Independents Matt Davis And Mike Schaefer Share Insights At AICC Associate Meeting At the recent AICC Fall Meeting in Chicago, Matt Davis, Owner of Col- orado Springs, Colorado based Packaging Express and Mike Schae- fer, President of Cleveland, Ohio based Tavens Packaging & Display, shared their honest and insightful insights with Brian Foley of Bobst, who moderated the discussion for an audience of more than 100 AICC Associate Members.
• Only standard hand tools are required for all maintenance • Direct drive with no chains or sprockets • No tools for media change required » just zip it up » media change out in minutes • Filter is accessible for visual inspection during operation, Significant Advantages Over Conventional Dust Filtration Technology
Davis, owner of Packaging Express, represents the third genera- tion of box makers in his family. Packaging Express has been serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding region for more than 25 years, designing and manufacturing custom corrugated boxes and displays with a reputation for speed, flexibility, and personal service. Schaefer, President of Tavens Packaging & Display, joined the com- pany in 2012, bringing with him a wealth of corrugated, printing, and management experience. He’s since shaped Tavens into a packaging manufacturer that also helps customers tackle everyday challenges that impact the business, from cost of ownership to inventory control. With Foley guiding the discussion, the three explored where the industry stands today, how independents can work smarter with their suppliers, and what the future might hold in an age of automation and uncertainty. Reading The Market Foley kicked off the discussion with an inquiry about the current state of the industry, along with how things may look six months down the line. Both panelists described a market defined by “tempered opti- mism and practical caution.” Davis noted that while business has softened compared to the pan- demic-fueled boom years, opportunities remain steady for indepen- dents. “It’s softer for sure, but Christmas is still coming and Thanks- giving is right around the corner,” he said. “People may have been hesitant with machinery purchases, but as the year nears its end, they’re still looking at what can get done this year.” He added that many are realizing they should have invested earlier. “Most people wish they had their equipment three years ago. No one can predict the future, but you can plan for it and build that into the cost,” he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 Brian Foley of Bobst, right, moderated a conversational Q&A with two box makers, Matt Davis of Packaging Express, left, and Mike Schaefer of Tavens Packaging.
» no shutdown required • Filter media advantages - high dust collection efficiency
- low pressure loss due to constant deep cleaning of the filter media in minutes - long service life
• No pressure fluctuations within the system • No compressed air required to clean the filter media
www.engineeredrecycling.com
info@engineeredrecycling.com
12
www.boardconvertingnews.com
October 20, 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker