Board Converting News, May 25, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 May 25, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 21

Bay Cities Succeeds With Digital Intelligence BY SIMONA GEORGESCU

International Paper Acquires Delmarva Corrugated Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper has acquired Delmarva Corrugated Packaging (DCP) in Dover, Delaware. The ac- quisition is expected to enhance International Paper’s capabilities, expand its market pres- ence, and increase its capacity to produce the highest-quality sustainable packaging solu- tions for customers. The 457,000 square-foot state-of-art DCP facility features the latest industry leading technology and the most sophisticated equip- ment. Investments in cutting-edge capabilities give customers a valuable technological ad- vantage including best-in-class paper sourc- ing, corrugating and unique flute profiles to best meet varying market segment needs. “This acquisition strengthens our footprint in the region and supports our long-term growth strategy,” said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President, Packaging Solutions North America, International Paper. “The Dover facility’s strong customer base and strategic location expand our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions with greater speed and reliability. We look forward to welcoming the team and

For more than 70 years, Bay Cities has built its reputation as a leader in packaging and retail display manufacturing, helping brands stand out in increasingly competitive retail environments. Headquartered in Pico Rivera, California with facilities across the United States, the company operates in a business defined by high expectations, tight timelines, and growing operational complexity.

Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO of Bay Cities.

That longevity has not come from standing still. It has come from continuously evolving, not just in materials or production capabilities, but in how the business runs day to day. Over time, that evolution led to a more fundamental question: How can we better understand what is happening inside the plant in real time and act on it before performance is impacted? The answer, for many corrugated converters, is not more data, but better data and the ability to turn it into action. That is where the role of a capable partner becomes critical. Bay Cities recognized early that moving forward would require not only a clear vision internally, but a supplier with the expertise to support data collection at the machine level and integrate it into a broader system. While there are many digital solutions available, not all are built with the realities of corrugated converting in mind. Implementing this type of system requires a partner that is both nimble enough to evolve with the operation and experienced enough to understand the specifics of box making. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE 3 U.S. Box, Linerboard Producers Comment On Price Increases 8 Domino, SUN To Host Demos Of Digital Corrugated Press 10 Mayol Nominated For ICPF Circle Of Distinguished Leaders 16 TRG Recognized With Multiple Wins At Shop! OMA Awards

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U.S. Box, Linerboard Producers Comment On Price Increases According to a recent report by Fastmarkets, North Ameri- can linerboard pricing stabilized in May following a volatile February-through-April period that resulted in a net $50 per ton increase by April, even as market participants re- main divided over whether additional increases will hold. From May 11-14, buyers and sellers described a firm containerboard supply environment across North Ameri- ca, with some buyers struggling to secure tons quickly as the impact of significant capacity reductions continued moving through the system. Sources reported generally steady corrugated box demand, with conditions improving modestly in April and continuing into May. Export prices for US unbleached kraft linerboard to Mexico and South and Central America also increased for the second con- secutive month. The tightening supply picture has become a more dom- inant market factor than box demand itself. Since February 2025, US producers have retired approximately 3.9 mil- lion tons of containerboard capacity, representing about 10 percent of total industry capacity. Market participants said those reductions are now being felt throughout the supply chain as inventories tighten and lead times extend. “May is as good or better than April,” another source CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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

IP Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

working closely with customers to ensure a smooth and successful integration.” “We are extremely pleased to see IP step into own- ership of the Delmarva Corrugated assets,” said Dennis D. Mehiel, DCP President and CEO. “We cannot think of an organization better suited to help the team in Dover achieve the full potential of the business, and we are high- ly confident this transaction will benefit all of DCP’s stake- holders.” The acquisition aligns with International Paper’s strate- gy to maximize value creation for customers, shareholders and employees.

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Domino, SUN To Host Demos Of X630i Digital Corrugated Press Gurnee, Illinois based Domino Digital Printing has an- nounced a limited series of demonstrations of its X630i digital corrugated press, taking place at SUN Automation Group’s facility in Glen Arm, Maryland. These demos provide corrugated converters with the opportunity to learn more about how digital printing – and the Domino X630i digital corrugated press – fits into modern corrugated printing business models. Converters who embrace digital printing technology unlock measurable operational benefits. With increased uptime across mixed job schedules compared to analog printing and the flexibility to respond rapidly to design changes, including just-in-time production, converters can gain a decisive edge in today’s modern supply chains. Stephen Longmire, VP of Sales at Hughes Decorr, a Domino customer, details how digital printing has bene- fited the company and its customers: “The Domino X630i gives us the ability to offer high-quality, full-color digital printing directly on corrugated with minimal setup time. It allows us to help customers move faster, reduce invento- ry, and maintain strong brand consistency.” The Domino X630i digital corrugated press prints up to 75m/min, handles sheet sizes up to 1.6 x 3.0m, and can reach throughputs of around 4,500 sheets per hour.

