BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years January 20, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 3
How A Changing Workforce Can Empower Manufacturing Growth BY GREG KISHBAUGH Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, is driven by a passion for man- ufacturing. Involved in manufacturing since the age of 15, Hall’s interest is in changing the perception of manufacturing and highlighting the future technology that will drive innovation and a shift in the workforce. And while he has always been passionate about manufacturing, its importance has been further crystallized for him with the addition of two daughters to his family. “Right now, manufacturing has a representation of about 22 percent women in the industry,” Hall said. “And if I can do a better job as a father
PCA To Permanently Close Corrugated Plant In Atlanta Lake Forest, Illinois based Packaging Corpo- ration of America (PCA) said it has made the difficult decision to permanently close its cor- rugated plant near Atlanta, Georgia, which employs 103 people. PCA, which notified the printing packag- ing and production workers union, says it will retain all employees through the notification period with terminations taking place March 11-24, according to a public WARN notice. “We regret the impact the permanent plant closure will have on our valued employees and the community at large,” PCA said in a letter notifying the city of East Point. A company spokesperson said that PCA determined it could serve customers more effectively and efficiently by moving the ca- pacity from the full-line plant in East Point to other locations within the company’s network, according to a news report. PCA plans to open a box plant this spring in Phoenix, Arizona that will replace and dou- ble the capacity of its current corrugated box plant. Tom Hassfurther, PCA Vice President of Packaging, said that the new facility will serve the growing local market after having to pull from other plants in the Los Angeles area.
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and as a voice in the industry, changing the culture of manufacturing so we can have more women a part of it and more girls like my girls, that would be a huge success.” Manufacturing represents about 11 percent of the U.S. GDP, which equates to about $2.5 trillion. With significant shifts to the workforce, Hall sees it as a opportune time to reflect on the ways manufacturing is changing and how it can be improved. “Currently, there are between 600,000 and 700,000 open jobs in manufacturing,” Hall said, “and it is expected that there will be 2.4 mil- lion open jobs in manufacturing by the 2030s as a large portion of the workforce is going to be hitting retiring age in the next five to 10 years.” The manufacturing sector is comprised of a wide array of workers CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 Containerboard Price Increases Expected To Gain ‘Traction’ 6 BCN Publishes Special Edition Of Linpac Legacy Features 8 AICC Canada Inducts Ross Kirk Into Hall Of Fame 12 CCCA Celebrates Golden Anniversary
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but without the upward pressure from old corrugated con- tainer (OCC) costs, which continued to slide in December,” Fastmarkets announced in a published report. “The January price increase proposal thus represents an important test for producers’ ability to raise prices, which fell behind the pace of overall inflation in 2023, in the absence of traditionally supportive market conditions. After the $60-per-ton January increase projected in the baseline forecast, we expect prices to stabilize over the rest of 2025.” Though the US does not import very much contain- erboard, Fastmarkets analysts say the Trump administra- tion’s stance and policies on tariffs could have a major impact on global demand, recycled fiber, currencies, and domestic industry. Board Converting News , however, will await anony- mous responses from North American converters about the prices they have paid for linerboard before changing the pricing in its chart. This has always been the publication’s practice and it should be noted the average prices published are intend- ed for reference only. They do not connote any commit- ment to sell any material at the indicated average. Trans- actions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by a seller and buyer. Box makers who wish to report the prices they have paid can contact Len Prazych at lprazych@nvpublications. com or (518) 366-9017.
