Board Converting News, January 27, 2025

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years January 27, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 4

Alliance Packaging: ‘Go Big Or Go Home’ BY LEN PRAZYCH

Alliance Acquires JD Engineers B.V.

Spokane, Washington based Alliance Ma- chine Systems International, a manufacturer of automated paperboard packaging equip- ment for the production of corrugated boxes, has acquired JD Engineers B.V., a producer of high-quality specialty folder gluers. The stra- tegic partnership is touted as a premier all-in- one solution designed to enhance production efficiency and quality for customers. In 2015, Alliance was acquired by Bar- ry-Wehmiller, the 139-year-old, $3.6 billion global capital equipment and engineering solutions firm led by CEO Bob Chapman and President Kyle Chapman. “Alliance Machine Systems International is thrilled to partner with JD Engineers, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said Alliance Machine Systems International Presi- dent Marius Batrin. “After more than 10 years of successful collaboration in Europe, Alliance and JD En- gineers have decided to become part of the same business structure. This acquisition is a pivotal step in enhancing our position as a comprehensive full-range solution provider for our customers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

“Go Big or Go Home!” This is the mantra that Renton, Washington based Alliance Packaging has chosen upon which to focus its box man- ufacturing initiatives as the leading independent corrugated converter in the Northwest United States. “Going big” refers not only to the business philosophy of the nearly 60-year-old company, but to the manufacturing superiority of its jumbo boxes, lots of them, generated quickly and precisely, courtesy of a co- lossal new Multifunction FFG 99-inch by 217-inch Super Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer by Engico, the Italian manufacturer represented by Haire Group. Engico continues to win fans, admirers and and subsequently, a steady stream of new customers in North America.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Alliance Packaging was founded as Seattle Packaging in 1967 by Gordon Younger, a former salesman for Boise Cascade who’d had his fill working for a “big company” and wanted to strike out on his own. His idea was that instead of trying to make everything a little cheaper, he would try to make things a little better. By paying a little more for materials and by paying his employees a little more for their valuable labor, he believed he could charge a little more for a better box, a phi- losophy that has served his company and its many customers well for several decades. Gordon Younger passed away in 2017, leaving his sons Scott and Eric at the helm of the largest independent corrugated manufactur- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 An Alliance alliance: from left, Austin Umlauf of Haire Group, Krist Leland of Alliance Packaging, and Michael Swanson of ACS.

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 Victory Pkg Becomes Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions 10 Fosber’s Paul Hrubesky Retires, Todd Evans Promoted President Container Cuts Ribbon On Third MHI Evol 28 Supplier Reports, Part I

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from Alliance Machine Systems alongside the Alliance J&L product line.” “Alliance Machine Systems International’s investment in JD Engineers is a testament to our commitment to in- novation and the unique technology we have developed,” said Jasper Kruizinga, Founder and Technical Director at JD Engineers. “This partnership represents an exciting op- portunity for us to enhance our impact by leveraging our combined expertise and shared culture. Since our found- ing, JD Engineers has grown and thrived by providing de- pendable, highly innovative solutions for our customers. We are thrilled to join forces with Alliance, a highly respect- ed company that will position us for future success and continue to build on our reputation as an industry leader.” “This partnership will empower us to deliver even greater value to our customers,” said Doeke Holetrop, Founder and Commercial Director at JD Engineers. “By combining our innovative solutions with the resources and expertise of Alliance Machine Systems International, we will be able to accelerate our growth, improve our services and expand our reach. We are delighted that Alliance ap- preciates the value of our organization, and we are confi- dent and excited that our combined expertise will have a positive impact on our continued growth and success. We believe that this partnership is an excellent extension of long-term business strategy, and we are thrilled to have a partner that shares our principles and respects the culture that has driven our success.”

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 “Over the last 25 years, JD Engineers has established itself as a strong, reliable, innovative and dynamic com- pany in the corrugated and folding carton industry. Their success is due to the enthusiasm and hard work of the entire team, as well as the constant focus on innovation and quality. Those values align perfectly with our mission, enabling us to deliver unparalleled service and optimized one-stop equipment and services for all folding and gluing applications alongside our other product lines. The entire JD Engineers team will remain in place, continue to grow and develop state-of-the-art equipment, with addition- al global engineering, sales and customer care support Alliance Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

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January 27, 2025

Victory Packaging Becomes Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions Dublin, Ireland based Smurfit Westrock announced that Houston, Texas based Victory Packaging has now begun operating as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. Span- ning over 50 years, Victory Packaging has been providing packaging and related services across North America, first as an independent company then as the integrated distri- bution arm for two successive packaging companies.

