BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years October 2, 2023 VOL. 39, NO. 40
Plant Tours Captivate Attendees At AICC Annual Meeting In KY BY SUSAN RILEY One of the “optional events” that truly made AICC’s Annual Meeting in downtown Louisville, Kentucky unforgettable last month were the three plant tours. The outing drew 188 curious attendees who packed into buses and headed out for a look behind the scenes to see how other companies do things. Opening their doors with a warm welcome were Premier Packag- ing and Independent II, both headquartered in Louisville, and industrial packaging giant, Greif CorrChoice.
BOXpoll Survey Projects Strong Spending This Holiday Stamford, Connecticut based Pitney Bowes Inc., a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and finan- cial services, announced new consumer data from its BOXpoll survey revealing key peak season trends and insights to help retailers prepare to meet consumer demand. The findings reveal that despite conflicting economic indicators, consumers say they’ll buy online more or the same as last year — supported by trends in growing consumer spending and credit card balances this year. Meanwhile, Transparency Market Re- search projects the global postal packaging market will flourish at a CAGR of 5.5 percent through 2031. The report shows an increase in demand for high-quality packaging solutions and in- crease in preference for strong, durable, and eco-friendly packaging driven by the rise of cross-border e-commerce. Key developments among the major com- panies impacting the global postal packaging market include: • WestRock — Focusing on e-commerce packaging solutions, including corrugated
Among the many participants, Dave Kennedy, accompanied by his son, Connor Kennedy, owners of Southern Carton Company in Lewis- burg, Tennessee, said that the tours offer a lot of valuable information that AICC members can apply to their own operations. “I always bring back something to the plant that we want to change or make better,” Dave Kennedy said. The first stop on the tour was Premier Packaging, which has been in operation almost 30 years. Premier started as a single sheet plant and today has more than 90 locations in North America. Serving the luxu- ry, medical, manufacturing, technology, and food packaging industries, its offerings include corrugated boxes, bin boxes, packaging supplies, automation including case erectors and strapping systems, warehouse organization, design services, and distribution. One of the highlights was Premier’s impressive design room CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 AICC members tour Greif CorrChoice during the Annual Meeting.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT’S INSIDE 5 Cascades Containerboard Is AICC/BCN Innovator Of Year 12 SuperCorrExpo On Track For Banner Year In 2024 14 AICC Appoints Officers, Directors At Annual Meeting 30 NAM Urges Support Of Careers On MFG Day
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
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BOXpoll Survey (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
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.
boxes and packaging automation technologies. • Smurfit Kappa — Investing in sustainable packaging options, including corrugated packaging. • DS Smith — Developing sustainable packaging mate- rials, including corrugated packaging with a reduced environmental footprint. They have also introduced packaging design and testing services. “While U.S. consumers grapple with economic chal- lenges including the lingering impacts of inflation, their discretionary spending — particularly online — appears to defy gravity headed into the holidays,” said Vijay Ram- achandran, VP of GTM Enablement + Experience at Pitney Bowes. “Online sales so far this year are up more than 7 per- cent versus 2022, even though online prices have been on a deflationary trend for more than a year.” Gen Z and Millennials are even less likely to curtail on- line spending, with 22 percent and 18 percent year-over- year declines. “These survey results reflect what we’re seeing in the market: Consumers are having a hard time letting go of COVID-era shopping habits — and rather than curtail over- all spending, they’re ‘trading down’ to lower-priced brands and lower-value product categories as they seek to make their budgets go farther in reaction to perceived inflation," said Ramachandran.
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner $955.00-960.00 $970.00-980.00 $970.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $1000.00-1010.00 $973.00-983.00
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 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 West
$9 2 0.00 $ 96 5.00
$9 1 0.00 $9 4 5.00
3
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October 2, 2023
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Cascades Containerboard Wins AICC/BCN Innovator Of The Year Kingsey Falls, Quebec based Cascades Containerboard Packaging was the recipient of the 2023 Innovator of the Year competition sponsored by AICC and Board Convert- ing News. The award was announced on September 20 during the AICC Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.