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
Analysts Expect ‘Traction’ For Recent Price Increases
Despite soft market conditions, Fastmarkets analysts are expecting “substantial traction” for containerboard price increases after all five of the top US containerboard and corrugated producers announced a January price in- crease of $60 to $70 per ton for linerboard. “With overall demand still weak and operating rates still tepid, we view the announced price increase as driven primarily by producers’ focus on margin improvement — similar to the cost-driven price rises that occurred in 2024
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BCN Publishes Special Edition Of Linpac Legacy Features
no red tape, and allowing people to grow together.” “Given the unusually large number of online views and the many positive comments we’ve received about it, I’m comfortable in saying that this article has clearly struck a chord with our readers,” said Len Prazych, BCN’s Presi- dent/Publisher and author of the piece. “The Linpac Leg- acy was a story that needed to be told and was deserv- ing of the additional coverage we gave it. I’m now getting requests from companies and customers wishing to do something similar.” A limited number of print copies are available. Contact Len Prazych at lprazych@nvpublications.com. AICC Announces Early Bird Rates For Spring Meeting In Florida AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, invites members to seize the super early bird registration for its upcoming Spring Meeting set for April 30-May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida. Members who register before February 14 can enjoy sav- ings with the special super early bird rate. This year’s Spring Meeting is designed to equip indus- try leaders with the insights and tools needed to steer your business through the complex currents of the paper pack- aging industry. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Board Converting News announced that it has published a Special Edition of The Linpac Legacy Parts I and II feature articles that appeared in the December 16 and December 23, 2024, issues of the weekly publication. The Special Edition contains additional editorial content, comments, and photos that due to space constraints, could not be included in the previously published and printed issues. The Special Edition can be read or downloaded as a PDF by visiting www.boardconvertingnews.com . What began as article submission by recently retired industry veteran Richard Goldberg wishing to thank the corrugated industry and his many friends, colleagues, and co-workers, evolved into a series of Zoom meetings and in- terviews that uncovered never before published accounts of the founding and success of what is believed to be the first independent sheet feeders in the United States. Goldberg was formerly VP of Manufacturing at Presi- dent Container Group and an early employee of Linpac in the 1980s, which provided the foundation for his more than 40+ year career in the corrugated industry. “For the older generation, culture in the ‘80s and ‘90s had a whole different meaning than it does today,” said Goldberg in the article. “Culture in the Linpac independent environment really was about trust in people and allowing for creativity,
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AICC Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)
Under the theme “Navigating Success: You Must Fly the Plane,” the meeting will focus on leadership, precision, and strategic vision akin to a pilot’s journey. Event highlights include keynote speeches from prom- inent figures such as John Foley, former Blue Angel lead solo pilot, and Peter Goodman, acclaimed futurist, author
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and speaker. Interactive Sessions, including a Legislative Update on the impact of new policies on small businesses and the Moneyball Meets Sales Mastery forum, will provide a deep dive into innovative sales strategies. Along with exclusive networking opportunities with in- dustry leaders and peers, there will be specialized forums and breakfasts, such as the Women in Packaging Breakfast, dedicated to empowering female members of the industry. Special pricing options are also available for box plant members. For more details on registration and to view the full event schedule, visit www.AICCbox.org/Meeting . Questions can be directed to Cindy Huber, AICC Direc- tor of Conventions & Meetings, at chuber@aiccbox.org or (703) 836-2422 or Laura Mihalick, Senior Meeting Manager, at lmihalick@aiccbox.org or (703) 836-2422. AICC Canada Inducts Ross Kirk Into 2024 Hall Of Fame AICC Canada announced the induction of Ross Kirk into its Hall of Fame. Ross, the 2024 recipient, served as AICC Canada’s President in 1993. He was devoted to AICC Can-
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ada as an active board member for more than 25 years and continued to be an active member on many com- mittees well into his retirement. Ross had a successful corrugated career spanning over 45 years. Corrugated fiber was truly in his blood, starting his career at 20 working for his uncle at Kirk Containers, which later became
Ross Kirk
Brock Containers. Ross developed his sales and management skills while working at several corrugated manufacturers throughout Ontario. He retired from McLeish Corr-A-Box in 2012. Ross helped build and develop AICC Canada to what it is today and he had a wonderful time celebrating his contributions with members of his family and the community.