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The business provides engineering, supply chain, kit- ting and assembly, automation, digital and logistics solu- tions that help customers reduce total costs, improve their sustainability footprint, mitigate risk, and grow sales. “Our new brand reflects our service-driven approach to solving business challenges, delivering value to our cus- tomers and signals our ability to tap into extensive capa- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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January 27, 2025

FLEXO FOLDER GLUERS

SATURDAY SHIFT ELIMINATOR

ACME Team Above: Edgardo Ortiz,Samir Kurtovic, Ferney Munoz Cano, Emmanuel Rojas Santiago

Operator excellence drives the success of ACME Corrugated Box Company’s  rst Falcon . An e ffi cient crew and a great machine together helped eliminate a weekend shift while maintaining volume.

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Victory Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

oritizing customer service, with the same teams delivering complete packaging solutions from a suite of differentiat- ed products and services at more than 60 solution centers in the United States and Mexico. Visit www.swpackagingsolutions.com for information. International Paper To Build $260M Plant In Waterloo, Iowa It has been reported that International Paper will be build- ing a $260 million plant in Waterloo, Iowa, near the city’s airport. The project is expected to create 90 jobs. The Waterloo City Council earlier this month unani- mously approved a development agreement to sell 66 acres to International Paper for $1 for construction of the plant and a warehouse. It will be the second largest manu- facturing facility in the city, and take about two years to build.

bilities and resources as part of one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies,” said Scott MacDonald, President, Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. Smurfit Westrock resulted from the combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in July 2024, operating in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations, 62 paper mills, and 100,000 employees worldwide. “Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions is synergistic to core operations in the United States and Mexico,” said Laurent Sellier, chief executive officer, Smurfit Westrock North America. “Aligning its name and identity to the global brand bet- ter defines its affiliation and positions the business for con- tinued success as a part of the Smurfit Westrock family.” Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions will continue pri-

The company will receive property tax rebates of 50 percent for 15 years. After the rebates, the city will receive about $900,000 in annual property taxes, with about $700,000 going into the East Wa- terloo Unified Tax Increment Financing District and $200,000 to the city’s debt service levy. The development agreement allows the company to buy an additional 30 acres of land for an additional $1 within the next year. PMMI Donates $200K To Aid CA Wildfire Recovery PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, announced that the Board of Directors has approved a $200,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with wildfire relief efforts in southern California. This contribution aims to provide critical aid to communities dev- astated by the recent wildfires. PMMI, with a strong membership pres- ence in the hardest-hit areas, recognizes the immense challenges faced by these communities. “Our hearts go out to every- one affected by these fires. PMMI wanted to make a meaningful contribution to sup- port those impacted, especially our mem- bers in southern California,” says Jim Pit- tas, president and CEO, PMMI. “Thanks to our strong financial posi- tion, bolstered by the success of our PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, the Board recognizes we can provide substantial support at this critical time.”

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January 27, 2025

Turn Trim Waste into Revenue Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs. • Moving to a new facility? Puhl has experience moving entire plant systems all while minimizing down time in BOTH plants during the transition. • Below roof AND above roof systems custom designed to meet your needs. • New and Remanufactured Equipment (balers, blowers, separators, filters and more). Our Remanufactured equipment includes a warranty and offers significant savings. • NFPA and OSHA compliant systems designed by our NFPA trained engineering team. • Dust Briquetters, Certified Explosion Isolation Valves, Flame Front Diverters and more to control dust. • PLC Touch Screen Controls with Real Time Pressure Balancing and Real Time Remote Monitoring available on your smart phone or computer.

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ICPF Funds Equipment To Support Packaging Instruction At VT Students in Virginia Tech’s Packaging Systems & Design Program will be using new equipment this Spring provid- ed by the International Corrugated Packaging Founda- tion (ICPF). The Emerson Apparatus compression tester is a key piece of equipment for undergraduate students in the packaging program, will support research initiatives, and replaces a previous compression tester that was no longer functional. “The Packaging Systems & Design program at Virginia Tech provides students with in-depth knowledge of the use of corrugated fiberboard as an important packaging material. This donation will allow Virginia Tech to con- tinue to develop talent with specific corrugated industry knowledge, preparing them for future careers in our in- dustry,” said ICPF President, Caitlin Salaverria. The Packaging Systems & Design program at Virginia Tech has a strong focus on experiential learning in mul- tiple packaging areas related to the corrugated industry including structural packaging design, package dynamics engineering, material science research, and marketing. “With the support of ICPF and this new state-of-the- art equipment, we will increase the quality of experiential learning that our students receive,” said Eduardo Molina, Assistant Professor of Packaging Systems and Design

in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech. “This new compression tester will be accessible to students in different classes where they are exposed to the development of corrugated packaging, from the first pack- aging-related class to their senior capstone project.