Price Increases (CONT’D FROM PAGE 3)

with a large integrated company said of their company’s box demand. “Orders are very strong. Our box pricing in- creases will be near 100 percent implemented by July 1. Costs continue to be one of the biggest challenges.” “It’s been a very quick turnaround: We have higher demand and less inventory,” a large integrated container- board company official said. At the same time, some buyers and independent box- makers questioned the sustainability of continued price in- creases given broader economic uncertainty and concerns over consumer spending. First-quarter US box shipments declined 1.8 percent on an actual basis and 0.3 percent on an average week basis compared with first-quarter 2025 levels, according to Fibre Box Association (FBA) figures. “I think the June thing is irresponsible,” an Eastern box- maker proclaimed, regarding the second containerboard price increase for the North American market. “Business isn’t better this month than it was last month for me.” “We’re seeing some uproar for sure in the market, main- ly due to the fact that box pricing has been slow to move up after the March/April linerboard price increases. Most box plants are still nervous and do not want to lose a big customer,” another linerboard seller said. Still, several sources said higher manufacturing, freight, OCC, and fuel costs continue supporting producer efforts to push pricing higher.

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John Mayol Nominated For ICPF Circle Of Distinguished Leaders The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), co-sponsored by AICC, The Independent Packaging Asso-

ed by John’s father, Donald Mayol. John was there from day one, making the decision to leave college and help build the company from the ground up. Once the business was established, John returned to college to complete his degree. In 1992, John succeeded Don as CEO and majority owner. Shortly thereafter, he made the decision to expand beyond corrugated and simultaneously enter the single face lamination and folding carton businesses—taking on significant risk at a pivotal time for the company. It was the first of many bold decisions made over his three decades as CEO, helping grow PSC more than 15x and transform- ing it from a small family-owned operation into one of the largest independent packaging companies in the western United States, with more than 1,000 team members. John also became known for his commitment to quality and long-term relationships. Long before it became com-

ciation and Fibre Box Association (FBA), is pleased to announce the nomination of John Mayol for induction into ICPF’s Circle of Distinguished Leaders. The program honors exceptional individuals—leaders whose vision, cre- ativity, perseverance, and energy have

John Mayol

made a lasting impact on the corrugated industry. John Mayol spent 30 years as CEO of Pacific South- west Container (PSC). Originally founded in Modesto, Cali- fornia in 1973, PSC began as a small family business start-

mon practice in the packaging industry, he recruited a quality expert from Silicon Valley to bring high-tech manufacturing standards and processes into PSC’s op- erations, helping establish a culture cen- tered on continuous improvement and op- erational discipline. Just as importantly, John built a culture that valued people as much as perfor- mance. At PSC, employees have always been referred to as “team members,” re- flecting a culture rooted in respect, ac- countability, and shared success. That people-first mindset became a defining characteristic of the company and remains a core part of PSC’s identity today. John was also heavily involved with the Fibre Box Association throughout his career, serving multiple terms on both the Board of Directors and Executive Com- mittee. His influence continues to be felt through the ongoing success of the com- pany he helped build, the people he men- tored along the way, and the impact he has had on the independent sector of the cor- rugated packaging industry. His entrepre- neurial mindset, resilience, and long-term approach reflect many of the qualities that have defined respected leaders through- out the industry. John was nominated by his son, Tren- ton Mayol. Friends, business colleagues, firms, and organizations can honor John by mak- ing a donation in his name. Nomination contributions are tax deductible and sup- port the Circle of Distinguished Leaders Program, as well as ICPF’s work to grow the workforce of the corrugated packaging industry.