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Mitchell Klingher To Lead AICC Finance Seminar February 10-11 AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced the “Unlock Financial and Operational Syner-
focused learning environment. Attendees can earn up to eight hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits in Accounting, Management Services, and Special- ized Knowledge, certified by Klingher Nadler LLP. Mitchell E. Klingher, CPA, a partner at Klingher Nadler, LLP, will lead the seminar. With more than 30 years of ex- perience in public accounting and a specialization in the paper conversion and packaging industries, Mitch brings a wealth of knowledge and proven strategies to the table. His expertise is particularly valuable to those in the pack- aging sector looking to streamline processes and improve financial outcomes. He has written numerous papers for trade publications and is a regular speaker at regional and national meetings. He also facilitates a number of CEO groups. Participants will engage in practical sessions that bridge the gap between financial theory and operational prac-
gy” seminar set for February 10-11 at Acme Corrugated in Hatboro, Penn- sylvania. This seminar is tailored for professionals eager to enhance their financial reporting by effectively in- tegrating financial and operational data. Designed for intermediate-level attendees with at least one year of
Mitchell Klingher
management experience, this interactive two-day seminar will host only 25 participants, ensuring an intimate and
tice, fostering collaboration that is crucial for business improvement. The seminar is poised to transform participants’ approach to financial reporting, making it a not-to- miss event for industry professionals. Spaces are limited to 25 participants to foster an environment conducive to learn- ing and interaction. Prospective attend- ees are encouraged to secure their spots promptly to benefit from this unique edu- cational opportunity. For more information and to register, visit www.AICCbox.org/Calendar. Ques- tions can be directed to Rebecca Rendon, Sr. Manager of Education, at rrendon@AIC- Cbox.org or (571) 629-7613 or Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Training, at tpyle@ AICCbox.org or (703) 535-1391. AICC Mourns Passing Of Dan Malenke AICC mourns the loss of Dan Malenke, 71, an instructor of many AICC packaging seminars and judge of packaging compe- titions. Dan was a co-leader of fine paper seminars at Mead Paper in Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1989, he was given the opportu- nity to develop “Paperboard Knowledge” seminars in Atlanta, Georgia. He led these seminars for seven years before he took the opportunity to develop a learning cen- ter in Phenix City, Alabama. In 2008, Mead/Westvaco made the decision to move its headquarters to Richmond, Virginia. After restructuring at MeadWestvaco, he began his own compa- ny, PKG PRO, LLC, which he ran success- fully for 15 years.
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Golden Years: CCCA Helping Corrugators Strengthen Sustainability Credentials BY GEORGE GUIDONI, CANADIAN PACKAGING Golden anniversaries don’t come around very often, so celebrating the grand occasion with a nice networking luncheon at the upscale Sheraton Toronto Hotel and Conference Centre in west-end Toronto last month was an exceptionally upbeat meeting of minds for senior executives rep- resenting member-companies of the 50-year-old Canadian Corrugated & Containerboard Association (CCCA). As the national voice of the Canadian corrugated industry, CCCA en- joys widespread support among the country’s leading containerboard
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mills, corrugated plants and related enterprises working tirelessly to sup- ply leading CPG (consumer packaged goods) and retail industries with highly sustainable, reliable and eminently practical packaging for trans- porting and distributing their products across the economic spectrum. Much of the association’s recent growth in stature and influence unfolded under the steady stewardship and guidance of CCCA’s out- A stack of high-quality corrugated tray blanks manufactured by Atlantic Pack- aging being readied for shipment to the Freshline Foods produce processing facility in Mississauga, Ontario. That said, it also provided a welcome opportuni- ty to thank Kirkpatrick for his eight years of inspired leadership and commitment to helping the indus- try navigate some challenging times over the last several years—only to emerge as better, leaner and more competitive sector making an indelible daily contribution to Cana- da’s economic well-being. With selfless dedication to defending and advancing the Canadian corrugated industry’s interests at home abroad—combined with a calm, cultured and personable demeanor—Kirkpatrick’s tenure will undoubt- edly be fondly remembered by many of his industry peers and business acquaintances. Allen Kirkpatrick going executive director Allen Kirkpatrick, whose announcement of his pending retirement was the only tinge of sadness to briefly tone down the cel- ebratory mood.