Cascades won for its 100 percent recycled SBS alterna- tive used for color applications on packaging. The Innova- tor of the Year competition recognizes innovated solutions created by AICC box plant and supplier members that demonstrate efficiencies, productivity, product quality, and bottom-line profitability of the independent box plant. Cascades said their product is the first 100 percent re- cycled alternative to solid bleached sulfate or SBS that is available in the North American market. Consisting of four-ply recycled brown paper covered with a white clay coating, Cascades developed the prod- uct to meet the industry’s high demand for SBS to solve is- sues related to shortage and scarcity of SBS in the market, offer a more sustainable alternative and deliver the same performance and print quality as SBS. SBS is made of virgin fiber and until now there wasn't any recycling options available on the market. This option offers the same benefits as SBS and is more sustainable. In addition to replacing SBS, the new product can also be used as regular CRB or used as a recycled white lin- er for corrugated paperboard. It is available in 18- and 15- points, and in the future Cascades plans to launch it in 12- and 10-point versions. Also in the competition, Arden Software won second place for a bill of materials for packaging designers with the integrated parts library. EFI took third place for its 100 percent L.E.D. cured, non-odor, flexible and sustainable ink jet ink for corrugated. From left, Jana Harris, CEO of Harris Packaging and AICC chair; Len Prazych, President of Board Converting News; and Eric Paradis and Marc-Édouard Dépin of Cascades Container- board Packaging.
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BW Converting Solutions To Launch At Printing United Expo
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2023
St. Louis, Missouri based Baldwin Technology company announced uniting with Paper Converting Machine Com- pany and Winkler + Dünnebier under a new platform of Barry Wehmiller to offer a new generation of solutions for the print, packaging, and converting industries. The three companies will be making their formal launch as BW Converting Solutions at PRINTING United Expo in Atlanta, Georgia on October 18-20. “As a major market for our companies, it makes sense to combine this shared expertise and market knowledge into one major division to better serve our customer base, and to best launch next-generation technologies that will evolve the industry,” said Stan Blakney, Group President, BW Converting Solutions. “PRINTING United is the curtain-raiser on what BW Con- verting Solutions offers the printing industry,” said Blakney. “Attendees will be able to get a first-look at the world of technology advancements we are developing to put our clients in the best position to not just succeed, but excel.” Paper Converting Machine Company will be introduc- ing the new ION, a hybrid flexo + inkjet packaging press designed to produce larger digital runs cost competitively, meeting market needs for wider, faster printing with high quality.
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
33.006 34.817
-5.2
7.501 7.913
-5.2
Industry Total
Year-to Date
June 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
189.149 206.082
-8.2
7.447 8.113
-8.2
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2023 2022
2.7037 2.8541
-5.3
15.5017 16.9061
-8.3
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
June May
2.2422 2.3221
-3.4
3.6 3.9
-7.7
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2023 2022
22 22
127 127
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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AICC Presents Champion Award To Greg Jones And Greg Tucker AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced that Greg Jones, SUN Automation, and Greg Tucker, Bay Cities, have been awarded the prestigious AICC Champion Award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to furthering the Association's membership. This annual award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in recruiting new members, encourag- ing existing members, and assisting member companies in enhancing their engagement with AICC. The AICC Champion Award is a testament to the ded- ication and unwavering commitment of individuals who play a pivotal role in strengthening the Association's com-