10 May 25, 2026

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BloApCo Launches New Titan Series Recycling Equipment Line Germantown, Wisconsin based Blower Application Com- pany (BloApCo) has launched the Titan Series, a powerful new line of industrial shredders and granulators that sig- nificantly expands the company’s capabilities in the recy- cling and material processing markets. The Titan Series includes double-shaft shredders, single-shaft shredders, and high-speed granulators, pro- viding BloApCo customers with versatile size-reduction solutions and a comprehensive product portfolio. The new line enables BloApCo to enter high-growth markets and support customers across a wider range of recycling and industrial processing needs. Engineered for durability and performance, Titan Series equipment is designed for demanding recycling environ- ments and can process an extensive variety of materials including plastics, metals, wood, tires, rubber, electronic waste, textiles, wire, paper, medical waste, and municipal solid waste. The line also supports specialized applica- tions such as pipe shredding, bulky waste reduction, and secondary granulation. “The Titan Series represents an exciting evolution for BloApCo and a major step forward in our long-term growth strategy,” said Frank Tejera, Chief Executive Officer of BloApCo. “By expanding into new recycling applications

and introducing equipment that complements our legacy shredding solutions, we are opening the door to new mar- kets while delivering the same performance, reliability, and customer support our partners have come to expect from the BloApCo name.” Key features across the Titan Series include low-speed, high-torque shredding technology engineered to maxi- mize efficiency and long-term durability in demanding pro-

cessing environments, along with multiple rotor, blade, and screen configurations that can be tailored to specific mate- rials and application requirements. The line also offers hy- draulic feed and drive options to improve throughput and deliver enhanced torque for more challenging materials. Every Titan Series machine is powered by BloApCo’s engineering, parts, service, and aftermarket teams, deliv- ering the same trusted customer experience that has de- fined the company for decades.

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Atlantic Canada Names Atlantic Packaging Business Of The Year Toronto, Ontario based Atlantic Packaging Products has been recognized as Atlantic Canada’s Business of the Year by the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce and the City of Saint John through the Community Impact Awards program. The award recognizes Atlantic Packaging’s contribu- tions as an employer, manufacturer, and community part- ner across the region. In a statement shared by the com- pany, Atlantic Packaging said the recognition reflects the efforts of its employees, partners, and the broader com- munity support that has helped shape the business over the years. “This honor reflects the dedication of our team and partners, and the vital role local community support has played in our journey,” the company shared in a LinkedIn post about the award. Founded in 1945, Atlantic Packaging Products oper- ates facilities across Atlantic Canada and Ontario, serving customers in the corrugated and packaging markets. The company has remained family-owned throughout its histo- ry and continues to invest in regional manufacturing oper- ations and workforce development. The award reflects Atlantic Packaging’s ongoing com- mitment to supporting the communities where it operates.

Jonesboro, Arkansas based Camfil, a leading manufactur- er of dust, mist and fume collection equipment for industri- al applications, has introduced Stat-Safe™ filter cartridges

that use a patented antistatic ure- thane to dissipate static charges and the buildup of static electricity within a dust collector. Unlike con- ventional grounding approaches that rely on clips, wires or fabric swatches, the Stat-Safe design uses antistatic urethane as the ad- hesive that secures the filter pan to the media pack.

Because the static-dissipative mechanism is built into the cartridge construction and cannot break off during op- eration, the filters provide nearly fail-safe static dissipation performance. “Static electricity is a serious risk in many dust collec- tion environments, especially where combustible dust is present,” said Randi Huckaby, Product Manager – Dry Fil- tration APC Engineer, Research & Development at Camfil APC. “Stat-Safe cartridges give facilities a more reliable way to dissipate static charges because the antistatic fea- ture is built directly into the filter construction.”

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TRG Recognized With Multiple Wins At 2026 Shop! OMA Awards Cicero, Illinois based TRG Packaging and Display Solu- tions has announced it has been recognized with six Shop! OMA Awards. The awards were presented at the 2026 Shop! OMA Awards Reception during Shop! Marketplace in New Orleans, LA. The Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Awards, now in their 68th year, are the Marketing at Re- tail Industry’s most prestigious, largest, and longest-run- ning awards contest. The program recognizes and honors excellent displays that set the merchandising and design precedents of today and to become the standards of to- morrow. “These OMA Awards highlight the strength of our part- nerships with leading brands and retailers,” said Kevin Mill- er, TRG Chief Executive Officer. “They are a testament to the creativity, expertise, and dedication our team brings to every project. I’m incredibly proud of the work our team delivers and honored to see it recognized by the industry.” TRG received the following awards across multiple cat- egories: tonies® Sam’s Club TB2 Bundle Pallet Display (Gold Award) Category & Division: Club Store – Retailer - Temporary TRG designed a high-impact pallet display for tonies®

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to command attention in the com- petitive club retail environment while highlighting the upgraded Toniebox 2. Featuring an over- sized Toniebox centerpiece, vi- brant character graphics, and bold die-cut elements, the display cre- ated a playful “wow moment” that brought the brand’s storytelling to life. Engineered for durability and

