plants with open machine time that they may want to fill. The best way to attract new business – and keep the old – is to reduce prices. Containerboard increases might not be denting box demand partly because they aren’t yet filtering through to end customers. Several box plants told us their average selling prices were lower in 2024 than in 2023, even after the nominal $80-a-ton boost in contain- erboard. Pricing Outlook Over the next quarter, if box demand remains chal- lenged and there’s no seasonal pickup (typically 2-3 per- cent), prices in the open market for both containerboard and sheets could fall. Non-contract box buyers may have accepted the bump at first, but they’ll likely follow up with an intense round of quotes and bids. Some business could change hands, a trend that be- gan in the second half of 2024. Margins may narrow, and larger integrated producers could flex their pricing power in a bid to capture market share. Independent box makers should be able to find con- tainerboard at lower prices, given a 30- million-ton global oversupply, keeping them competitive. When Packaging Corp. of America or International Paper raise prices for the material, that has little bearing on the lion’s share of open-market transactions, since neither company sells much there. The industry’s push for higher box prices and increased margins will heighten the focus on other metrics. The big- gest challenge will likely be maintaining and training the labor force to improve on-time delivery, quality and ser- vice. Despite the intensifying competition, sources said large producers may already be considering another price hike

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April 28, 2025

Containerboard Prices (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.

at mid-year. Given that zero metrics justify another round of price increases, it raises questions about the producers’ strategy. If supply, demand, mill operating rates, inventories and input costs no longer matter, why not just raise prices monthly, weekly or even daily, like gas prices? And why ask for $70 a ton each time? Why not double or triple that? It sounds absurd, but perhaps that’s the point: The best defense is a good offense. The industry manages to avoid talk of falling prices by continually asking for more. Ryan spent 10 years in packaging sales before jumping into industry reporting in 2020 with Bloomberg’s Green Markets. In 2022, he joined Bloomberg Intelligence as its corrugated-market analyst while remaining managing ed- itor of the Green Markets Box Report. The monthly pub- lication draws on insights from hundreds of packaging professionals to offer a unique forward-looking synopsis of box producers’ sentiment surrounding box demand. Ry- an’s content can be found on the Bloomberg Terminal and in the Green Markets Box Report. In 2024, Ryan introduced Bloomberg’s Corrugated Box Cost Index, which aims to provide buyers with a more transparent approach to assessing the relationship be- tween input costs and changes in box prices. For more information, visit green-markets.com. 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 wanted Great Stories Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

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April 28, 2025

Valco Melton’s ClearVision Systems Help Deliver Zero-Defect Quality As customer demands for flawless packaging continue to rise, Cincinnati, Ohio based Valco Melton’s advanced inspection solutions help provide a competitive edge for manufacturers striving to meet these expectations. As a global leader in gluing and quality inspection solutions for the packaging, board, and paper converting industries, we design cutting edge camera inspection systems to help corrugated box manufacturers achieve superior, zero-de- fect quality. Corrugated manufacturers are facing increased pres- sure to deliver flawless products. From glue application issues to print quality concerns, consistency and perfec- tion is crucial. Valco Melton’s ClearVision camera-based inspection systems offer precise, real-time detection of defects, providing manufacturers with the tools needed to produce defect-free corrugated boxes every time. GlueChek inspects glue patterns in real-time, identify- ing any irregularities and alerting operators instantly. This quick feedback loop prevents faulty boxes from reaching customers, reduces returns, and ensures consistent prod- uct quality. With photo capture of defects, GlueChek not only improves customer satisfaction and product trace- ability but also helps with operator training and quality control. Because these images show the precise issue,

rather than an interpretation of data from a sensor, opera- tors can quickly identify the root cause and make neces- sary adjustments. Key benefits include immediate defect detection; pho- to capture for quality analysis, and strengthened operator confidence and customer satisfaction. GapChek offers precise measurement of corrugat- ed box gaps, utilizing camera-based systems to assess bundle integrity and highlight any defects. Its advanced features, such as automatic exposure adjustments and optional bundle ejection, ensure only defect-free boxes reach the customer. This learning-based system supports all flute sizes, as well as up-fold and down-fold machines. Key benefits include: • Automatic adjustment based on order data • Live SPC charts for gaps and skew measurements • Real-time defect identification and optional bundle ejection • Database storage for quality trend analysis • Provides CP and CPK values For customers prioritizing branding and print integrity, PrintChek offers comprehensive defect detection by scan- ning the entire width of each sheet before it is die-cut into multiple parts. Because a single sheet can produce multi- ple finished boxes, any printing defect can affect an entire batch rather than just one box. PrintChek inspects defects such as missing print, color mismatches, and smearing, en- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Process Automation for Optimizing Performance & Profitability