Association.” Jones, who is receiving this award for the third time, is a long-standing member of AICC. He has been instrumental in recruiting and retaining members by sharing his enthu- siasm for the Association and its mission. His passion for the industry and his ability to communicate its value are instrumental to the growth of AICC. "I am humbled and honored by this recognition but would be doing a disservice if I did not recognize the tire- less efforts of AICC Staff, along with Finn McDonald, Inde- pendent II, and AICC Membership Committee Chair, who all lead in such an encouraging manner. Additionally, I am thankful for the commitment of our President at SUN Auto- mation, Chris Kyger, along with our Board of Directors for their support to allow me to serve and volunteer for the Association." He explained why he strongly advocates for AICC. "Ul- timately, I get an adrenaline rush recruiting and retaining members, similar to a close of placing a piece of equip- ment that meets a company's needs. I fully understand the blessings I have received professionally and personally through my engagement with AICC, and I want to see oth- ers experience the same pleasure and return on invest- ment. “We are all looking to make the best decisions that make the most favorable impact on our financials; how- ever, the greatest treasure I will take away from volunteer- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
munity. Greg Jones and Greg Tuck- er have demonstrated outstanding leadership and advocacy in these areas, setting a high standard for AICC members. “Existing members are the strongest promoters of AICC and AICC programming to non-mem- bers,” said AICC President Mike
Greg Jones
D’Angelo. “They know the value that AICC delivers better than anyone. This award recognizes the passion and com- mitment that Greg and Greg bring to the industry and its
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Champion Award (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)
ed beyond measure,” said Jones. Greg Tucker, another esteemed member of AICC, has shown exceptional dedication to AICC by recruiting new members and encouraging other AICC members to inform prospective members about the value of AICC member- ship. "We live and breathe referring people to our favorite restaurants, parks, beaches, and gatherings of like-mind- ed people willing to slow down with their busy world and share experiences, that being the AICC,” Tucker said. “What we do every day is help fellow friends and inter- ested folks learn, grow, and thrive. I don't quite understand the big commotion of getting an award for helping drive membership and getting the message out for the AICC. Isn't it what we are here for, showing people the light to- wards enduring success? To me, it's just like referring friends to my favorite restaurant or turning them on to a great novel. Why wouldn't I? Shouldn't we all?”
ing for AICC are the relationships and memories estab- lished with others within our industry. When I retire one day, hopefully, 15-20 years down the road, I truly do not
think I will remember the record EBITDA years we experienced over the past several years, but more so, I will recall cherished memo- ries of the relationships that were developed and made in helping co-workers, customers, AICC Staff, and others in the corrugated indus- try solve problems and bring true
Greg Tucker
meaning to their lives and careers. Some may feel I have volunteered and given much to AICC, but truthfully and selfishly, I am the one who has been rewarded and bless-
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The AICC Champion Award is a testa- ment to the power of individuals to make a difference. Greg Jones and Greg Tucker exemplify the spirit of AICC, and their con- tributions will continue to benefit the Asso- ciation for years to come. The Membership & Marketing Commit- tee Chair selects recipients of the Award. All employees at AICC member companies are eligible for the award. Registration Open For AICC West Coast Golf Tourney Online registration remains open for the AICC 39th Annual West Coast Golf Tourna- ment at the Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, California on Tuesday, October 17.
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SuperCorrExpo On Track To Break Exhibitor Records
premiere event for exchanging ideas and forging powerful relationships.” Held at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), a leading, international destination for both business and leisure travelers, SCE offers attendees multiple learning opportunities in addition to the expansive exhibit floor. These include technical sessions focusing on the latest industry developments and in-depth corrugated courses, as well as four lively keynote presentations from industry leaders and other socially relevant and timely speakers. “Anticipation is high for SCE 2024,” said AICC President Michael D'Angelo. “We’ve seen a lot of advancements in the last few years and this event is going to not only be a celebration of those achievements, but also serve as a springboard for future innovations – for all converters.” In addition, the second-ever Box Manufacturing Olym- pics will feature innovative designs created over the last two years and entries will be available for viewing on the show floor. With 43 categories in the running, winners will be an- nounced each day, and Best of the Industry winners an- nounced on the last day of the show. Applications are be- ing accepted until June 28, 2024 at supercorrexpo.org/ BMO . To learn more about how to be a part of this fast-selling event, contact SuperCorrExpo Sales Director Linda Cohen at lcohen@tappi.org or by phone at (914) 944-0377.