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efficient palletization, the structure supported high prod- uct volume while maintaining strong in-store presence. Hisense Costco 100 (Silver Award) Category & Division: Club Store – Retailer - Permanent Hisense partnered with TRG to develop a high-impact Costco endcap designed to showcase its 100-inch television and cap- ture shopper attention in the busy warehouse environment. The dis- play combined bold graphics with a durable, retail-ready structure that highlighted the scale and premium features of the product. ColourPop Lip Care (Silver Award) Category & Division: Cosmetics and Fragrances - Tem- porary The ColourPop endcap at Target was designed to spot- CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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TRG Awards (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

ment and opening the door for future seasonal programs. “These awards reflect our team’s dedication to deliv- ering innovative design, exceptional service, and strong collaboration with our customers,” said Jude Cohen, TRG Vice President & General Manager – Retail Division. “At TRG, we believe great partnerships drive the best results, creating value for our customers while helping our organi- zation continue to grow.” And finally, celebrating the ultimate point-of-purchase In-store activations, the Shop! Global Award competition welcomes gold award-winning projects from Shop! / PO- PAI programs from around the world. tonies® 3-Module Push Button Demo Unit (Gold Award) Category: Toys, Sport & Fashion - Permanent

light the brand’s Lip Care line while reflecting its playful, colorful identity. Featuring vibrant graphics, signature fonts, and durable litho-printed construction, the display combined strong visual impact with practical retail func- tionality. The result was an engaging, easy-to-shop expe- rience that drove strong in-store performance, with some products selling out in the first week. Ping Mobile Fitting Cart (Bronze Award) Category: Athletic - Permanent TRG partnered with PING to develop a mobile fitting cart that brings the brand’s renowned custom-fitting ex- perience directly onto the golf course. Engineered for du- rability, maneuverability, and rapid setup, the cart features reinforced components, locking casters, and integrated work surfaces to support professional fittings in a variety of environments. Dossier Perfumes Skinny Tower (Bronze Award) Category: Cosmetics and Fragrances - Temporary TRG developed a dimensional floral display for Dos- sier’s Mother’s Day program at CVS, designed to elevate the brand’s in-store presence and create a strong season- al visual statement. By replacing plastic flowers with recy- clable SBS paperboard, the team delivered a sustainable structure that enabled faster production, easier assembly, and premium presentation. A total of 1,400 pre-packed dis- plays shipped nationwide, driving strong shopper engage-

The interactive display for tonies® was designed to enhance the shopping experience by using audio to en- gage and educate Target shoppers, helping them make confident, informed decisions. The result was a visually striking, well-engineered unit that effectively showcased the tonies® brand through thoughtful design and efficient production.

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International PaperBox Appoints Caro New GM

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Salt Lake City, Utah based International PaperBox has ap- pointed Jim Caro as General Manager. In this role, Caro will oversee daily operations and guide the company’s long-term strategic direction as it continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities and market presence.

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Owners Wade and Kay Holbrook remain actively in- volved in the business, with Wade continuing to provide strategic guidance and Kay serving as CFO. Caro’s ap- pointment strengthens the company’s leadership team and reinforces its focus on quality, efficiency, and custom- er service. “International PaperBox has always been built on strong customer relationships and a commitment to doing things right,” said Wade Holbrook, founder and owner. “Jim’s hands-on experience and leadership make him a great fit as we continue to grow and build on that foundation.” Caro brings more than three decades of experience in folding carton and packaging manufacturing. He began his career with All Packaging Company in 1994, working directly with equipment and production processes and developing a deep understanding of high-quality carton manufacturing. He later advanced into leadership roles, including overseeing the company’s Salt Lake City opera- tion, where he helped expand production capabilities, im- prove workflow, and drive significant sales growth. In his new role, Caro is working closely with leader- ship and production teams to enhance operational per- formance, streamline processes, and support continued growth. The company is also pursuing ISO certification and FSC certification to strengthen quality systems, con- sistency, and its commitment to responsible packaging practices. “International PaperBox has excellent people, strong capabilities, and a significant opportunity ahead,” said Caro. “My goal is to build on what the team has created, strengthen operations, and help position the company for its next phase of growth.” International PaperBox specializes in custom-printed folding cartons and paperbox packaging, offering preci- sion printing, in-house die-cutting, specialty coatings, win- dow patch cartons, and high-quality folding & gluing.