“Along the journey, students will learn about the impor- tance of proper material testing and evaluation, learn the scientific basis for the engineering of packaging solutions and apply the knowledge in a practical manner.” “As an industry sponsored foundation, ICPF has worked for 40 years to advance student and faculty knowledge of the industry and to promote development of a highly trained workforce,” said Salaverria.

We’ve got our customers covered… …with our fiberglass backed, boltless, full double-wide blankets and an extensive inventory of corrugated parts needed by virtually every box plant in the country. The innovator of the original fiberglass-backed knuckle locking anvil cover, Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated. TM

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January 27, 2025

Ciao bellA!

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AICC Offers New Webinar: ‘The Power To Stand Out At Scale’

Fosber Promotes Todd Evans To VP Of Sales, Paul Hrubesky Retires Green Bay, Wisconsin based Fosber America announced the promotion of Todd Evans to the position of Vice Pres-

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, invites its members to the upcoming webinar, “Industrial Efficiency,

Custom Quality: The Power to Stand Out at Scale,” scheduled for Wednes- day, February 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET. This educational session is for members seeking to leverage the latest ad- vancements in packaging technolo- gies to achieve industrial-scale dif- ferentiation and personalization. Kerry Sanders, EFI Vice President of eCommerce Digital Enablement,

ident of Sales. This recognition is a testament to Todd’s outstanding contributions, consistent dedication, and exemplary performance in his previous role as VP of Engineering. Todd has been a key asset to our Fosber team for 27 years. “Todd will lead the sales team with the same passion and commit-

Todd Evans

Kerry Sanders

ment in the VP of Sales position held by Paul Hrubesky,” said Jeff Pallini CEO of Fosber America. “As we bid farewell to Paul, our admired colleague and friend, we reflect on his remarkable 46 years in the cor- rugated industry (36 of those years at Fosber). Known for his dedication, exceptional sales insight, and knack for building lasting relationships, Paul leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Please don’t be too sad though as we will be sure to invite him to an occasional industry event to meet with all his old friends!” Paul Hrubesky

Inkjet, will delve into the transformative potential of sin- gle-pass digital printing. Attendees will learn about key market trends and the evolving needs of brands eager to capture consumer attention through innovative packaging solutions. This technology offers the unique advantage of adding value while maintaining industrial efficiency, ideal for marketers and brand managers. To register, visit www.AICCbox.org/Calendar. Questions can be directed to Rebecca Rendon, Sr. Manager of Education, at rrendon@AICCbox.org or (571) 629-7613 or Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Training, at tpyle@AICCbox.org or (703) 535-1391.

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January 27, 2025

President Container Group Cuts Ribbon On Its Third MHI Evol Flexo Folder Gluer Middletown, New York based President Container Group (PCG) formally commissioned its third Mitsubishi Evol Flexo Folder Gluer during a rib- bon-cutting ceremony at its 622,000-square-foot “super plant” on Mon- day, January 13, with more than 50 employees, customers and invited guests. “On behalf of the Grossbard family and President Container Group, I want to thank you all for attending this historic event for our compa- ny, the ribbon cutting for our third MHI Evol Flexo Folder Gluer. This is

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really exciting,” said PCG’s Plant Manager Matthew Grossbard, son of company co-owner Larry Grossbard and nephew of co-owner Richard Grossbard, to the applause of those in attendance. Matt Grossbard also thanked PCG employees, the leaders at MHI and several other suppliers and contractors for their machinery, support and services that resulted in a successful installation and startup. “This is the first major installation I’ve worked on but I couldn’t have Representatives of MHI and the Grossbard family cut the ceremonial ribbon on President Container Group’s third MHI Evol.

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done it without the communication and support of a lot of people, especially Pablo Sanchez, our 26-year-old Project Engineer. To do what he has done on this project is truly remark- able,” said Grossbard, who also applauded Richard Goldberg, PCG’s recently retired Vice President of Op-

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PCG’s Plant Manager Matt Grossbard, center, with MHI President Hiroyuki Kikumoto-san and MHI Re- gional Sales Manager John Bacot.

erations, who worked at the company from 2010-2020 and who was in- strumental in the success PCG experiences today. “Although Rich is no CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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January 27, 2025

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President Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

The Perfect Combo Get Peak Performance From Your Equipment with Matched Component Sets

longer with us day to day, he remains just a phone call away and is willing to provide us his guidance and sup- port as it is needed.” “I am proud of everything you have accomplished, Matt, and everything we have accomplished together,” said PCG’s co-owner and president, Larry Grossbard, who shared the dream he and his brother Richard had 15 years ago: to build a manufacturing facility and create a box plant with latest machinery and technology to ensure the company’s success and longevity. PCG moved its manufacturing operations from New Jersey to New York in 2010, when it employed 143 work- ers and produced one billion square-feet of corrugated

Nothing’s more rewarding than a couple made for each other.