SuperCorrExpo (SCE), co-hosted by TAPPI and AICC, re- turns to Orlando, Florida on September 8-12, 2024, with a focus on “Future Forward. Time Tested.” With nearly 85 percent of the show floor already sold, expectations are high for a banner year in terms of atten- dance and a packed show floor of more than 300 exhibi- tors. More than 6,000 industry leaders from more than 70 countries are expected to attend this international event. Exhibitors will showcase live demos of cutting-edge, working equipment, while sharing state-of-the-art techno- logical innovations designed to provide next generation capabilities for box makers. A record number of representatives from corrugated manufacturers from around the world are expected to at- tend in 2024. “As technology drastically improves, the corrugated in- dustry is poised for major changes,” said TAPPI CEO and President Larry N. Montague. “SuperCorrExpo 2024 will be the biggest ever, with converters, engineers and buyers sharing how they plan to navigate the future of the industry. “The show floor will feature working machinery, the lat- est technical advancements, presentations from industry leaders and exciting networking opportunities. SCE is the
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AICC Announces 2023-24 Officers, Directors At Annual Meeting
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association Members elected the fol- lowing slate of officers and directors during the AICC Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. The slate was approved by acclamation during the general session on September 20. The theme of incoming Chair Matt Davis is “The Independent Advan- tage.” During this year, he will highlight the entrepreneurship, agility, and responsibilities of independent converters.
Speaking of the coming year, which is AICC’s 50th anniversary, Davis said, “There are no overnight success stories in the box business. It takes years of hard work, and we are going to celebrate our members and their accomplishments at our 50th anniversary of the AICC in 2024. Looking forward to a great year.” The Emerging Leaders of AICC elected a new delegate to represent the Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, Evan Clary of National Corrugat- ed Machinery. AICC’s Associate (supplier) Members elected Mike Butler of Domtar Packaging to the Associate Member Board. Butler is looking forward to serving on the Board. “We all play an import- ant role in AICC,” he said. “As a new Board member, it is critical that we, as suppliers, understand what you, the independent corrugated converters, need from your suppli- ers to make you successful. The logic is simple: if you’re successful, then we are successful.” Also joining the AICC Board as Vice Chairman is Joe Morelli, Huston Patterson, and Lewisburg Printing Company. “I am extremely excited and humbled to be elected to the AICC Board of Directors,” he said. “My time involved with AICC has helped shape me personally and pro- fessionally, not to mention the positive impact it has had on the business of Huston Patterson and Lewisburg Printing. “I look forward to serving the members of this great organization and CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Jana Harris of Harris Packaging passes the gavel to new the AICC Chair, Matt Davis of Packaging Express.
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AICC Announces (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
• Northeast: Stuart Fenkel, McLean Packaging • AICC Mexico: Sergio Menchaca, EKO Empaques De Carton S.A. De C.V. Overseas Director: • Kim Nelson, Royal Containers, Overseas Director Directors At Large: • Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group • Eric Elgin, Oklahoma Interpack • Guy Ockerlund, Ox Box • Mike Schaefer, Tavens Packaging & Display Solutions • Ben DeSollar, Sumter Packaging • Jack Fiterman, Liberty Diversified Industries Advisors To The Chairman: • Tim Connell, A.G. Stacker Emerging Leader Delegates: • John McQueary, CST Systems • Jordan Dawson, Harris Packaging • Evan Clary, National Corrugated Machinery Associate Member Directors: • Tim Connell, A.G. Stacker, Chairman • John Burgess, Pamarco/Absolute, Vice Chairman • Jeff Dietz, Kolbus America, Secretary • Mike Butler, Domtar Packaging, Associate Board Direc- tor • Greg Jones, SUN Automation, Immediate Past Chair- man, Associate Members • Al Hoodwin, Michigan City Paper Box • Gene Marino, Akers Packaging Group
working side by side with some of the industry’s best peo- ple.” AICC’s Officers and Directors for 2023-2024 are: • Matt Davis, Packaging Express, Chair • Gary Brewer, Package Crafters, First Vice Chair • Finn MacDonald, Independent II, Vice Chair • Terri-Lynn Levesque, Royal Containers, Vice Chair • Joe Morelli, Huston Patterson & Lewisburg Printing Co., Vice Chair • Jana Harris, Harris Packaging & American Carton Co., Immediate Past Chair • Gene Marino, Akers Packaging Group, Chairman, Past Chairman’s Council • Michael M. D’Angelo, AICC, The Independent Packag- ing Association, President • David Goch, Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, Secretary/ General Counsel • Lee Gould, AICC Canada, Administrator • Veronica Reyes, AICC Mexico, Administrator Directors: • West: Sahar Mehrabzadeh-Garcia, Bay Cities • Southwest: Jenise Cox, Harris Packaging & American Carton • Southeast: Michael Drummond, Packrite • Midwest: Casey Shaw, Batavia Container • Great Lakes: Josh Sobel, Jamestown Container Cos.