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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.

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PCA To Continue Focus On Virgin Fiber Following Greif Acquisition According to a recent earnings call, Packaging Corpora- tion of America (PCA) said it will continue emphasizing the strength and flexibility of its virgin kraft offerings while optimizing opportunities across both virgin and recycled grades. CEO Mark Kowlzan said PCA is not shifting away from its long-standing focus on virgin kraft products following the Greif acquisition. “You take advantage of the opportu- nity that comes along, whether it’s a recycled opportunity or a virgin kraft opportunity,” Kowlzan said. PCA President Tom Hass further reinforced that posi- tion, noting the company still views virgin kraft as its pri- mary platform. “Directionally, we want to be able to opti- mize whatever properties fit our customers’ demands, but … we are still primarily virgin kraft, and we’re not going to change that.” He added that PCA sees opportunities to better optimize performance between virgin kraft and re- cycled grades. PCA completed its acquisition of Greif’s container- board business last year, increasing recycled products to roughly 30 percent of its portfolio from approximately 20 percent previously. The move comes as demand for re- cycled containerboard continues growing across portions of the packaging market. International Paper recently

announced plans to acquire North Pacific Paper Compa- ny (Norpac), citing increased customer demand for light- weight recycled packaging papers. Kowlzan said packaging demand remained solid through April and that the company expects momentum from the first quarter to continue into the second quarter, supported by normal seasonal increases in corrugated volumes. First-quarter corrugated shipments increased 1.2 per- cent year over year and rose 19.9 percent when shipments from the Greif facilities are included. Containerboard pro- duction totaled 1.398 million tons during the quarter. Inven- tory declined by 39,000 tons sequentially but increased 48,000 tons year over year, primarily due to the acquisi- tion. Sales volumes in PCA’s paper segment increased 2.7 percent from the prior-year period. Hass also said the company expects containerboard and corrugated product pricing to increase during the sec- ond quarter as previously announced increases are imple- mented. He noted that containerboard prices are up $50 per ton since the start of the year, following a $70-per-ton increase in January and a $20 decrease in March. PCA is running its facilities at very high rates, even as numerous mills have closed including the PCA plant in Richmond, Virginia, and several closures from Greif. It is the third largest producer of containerboard products in North America, with 91 corrugated plants and facilities.

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

the repair before it becomes a production issue,” Tucker explains. While that level of automation is still evolving, the foun- dation is now in place. Bay Cities and SUN have estab- lished a critical first step: building a reliable foundation of machine-level data. From Signals To Action Helios is designed as a machine-agnostic platform, al- lowing converters to monitor equipment across the plant, regardless of manufacturer.

Bay Cities partnered with SUN Automation Group to make that happen. With over 40 years in the corrugated industry, SUN leveraged its deep understanding of con- verting equipment, plant operations, and the realities of the production floor to develop Helios. As an industrial In- ternet of Things (IIoT) platform, Helios is designed to cap- ture, interpret, and act on machine-level data across the plant. Building A More Connected Operation Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO of Bay Cities, de- scribes the company’s objective as straightforward: create a more connected and responsive environment across the plant: “We were looking at how to make our operations more intelligent. The idea was that Helios could become the octopus of the plant, with tentacles reaching into the machines so we can understand what is actually happen- ing on the floor.” The goal was not simply to collect machine data for its own sake, but to translate those signals into action. In practice, that meant using machine data to anticipate is- sues before failures occur. In a fully connected system, machine data would iden- tify when components begin to break or wear, allowing maintenance teams to act before failures occur. “That information would flow into our maintenance sys- tems, parts get ordered automatically, and we schedule

For Bay Cities, the value is not just in visibility, but in how quickly that information can be used. “AI is helping us be more efficient,” Tucker says. “We’re making smarter, faster decisions with it. The key is identi- The Helios platform has helped Bay Cities make smarter and faster decisions, according to CEO Greg Tucker.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

necting that information to maintenance systems, produc- tion planning, and how teams respond to issues in real time.” The difference is not the volume of data. It is the ability to filter out noise, focus on what matters, and act before performance is impacted. Where Implementation Becomes Real Like most operational technology initiatives, progress is not immediate. At Bay Cities, implementation required patience, iteration, and a willingness to work through early challenges before the system could deliver value. The first step was establishing reliable machine data. “In the beginning, we had a sensor issue,” Tucker re- calls. “Once we solved that and finally connected the ma- chine and started receiving reliable responses from He- lios, we knew we had something real.” That moment marked the shift from concept to capa- bility. With consistent signals in place, the focus moved to making sense of the data and determining how it could be used for making daily decisions. It is now beginning to show up in day to day operations. During one production run, a warning was generated by Ignition, a system connected to the machine’s controls that monitors real time performance. Helios, using its own sensors to read conditions directly from the equipment, confirmed the issue. Together, the systems identified that a critical bolt inside the machine was beginning to loosen.

fying the right data and the right moments to act, and then using that information to its fullest potential.” In practice, that means shifting away from relying on operator intuition or delayed reporting and toward a clear- er, more immediate understanding of what is happening on the floor.