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CCCA Helping (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)
“At the top of the list is our commitment and support of PPEC, which works tirelessly on issues pertinent to Cana- dian sustainability issues. “The CCCA has also grown and developed significant relationships with other organizations in the U.S., such as
For his part, Kirkpatrick also has many good reasons to take pride in his record of significant achievement in rais- ing the association’s profile and reaffirming its relevance through building bridges not only among its membership, but also with many other like-minded industry groups and stakeholders alike. Asked to relate what parts of his tenure were his fa- vorite highlights, “I would say that the word ‘connections’ sums it up best,” Kirkpatrick told Canadian Packaging magazine in a recent interview. “That starts with getting to know the members of the Board of Directors when I started in the role of executive director in December of 2016,” Kirkpatrick reflects. “In a short time, it became obvious how intelligent, committed and focused all of them were. “These are people who know how to get things done and how to run great companies,” says Kirkpatrick, who took the then-vacant CCCA position as a means to stay active in the industry he loved after a fulfilling and reward- ing career in sales with Cascades Packaging and Domtar Packaging, including a four-year stint as chairman of the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC). Says Kirkpatrick: “I am very proud of the close con- nections and relationships that CCCA has maintained for many years with other industry-related associations.
the Fibre Box Association, the American Forest & Paper Association, and the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation,” Kirkpatrick continues. “We are also members of the International Corrugated Case Association and have a good relationship with the corrugated association in Europe known as FEFCO. “The issues for each of these is similar in many ways to Canada,” Kirkpatrick notes, but there are regional topics as well. The Cascades Fresh produce trays can accommodate all sorts of colorful graphics for effective brand messaging, while offer- ing numerous customization options to suit virtually any type of produce.
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CCCA Helping (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
materials, improved graphics and a sustainable manufac- turing platform—all the things that customers and the pub- lic want” Kirkpatrick points out. “The COVID pandemic proved just how essential corru- gated packaging is today,” he says, “and that is not going to change any time soon.” With recovery and recycling rates consistently over 90
“For example, Europe is focused on recycling at a high- er level than Canada,” he acknowledges, “whereas we of- ten offer (through PPEC) guidance to our U.S. colleagues on EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), as they devel- op their systems. “We also maintain connections with suppliers from around the world,” Kirkpatrick points out, “because our member companies across Canada invest in world-class equipment that is typically engineered in Europe or the U.S. “Our association has a membership class for these sup- pliers, which we call ‘Industry Affiliates,’ and we carry out many activities over the course of the year to include them alongside or own CCCA members,” Kirkpatrick relates. “It is always rewarding to learn about the suppliers and their history.” While Kirkpatrick says he will dearly miss all these con- nections on a personal level, he is immensely proud of his active role in strengthening them for the industry’s greater good—in the process leaving CCCA in a great place. “The CCCA is well-positioned for the future based on its history of adapting, with a highly efficient executive board and a strong focus on sustainability, product and company branding, and right-sizing our packaging to ev- ery product,” he states. “The industry has moved significantly to lighter-weight
percent, the Canadian corrugated sector enjoys the benefits of being a highly sustainable industry and an environmental standard-bearer for all other manufacturing businesses, adds Tencorr Packaging president Chris Bartlett.