16 October 2, 2023
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Koenig & Bauer Partners With HYBRID On Workflow Solution
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.
Würzburg, Germany based Koenig & Bauer announced its partnership with HYBRID Software, a software solutions provider for labels and packaging, to supply an exclu- sive product for the press manufacturer’s sheetfed offset presses. Acting as a gateway, PrintFusion steers Koenig & Bauer presses with PACKZ prepress software and the CLOUD- FLOW production workflow suite.
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Parallel to plate creation, all printing data is delivered to Rapida sheetfed offset presses. As PrintFusion supplies all relevant setting data in advance, users can benefit from automation through shorter setup times and greater effi- ciency between job changes. In addition, printing parameters can be stored with the job data for subsequent repeat jobs. This end-to-end packaging workflow solution allows for efficiency through an automatic retrieval of job data from connected MIS/ERP systems. Due to intelligent learning, PrintFusion helps maximize press and substrate utilization and optimize printing accu- racy. Koenig & Bauer Rapida Sheetfed Offset presses are designed to run independently with a substantially lower less risk of errors. “The strategic decision to join forces stems from a mu- tual understanding of our industry’s needs, with the pri- oritization of best-in-class standards and innovation,” said Ralf Sammeck, Chief Data Officer at Koenig & Bauer. “PrintFusion is the result of a symbiotic partnership: what is achieved together is greater than the sum of its parts.” Christopher Graf, HYBRID Software Chief Marketing Of- ficer, said they have built their partnership on mutual trust and common values. “Already today, it is much more than a traditional sup- plier-vendor relation. We have combined our people to develop an innovative solution for our customers; supply- ing a unique technology which drives productivity to new heights,” he said.
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AICC Plant Tours (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
equipped with an in-house CAD table, various cutting tools, and a digital printer where designers create samples to exact specification so customers can see exactly what their boxes will look like. An in-house test lab allows them to conduct packaging testing to ensure the integrity of the box and safety of the product inside.
SPECIALTY FOLDER GLUERS • Operator Training • Rebuilds and Relocations • Reconditioning in Racine • Parts & Machine Reviews • GUARANTEED IMPROVEMENT TOROSIAN TECH SERVICES INC. Training and Reconditioning Center 930 Tenth Street • Racine, WI 53403 (800) 555-5876 (U.S. only) Phone: (262) 633-5133 • Fax: (262) 633-5176
Visitors receive a warm welcome at Premier Packaging.
Independent II was the second stop on the tour, where attendees were greeted by a father-son team, Neil Mac- Donald, CEO, and son, Finn MacDonald, President. They were proud to show off their 340,000-square-foot shiny new facility that now offers ample room for their special machine layout after outgrowing their prior space. Highlights at Independent II included a new machine center they refer to as the “island,” anchored by two Isowa flexo folder gluers (an Ibis and a Falcon) along with Alli- ance prefeeders, Geo. Martin inverters, and EAM Mosca bundlers.
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Tour attendees at Greif CorrChoice.