According to Gokul Gopakumar, Vice President of Technology and Business Development at SUN Automa- tion Group, that shift depends on capturing the right sig- nals at the source. “What we have built so far is the base layer of informa- tion coming from the machines,” Gopakumar says. “Once you have consistent and reliable data, you can begin con- By identifying potential issues like component wear or break- down, maintenance teams can act before failure occurs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

“We’ve learned a great deal through the collaboration with Bay Cities,” Gopakumar says. “Each step has helped us refine the platform and understand how it can better support plant operations.”

If left unaddressed, the failure could have led to severe internal damage and unplanned downtime. “If we didn’t catch it, that bolt would have come un- done and a shaft would have sailed through the machine,” Tucker says. “That’s the real world. That’s machines and systems working together to say, ‘stop the car.’” The next challenge was maintaining momentum. Im- plementing a system like Helios is not a one-time deploy- ment. It requires ongoing alignment across operations, engineering, IT, and leadership to ensure the technology continues to evolve alongside the business. At Bay Cities, that alignment was driven from the top. “You have to stay committed to the vision,” Tucker says. “Manufacturing environments are busy, and people get pulled in a lot of directions, but if you believe the technol- ogy can improve the operation, you have to keep pushing forward.” Sustaining that progress requires discipline. “What used to take months now happens in weeks,” Tucker adds. “If we want to stay competitive, we have to move faster.” Refining The System That pace is now shaping how the system continues to evolve. The partnership between Bay Cities and SUN has become an ongoing process of iteration, with each phase building on what was learned in the last.

One of the current focus areas is improving ma- chine-level sensor integration to capture more precise and actionable signals. “We are identifying where the gaps in machine data exist,” Gopakumar says. “That’s where sensors become important. They allow us to capture signals that were pre- viously unavailable.” Those insights are also shaping how SUN continues to approach sensor integration within the Helios platform, Helios is designed for alignment across departments to ensure the technology evolves alongside the business.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

with a focus on improving signal reliability and overall data quality in corrugated converting environments. More consistent and accurate signals help improve predictive models and reduce false alerts, two of the most persistent challenges in industrial analytics systems. A Shift In How Plants Operate For Bay Cities, the impact of Helios is not defined by a single outcome, but by the foundation it creates. Greater visibility leads to earlier intervention, which in turn sup- ports more informed decision-making across the plant. Over time, those incremental improvements begin to compound, strengthening overall performance and con- sistency. For the industry, the implication is broader. “Technology like this shouldn’t only be available to the largest compa- nies,” Tucker says. “Smaller converters should be able to use the same tools to improve efficiency and compete.” SUN shares that perspective. “Our goal is to help converters operate more intelligent- ly,” Gopakumar says. “When machine data and analytics work together, plants can move from reacting to problems to anticipating them.” As more converters begin exploring digital strategies, the experience at Bay Cities highlights a practical reality: transformation does not happen all at once. It starts with better data, improves through better decisions, and ulti- mately depends on the discipline to act on what the data reveals. Bay Cities Educates Customers On Implications Of EPR Bay Cities is working to help customers navigate the grow- ing wave of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) leg- islation as more states move toward implementation and compliance deadlines begin taking shape. With EPR laws now passed in seven states - including California, Bay Cities’ home state - and several more with legislation in progress, the company said many brands selling packaged goods into the U.S. market will soon face new reporting requirements and fee structures tied to the packaging they place into commerce. Fee assessments under some programs are expected to begin as early as 2027. In addition to a focus on compliance, Bay Cities is a valuable resource for customers trying to understand how the legislation may affect packaging decisions, material selection, and long-term costs. Under EPR frameworks, producers are responsible for helping fund the recycling and end-of-life management of packaging materials. As an ongoing hot topic in the indus- try, most box makers are already familiar with the concept, but Bay Cities noted that fee structures are beginning to

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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