“In recent years, sustainability has become the hallmark of our in- dustry,” says Bartlett, who has headed Brampton, Ont.- based Tencorr Packaging over the last 16 years. “A lot of our mills now are 100 percent recycled content mills,” Bartlett points out, “producing 100-percent recycla- ble and reusable product. “Our corrugated boxes can be re-pulped up to seven times before we have to add new fibers to them,” says Bartlett, citing 100 percent recylability for all the corrugat- ed sheets produced by Tencorr. “It’s a very good message to be able to send to the marketplace nowadays,” says Bartlett, noting that Ten- Chris Bartlett
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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.
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CCCA Helping (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
corr produces nearly 2.2 billion square feet of corrugated sheet per year with 100 per cent recycled content. “The entire industry is moving to a 100 percent recy- cling model by mining the urban forest—taking unwanted garbage and turning it into a new product,” he states. “In terms of achieving a low carbon footprint, it doesn’t really get much better than that.” While the industry’s sustainability performance has
been widely acknowledged in re- cent years through effective mes- saging and consumer education by groups like the CCCA, the vast branding possibilities offered by cor- rugated board are also gaining a lot of traction these days, according to Maritime Paper president and chief executive officer Sheldon Gouthro.
Sheldon Gouthro
Based in Dartmouth, N.S., the privately owned compa- ny operates three converting facilities in Eastern Canada and the U.S., printing an estimated 2.2 billion square feet of corrugated board annually. “There has been a lot of transformation in the industry and at our company, driven by technological progress,” says Gouthro, who has worked at Maritime Paper in vari- ous senior management capacities for over 34 years. “There’s been a lot of investment in the industry to keep up with the demands of the market, which requires high visible brand presence at the forefront of their packaging. “Our customers are always thinking of innovative ways of building consumer trust and credibility for their brands,” Gouthro explains, “and corrugated boxes offer a perfect way for them to communicate their brand messaging through more effective shelf presence. “Be it a one-colour black print job or seven-colour high- end graphics for a major multinational, there is a tremen- dous amount of transformation taking place in today’s printing capabilities in pre-print, litho, flexo and digital pro- cesses.” Says Gouthro: “Brand recognition is more than just a logo, a tagline or advertising campaign—it’s about creating a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of our cus- tomers, and it’s about being a brand that people not only recognize, but trust and love. “As we move forward, we must remember that every in- teraction with every product—particularly as it relates to a corrugated box—has a message that contributes to build- ing that brand recognition,” Gouthro states. “So we take a lot of pride in what we do: protecting our customers’ brands by printing their logos, their identity and their message on attractive boxes that literally travel around the world.” Making sure that those boxes provide optimal protec- tion for their contents without excess waste comes down to right-sizing them to match their specific applications,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
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CCCA Helping (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
according to Adam Pauwels, vice-president of sales at the venerable Toronto-headquartered corrugated packaging group Atlantic Packaging. “A corrugated box is one of the few things that is go- ing to give you a sustainable solution every time,” Pauwels
proclaims. “One of its great advan- tages over other mediums is that it can be easily customized to your product by making sure that it is not over-packaged, without having to sacrifice strength or other product protection attributes. “Right-sizing the packaging re- quires that the corrugated boxes are
Adam Pauwels
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custom-made to fit the particular product correctly without generating waste,” he says. “It’s about providing a solution that fits your actual needs, protects your product, and can also be returned to close the loop. “It’s about right-sizing the package so that it maximizes the available pallet space and the freight capacity, while delivering all the brand messaging benefits discussed ear- lier,” Pauwels explains. “We don’t want people to have to sacrifice anything in order to help protect our Earth,” Pauwels says. “We need to do everything we can to make sure that there is no waste, and that’s one of the many benefits of corrugated packaging. “If you need a lightweight box, we’re able to do that,” he continues. “If you’re shipping a heavier product, we’re able to provide the right box to do that as well. “It’s the complete opposite of the ‘one size fits all’ men- tality,” Pauwels concludes. “As a company, and as an in- dustry in general, we will always be willing to customize our packaging to meet our customers’ expectations, while also doing what’s right for the environment.” George Guidoni is the Editor at Canadian Packaging. Sonoco Announces Senior Leadership Changes Hartsville, South Carolina based Sonoco Products Com- pany announced senior leadership changes which be-
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came effective on January 3. Jerry Cheatham, a 36-year finance lead- er within Sonoco, has been named interim Chief Financial Officer, re- placing Chief Financial Officer Rob Dillard. Cheatham has been Vice Presi- dent of Global Finance for the com- pany’s Industrial Paper Packaging
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Jerry Cheatham
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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Sonoco Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
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.