Another key piece of machinery that was highlight- ed for Independent II’s digital work was their investment in an x630i Domino single pass digital inkjet corrugated press with a SUN Automation Group servo driven sheet feeding system. The Domino x630i produces CMYK aqueous-based, four-color print on uncoated and coated corrugated sheets. The next-generation technology is a
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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game-changer for Independent II in terms of automation, uptime, efficiency, and productivity. Finn MacDonald stressed the importance of building on the important relationships they have with vendors that also include Baysek, Stitching & Gluing, Hitek, Amtech, Haire, American Corrugated Machine Corp., CorrChoice, and more.
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.
For many on the tour, the wide variety of capabilities they were able to see at all the different plants — from handling small, high-volume quantities to large bin boxes — was impressive. “We’re looking at material handling stuff right now, so it was a real good way for me to see people moving product around through their plants,” said Kevin Ausburn, CEO of SMC Packaging Group of Springfield, Missouri. From left, Andy Hennessey, CFO; Dennis Wood, Corporate Di- rector of Manufacturing; AICC Ambassador Steve Young; and Ryan Benningfield, Corporate Director of Manufacturing.
The close ties among the independent companies lends itself to sharing of expertise which as a whole can help improve the industry. “Everybody is very good about opening their doors and letting people come through and see what they’re doing,” Ausburn said. “A lot of times, it’s not even the big things Finn MacDonald, President, Independent II, on the plant floor.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com
Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.
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they’re doing, it’s the little things — creative ways to ad- dress problems and issues.”
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.
AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net
AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator.
Employees stack board at Independent II.
The independent companies often have much in com- mon in terms of the types of equipment and investments, and the same challenge to find good employees and offer competitive benefits. Without the kinship among indepen- dents, fostered through membership in AICC, the oppor- tunities to learn from their peers in the business might not be as forthcoming. “If you come to my plant, you would say, ‘I like the way you do that’ or ‘I didn’t know you could do it that way,’” Kennedy said. “So, you always bring something back that helps your individual business grow.” The willingness of the independent companies to share ideas and help each other grow and succeed might have a lot to do with the family atmosphere and business culture that they share. “A lot of these independent companies started with families where mom is in the front office, dad is out in the plant, and the kids grow up in the business and they know how to run this and that,” Kennedy said.
AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com
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. 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
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
The Alliance Prefeeder at Independent II.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
For a glimpse of a largescale operation, attendees, with required protective headgear and ear plugs, took a long walk-thru at Greif CorrChoice’s Louisville facility which focuses on corrugated sheets and boxes. It was just one
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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JB Machinery Inc., | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com
Visit us at FEFCO booth 101 , 25-27 October 2023
Plant Tours (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
among the global company’s 240 facilities that operate throughout 37 countries. The company has two divisions: sustainable paper/packaging in North America and indus- trial packaging available globally.
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing rapid turn-around, keeping ma- chines running at peak performance and limiting down time.
C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com
Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.
With a plethora of product lines and solutions, the com- pany aims to offer customers the opportunity to one-stop shop, whether they’re in the market corrugated bulk box- es, coated paperboard, adhesives, or fibre drums. Greif CorrChoice in Louisville is known for its triple-wall boxes, or rather octagons, that are used to transport wa- termelons. The sturdy bulk boxes feature glitch (glue and stitch) to help protect the produce and custom design and printing. AICC will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year and while some attendees on the tour were new mem- bers, others, like SMC Packaging, have held AICC mem- bership almost since its inception. “I think we have been in it 48 years,” Ausburn said. “Our company started up in 1972 and we were fighting just meeting payrolls and trying to stay in business. Be- fore we got our feet under us, we decided we needed to join an association of people like ourselves dealing with a lot of the same issues. Being a single plant operation at that point in time we didn’t have a lot of resources to fall back on. We couldn’t pick up the phone and call another facility in another city and ask how they were dealing with an issue. So, we’ve kind of used AICC like it’s part of our business.” For other companies weighing whether membership is a good fit for them, Ausburn said that he would tell them that it’s worth way more than the monetary investment. “You’ll get back ten times what you put into it,” he said. “It’s all about participating and being involved and getting to know the members. There’s just a lot of great network- ing that goes on and there’s a lot that comes from that, and then just a lot of technical and operational information that is shared at the meetings like this. “We’ve benefitted tremendously over the years.” Greif CorrChoice serves the agriculture industry with products such as this triple-wall melon box.