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April 28, 2025

Valco Melton (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

DOUBLE NEXT DIE CUTTER THE OUTPUT OF YOUR

suring logos and brand identifiers are crisp and accurate. Its advanced analytics allow manufacturers to measure and export quality statistics, further enhancing their quality control systems. Key benefits include: • Spot detection and color registration • Identification of defects like stripes, scratches, and ghost prints • Inspection of sheet size and paper quality Delivering zero-defect corrugated packaging isn’t just about quality control, it’s a powerful sales driver. When customers can trust that every box meets their exact spec- ifications, they stay loyal, reorder with confidence, and recommend your business to others. Valco Melton’s cam- era-based inspection systems ensure every product leav- ing your facility is flawless, helping you build a reputation for reliability and excellence. This leads to operational sav- ings and strengthens customer relationships, giving your business a true competitive edge in the market. By investing in Valco Melton’s ClearVision inspection systems, corrugated manufacturers can meet the highest quality standards, ensuring their customers receive per- fect products every time. With Valco Melton, manufactur- ers can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, driv- ing sales and building a reputation for excellence. Visit go.valcomelton.com/zero-defects-more-sales .

COMMUNITY DATA CONNECTION DESIGN INNOVATION

ALL IN ONE BOX

PAPERBOX.ORG

Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.

ASK US HOW.

Explore our new website to learn more about Geo. M. Martin and how our world-class products and services can help you maximize your productivity and profits!

For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com

GEO. M. Martin Company • 1250 67th Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States +1.510.652.2200 • Fax +1.510.652.6447 • email info@geomartin.com The Martin logo and Scrubber are Trademarks of the Geo. M. Martin Company.

CREATIVE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS SINCE 1929

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April 8, 2024

BW Papersystems Introduces Vanguard SFG Singlefacer

Phillips, Wisconsin based BW Papersystems is advancing one of its most trusted machines with the introduction of the Vanguard SFG Singlefacer. This next-generation sin- glefacer integrates the latest automation and process con- trol technologies and is designed to improve board quali- ty, productivity, and operational efficiency. Advanced moisture control systems condition both the liner and medium webs, ensuring optimal bonding across all paper weights and types. Operators can now produce high-quality singleface board at high speed with greater ease. Additionally, the machine’s automated diagnostics and monitoring capabilities provide real-time insights, al- lowing operators to identify and address potential issues before they impact production. Key Container, a corrugated packaging manufacturer based in South Gate, California, has been a cornerstone in the industry for over six decades. Under the leadership of owner Bob Watts and his son Hunter Watts, Key Container remains dedicated to innovation and efficiency in the cor- rugated packaging sector. The company prides itself on its advanced manufac- turing technology, handling the entire production process from raw paper materials to finished boxes. This vertical integration ensures that they can maintain

high standards of quality control and meet the diverse needs of its clientele. When the team at Key Container decided to upgrade their singlefacer, they sought a machine that would en- hance efficiency, improve board quality, and integrate Bob and Hunter Watts and the Vanguard SFG Singlefacer at Key Container in South Gate, California.

Vanguard SFG

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Power Meets Precision in Singlefacing

Dualkote No board crush. Longer roll life.

Reliable Partnership : BW Papersystems is your trusted partner for the life of your machine. Our parts and support teams are available 24/7.

Increased Automation With Advanced Controls : The Vanguard SFG brings advanced singlefacing technology to the industry workhorse – combining automation and process control to deliver superior

Learn more: bwpapersystems.com

• Automated Glue Gap Control • Automatic Steam Control to Medium Preconditioner

National

NRK

Roll Kote

• Automated Corrugating Roll Loading • Automated Pressure Roll Loading • Automatic Medium Tension Control

Joe Dervin: 508-380-1033 Cameron Wright: 704-904-1667 David Wommack: 214-608-6663 www.nrkrolls.com North Carolina • Arkansas • Delaware