joining the company in 1988. Cheatham holds a BS degree in Accounting from South Carolina State University and an EMBA from Vanderbilt University. The company is under- going a retained search for internal and external candi- dates to identify and select a permanent Chief Financial Officer. “Jerry is a trusted and respected leader within Sonoco who brings strong financial and operational expertise into this role. He will ensure an orderly transition of duties and provide further stability to our global finance organization,” said Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I want to thank Rob for his contributions since joining the Company in 2018, and for helping to build our cur- rent finance team and focusing our strategy to transform Sonoco into a global leader in sustainable metal and fiber packaging through several significant transactions, includ- ing the acquisitions of Eviosys and Ball Metalpack and the recently announced divestiture of our Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging (TFP) business to Toppan Holdings.”
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
Atlantic Packaging Expands Capabilities At Quinn Plant
Wilmington, North Carolina based Atlantic Packaging an- nounced expanded capabilities at its corrugated manufac- turing facility in Charleston, South Carolina. The company
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says its hybrid business model strikes a balance between packaging distribution and value-added manufacturing. “We’re able to cover all different types of corrugated solutions, from really high-volume regular slotted contain- er boxes all the way up to jumbo boxes, with our different capabilities across all our different equipment,” says Eric Quisenberry, Regional Sales Leader. “Really what makes it special is we’re able to integrate it into our full-service model within the distribution network, so you can take what would be a manufacturer’s corrugated price point but integrate it into a distribution service model.” As a partner to Fortune 500 companies and small busi- nesses alike, Atlantic Packaging handles both high-vol- ume orders and complex, custom packaging solutions including just-in-time delivery and inventory management.
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Changing Workforce (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
manufacturers in the United States are a small to medium sized business. Of those small to medium sized business- es, 75 percent of them classify as a small size manufactur- er. Of those small size manufacturers, most were started by the Gen X generation. Millennials are collaborative, they’re tech savvy, and they are focused on getting promoted from within at a company. If they feel that is not an option, they will look for opportunities in a new company. Gen Zs are focused on multi-tasking, on independent learning, and they are deeply concerned with the impact on society the company they work for has, as well as the products they produce. “It’s not just about what the company is making,” Hall stressed, “it’s about what the company is doing to create change, in the industry and the world around it.” “What manufacturing companies need to come to terms with,” Hall said, is that every generation brings its own strengths to the process. “The important thing to understand is each one of these generations has their own unique characteristics and not one of them is better than the other, not one of them is worse, and none of them should be looked down upon.” Hall is particularly interested in how all these varying belief systems and values can help predict the future of manufacturing. “When we look at the future employee, what does the
— from Baby Boomers through Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen Zs. Hall sees this as both a challenge and an oppor- tunity. “We try in some ways to create adversarial relationships
between the generations instead of finding ways to work together.” In doing research and focus groups, Hall analyzed the characteristics most as- sociated with each genera- tion and how that can affect manufacturing companies. Baby Boomers are as- sociated with a strong work ethic, they are accustomed
Jake Hall
to a hierarchal work structure and they have enjoyed job stability. Baby Boomers average only 2.5 jobs for their en- tire careers. By contrast, Millennials can expect to hold 13 jobs by the time they are 30. This can add stress to manufactur- ing companies dealing with employee turnover and the resources required to train new workers. Gen Xers, said Hall, have much more of a focus on work/life balance. They’re independent workers and have an entrepreneurship spirit. Very close to 99 percent of all
CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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Changing Workforce (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
future employee look like, and how is technology going to attract a new employee?” he wonders. Hall sees the continued popularity of mechatronics — a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering, me- chanics, and computing to create and improve technology that incorporates artificial intelligence — as an indication of where manufacturing is heading. Future workers in manufacturing are going to be less specialized and more capable of performing multiple tasks on the shop floor. The next generation of manufacturing worker will have a much higher aptitude for technology, Hall says. And he stresses the importance of attention to detail.