EMBA www.embausa.com
The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.
EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours.
ESKO www.esko.com
ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .
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Metsä Board Completes Kemi Mill Development Program
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Metsä Board announced that a development program for its white kraftliner mill in Kemi, Finland has been complet- ed in conjunction with Metsä Fibre's new bioproduct mill. Metsä Board and Metsä Fibre are part of Espoo, Finland based Metsä Group. In addition to increasing the mill’s ca- pacity by 40,000 tons per year, the development program is expected to reduce the mill's energy consumption by 5 percent and water consumption by around 40 percent per ton produced.
GARTECH MANUFACTURING COMPANY www.gartechmfg.com
American manufacturers of split heads, patented roll- er-bearing yokes, gang-slot upgrades, custom rebuilds, and glue systems with electronically-geared speed mon- itoring. Visit our website for info, tips and techniques.
THE HAIRE GROUP www.hairegroup.com
Haire Group is the premier provider of new machinery for the corrugated industry. From the Apstar line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, the Encore line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, and the Engico flexo folder glu- er, Haire is able to pair clients with the best machinery solu- tions for the best value to meet their needs. Haire Group’s service department helps its customers maximize uptime and profitability through superior 24/7 service and support, a pre-install training center, and over a million dollars’ worth of spare parts at their offices just outside of Chicago. Haire Group has been the industry’s #1 pre-owned machinery bro- ker and plant equipment appraiser since 1976. HarperLove is the leading provider of specialty adhesives, performance additives, and wet-strength resins to corru- gated packaging manufacturers. With the largest and most experienced field service and technical support team posi- tioned throughout the U.S. and Latin America, HarperLove has a long-standing reputation for providing outstanding service and delivering demonstrable performance improve- ments. HarperLove’s renowned services include not only innovative product development and custom product for- mulation, but also machine and process assessments, ad- hesive formula adjustments, machine tuning, detailed ser- vice reporting, and more. HARPERLOVE www.HarperLove.com
The Kemi paperboard mill is one of the world's largest producers of coated white top kraftliner. The development program will increase Kemi’s annual production capacity of white kraftliners to 465,000 tons, with the majority be- ing sold in Europe and North America. The development program for the board mill consisted of three parts: increasing the annual production capacity of white kraftliner by 40,000 tons, improving energy and water efficiency and transferring the unbleached pulp pro- duction line to Metsä Board. A new, larger-capacity disc filter has been built at the board mill, resulting in a more closed water circulation and a savings in water consumption. The mill's new heat re- covery towers capture waste heat from the process and recycle it back into the system. The supply of top layer birch pulp of the liner from the bioproduct mill as dried form in the future will help in- crease both the energy and production efficiency of the board machine. To allow for the increase in production capacity, the board machine and finishing operations have been mod- ernized and production has been streamlined. Changes include the increase of the winder capacity, the automatic transfer of machine reels from the board machine to wind- er, fully automated reel loading and a new logistics chain between the deep-water port of Ajos in Kemi. Metsä Fibre's unbleached pulp production line will be transferred to Metsä Board in a modernized state. The pro- duction line will have an annual capacity of 180,000 tons of softwood pulp, which will be used in the bottom layer of the Kemi kraftliner.
KIWIPLAN www.kiwiplan.com
Kiwiplan - premier worldwide software provider of enter- prise-wide, fully automatic solutions specifically for the cor- rugating and packaging industries. Kiwiplan’s Total Solution delivers comprehensive, seamless real-time flow of infor- mation from sales order management to dynamic total plant scheduling and inventory control through shipping.
MAROTECH INC. www.marotech.com
Manufacturer of Marotape®, Marotape®Plus, Marotape® FPT and MaroString™; hot melt coated tapes and strings used for reinforcement and easy-open features for packaging. Ma- rotech also manufactures dispensing and tape placement equipments to optimize the productivity of applying hot melt coated tapes.
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