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April 8, 2024

BW Papersystems (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

required to produce board. “We’re running faster. We can turn out more board in less time, and that’s saving us mon- ey on labor,” Watts explained. Before upgrading to the Vanguard SFG, Key Container had struggled with board crushing issues that impacted product quality and led to customer complaints. The ad- vanced automation and precision controls of the new sin- glefacer have effectively eliminated these problems. “We were getting some crushing complaints before, but since replacing the singlefacer, that issue has been re- solved,” Watts said. This has resulted in a noticeable drop in defect rates, leading to fewer reworks and greater cus- tomer satisfaction. The Vanguard SFG’s automation capabilities have also streamlined the production process, reducing manual ad- justments and improving overall consistency. Watts ex- pressed satisfaction with the machine’s advanced control systems: “We wanted something that had a lot more auto- mated controls, more features, and something where we could turn out more quality board with less manual adjust- ment—and we’ve been able to do that.” The intuitive user interface allows operators of varying experience levels to efficiently manage production, reducing training time and increasing overall operational effectiveness. The Vanguard SFG incorporates a suite of automation features designed to enhance productivity, consistency, and safety in corrugating operations. Key features include:

seamlessly into their existing operations. The Vanguard SFG from BW Papersystems was selected to meet these demands. From the outset, the installation process was smooth and efficient. Hunter Watts, Sales and Operations Manag- er at Key Container, described it as one of the best ma- chine installations they have experienced, with minimal

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

disruptions to production schedules. “It’s pretty much the smoothest one we’ve had,” said Watts. The quick installa- tion meant they were able to resume full production ahead of schedule, reducing downtime and continuing to honor customer commitments. Following the installation, they immediately noticed im- provements in operational efficiency. The Vanguard SFG allows for increased production speeds, reducing the time

...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. We are proud to be an official distributor of Policart and Rodicut anvil covers. Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

PageWide Corrugated Digital Presses

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www.go2stafford.com • 800.282.5787 PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF POLICART AND RODICUT ANVIL COVERS

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April 28, 2025

BW Papersystems (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

reshaping the future for corrugating lines. We are not just meeting industry standards—we are defining them, creat- ing solutions that drive the next generation of operational excellence for our customers and a vibrant future for our team members.” The Vanguard SFG represents a step forward in corru- gated manufacturing, offering automation, reliability, and efficiency. With its ability to streamline operations, improve

Thermal Imaging ™ Proactive Quality Control

• Automation to simplify operation: The automated glue gap control, corrugating roll loading, pressure roll load- ing, and medium tension control allow operators to run high-quality singleface board at maximum machine speeds with minimal manual intervention. • Automation to drive consistent board quality: The mois- ture control system precisely manages liner and medi- um preconditioning, ensuring consistent bonding and reducing defects. The system adjusts automatically based on production variables. • Automation to reduce downtime: Advanced diagnos- tics and real-time monitoring provide alerts for potential issues, minimizing unscheduled downtime. Additional features such as glue level sensing and a glue roll pre- rinse cycle improve operational efficiency and machine cleanliness. The system also allows for predictive main- tenance, helping to prevent unplanned outages. As part of BW Papersystems’ ongoing innovation strat- egy, the Vanguard SFG integrates cutting-edge automa- tion and process control to redefine industry standards. By utilizing intelligent sensors and automated adjustments, the singlefacer is designed to reduce waste, increase en- ergy efficiency, and maintain consistent production quality. Senior Vice President Jeff Gafner, P.E., highlights BW Papersystems’ commitment to industry innovation. “Through a relentless commitment to innovation, we are

Uniform paper temperature and moisture levels are essential for producing high-quality corrugated sheets. Unfortunately, the human eye can’t detect hidden variations ingrained in the paper until an obvious defect is produced. CoparSolutions’ Thermal Imaging measures IR radiation across the web to identify and display temperature inconsistencies before they become downstream issues. Real-time graphic depiction allows operators to quickly recognize and correct potential problems.

board quality, and reduce downtime, it is designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry. Companies invest- ing in the Vanguard SFG can expect greater consistency, reduced labor costs, and increased throughput, providing them with a competitive edge. As the industry moves to- ward greater automation and process optimization, BW Papersystems continues to lead the way with innovative solutions that help manufacturers achieve new levels of efficiency. Contact BW Papersystems at sales@bwpaper- systems.com or visit bwpapersystems.com .

X Dramatically reduce waste X Store production data for review and troubleshooting (optional) X Increase corrugator profitability

X Detect and correct inconsistencies before they become issues X Consistently produce high-quality board

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TOTAL CORRUGATOR CONTROL +1.708.496.1859 u info@CoparSolutions.com

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April 28, 2025

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