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
“How can we make sure that the tribal knowledge,” he ponders, “the information that we need to make our man- ufacturing processes run, to make the operation floor run, is still staying within the company?” The only way to ensure a healthy workforce for the fu- ture is by being proactive. In the Western Michigan region Hall calls home, two events are held each year to make certain students are made aware of all the possible paths available to them in manufacturing. “Between these two events, we bus in about 22,000 high school students and middle school students to meet with manufacturers,” he explained. “This is how we are creating outreach to our community. Students can learn what manufacturing is all about, the different types of jobs and careers that they can learn. It gives them the ability to see all these career opportunities, particularly if they do not want a four-year degree. They can open a dialogue with their parents about it. They get to meet with many different manufacturers, and in many cases they learn that there are many free education opportunities open to them.” The events also allow organizers to survey the students and get a reading on what perceptions and attitudes to- ward manufacturing currently exist. One of the primary questions asked of the students is: What technology would attract you to manufacturing? “Obviously robotics is the big one,” Hall said. “Kids want to see robotics as the next big tool for manufacturing and CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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Changing Workforce (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
if manufacturers can provide tours of their facilities that showcase the use of robotics and how automation is im- pacting jobs, students are going to be interested.” As evidence as to how much the manufacturing indus- try must do to re-educate the younger generation, Hall of- fers the following example: “When students are asked about their current views on manufacturing, it is still viewed as a dark, dirty, dull, dan- gerous, dumb industry that our grandparents used to work in and our parents discouraged their kids from going into. We need to figure out how we change the perception of the industry.” In a current study that Hall performed with 12,000 stu- dents, only 3.5 percent of the respondents had a favorable view of manufacturing. So how do companies work to change the perception of what manufacturing is? According to Hall, we need to bet- ter understand who Millennials and Gen Z’s are, who our future workers are, and how the workforce has changed. “Not long ago, manufacturing was the highest paid en- try level position a person could get,” he said. “Graduating from high school, if you wanted to make money and you wanted to make the best money, you worked in manufac- turing. “Today workers can choose the hours they want to work, have the flexibility,” he continued. “It’s a huge bene- fit. But, while we can’t offer the same flexibility in manufac- turing, we have benefits, 401Ks, mentorship, health plans. And, perhaps most importantly, if you work hard, you can get promoted. The gig economy does not offer any of that. You’re not going to work for grubhub or Lyft and work there for five years and get promoted. That doesn’t happen.” Hall recommends box converters look around their fa- cilities for ways in which they may be alienating the new workforce. “The younger generation learns much differently than past generations,” he said. “Look around your manufactur- ing floor. Are you still using paper-based work instructions? Are you still using three ring binders? Are you still using whiteboards and post-it notes to do preventative mainte- nance, to run production, to track data? Or are you using digital tools and information and digital work instructions and a computerized maintenance management system to make sure your production is running? “Because I guarantee you,” he continued, “if a genera- tion who has only grown up with digital technology feels like they are going back in time 20 or 30 years when they walk into a manufacturing floor, their first thought is going to be: If they’re not investing in technology, do I really ex- pect them to invest in me? “So the perception and how do you leverage digital tools and how you leverage the way we work and the way we learn is extremely important to manufacturing. Another way in which the workforce has changed for- CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
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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.
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
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CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
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