That’s why the engineers at ARC International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect matches between the components that must work in tandem on your flexo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers • Anilox and Wiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue and Meter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to fill your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo . Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of flexo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and profits.

PCG’s MHI Evol 100 4-color Flexo Folder Gluer.

annually. Today, PCG employs 394 workers and produc- es 2.1 billion square feet annually. “Just as New York de- livered on its commitment to us, PCG has not only met but exceeded its commitment to Orange County and the State of New York. By 2020, PCG accomplished what it set out to do. “Reaching that milestone, however, only inspired us to aim higher,” said Larry Grossbard. “Our new vision was to produce three billion square-feet annually, a volume achieved by very few box plants in America. This required significant investment and we believe the way to be suc- cessful is constant investment in your plant, its machinery and its people.” Over the past five years, PCG expanded its facility by 100,000 square feet, bringing it to 622,000 square feet. It installed a second Fosber 110-inch corrugator, its sec- ond Evol, a new Goepfert, and a new Engico Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer for additional capacity. In 2023, PCG pro- duced 1.9 billion square-feet and set the ambitious goal to grow 10 percent annually year over year for the next three years. In 2024, the company produced a remarkable 2.1 billion square-feet, bringing it to where it is today. Its third Evol will help it achieve its goal. When asked how the company will be able to achieve such phenomenal production numbers in light of a con- solidating industry and plant closures, Grossbard quoted a famous line from the movie, “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Costner: “If you build it, they will come.”

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January 27, 2025

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Alliance Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

er in the Pacific Northwest: nearly a million square-feet of combined manufacturing and warehousing space in Renton (Seattle) and Spokane, Washington; Hillsboro, Or- egon; Nampa, Idaho; and Bozeman, Montana. Scott Younger is the pres- ident of the company and is active in the day-to-day duties of managing Alliance’s box-making empire and Eric is active in its decision-making activities but not as much in the op- erations’ day-to-day management. Eric’s son, Kai, represents the third generation of the company that has been wholly owned by the Younger family since 1985. The company’s headquarters and primary manufactur- Gordon Younger

ing division is housed in a massive 400,000-square-foot structure that was formerly a warehouse. Alliance Packaging moved its operations into the facility in 2000 and has made sev- eral additions, modifications and capital improvements since then. Alliance does run a corrugator, but not in the former warehouse facility; its nearby sheet feeder, Sheets Unlimited, is just down the street. Krist Leland, Director of Manufacturing at Alliance Packaging and the larger-than- life corrugated industry veteran who has carved a career out of maximizing the com- pany’s human and mechanical resources, oversaw the month-long installation and startup of the Engico, which was revved up and running in September of 2024. The Engico Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer continues to win fans, admirers and subsequently, a steady stream of new customers in North America.

DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION

“About three years ago we looked at the loading on our old jumbo and rotary die cutter and asked ourselves, ‘How long are these machines going to last?’ and we realized it was not going to be much lon- ger, so we started thinking about a new machine.” The fact that a local customer named Amazon continued buying what has become a virtually infinite number of boxes only increased the urgency for Alli- ance to replace its old workhorses. Ama- zon’s orders, meanwhile, only continue to increase, especially its demand for “shut- tles,” the big boxes in which it ships its products. Alliance Packaging has had a long and fruitful relationship with Justin Hill and Lawrence, Kansas based Lawrence Paper Company, which was the first North Amer- ican independent company to invest in an Isowa Falcon Flexo Folder Gluer. Not coin- cidentally, Alliance Packaging later invest- ed in an Isowa Falcon, which Leland says

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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January 27, 2025

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Alliance Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

co Jumbo.) Alliance Packaging bought their own Engico in March of 2023 and began preparations for the installation by contacting its long-time supplier, ACS, which had done the bulk of the conveyor work in Alliance’s other divisions and was involved from the project’s beginning with the layout and CAD work. “We had a really good idea of what they were look- ing to achieve, from bringing in sheets off the truck from across the street at Sheets Unlimited to having the amount of work and process storage that they wanted, then feed- ing the machine,” says Michael Swanson, Regional Sales Manager at ACS. “We laid out some WIP conveyor, added a manually operated transfer car to bring stock in off the trucks and then fit it all into the plant, which was probably the biggest challenge of the entire project.” Given the size of the Engico machine and where it had to go in the plant, Alliance Packaging had to do other prep work that included moving mezzanines, tooling stor- age and maintenance equipment, and other machines. Its magnificent new Engico was “rolled in” on 10 open-top containers. The heaviest piece of equipment was 80,000 pounds – a mere 40 tons! – and unloading the machine and its varied components took two days. Engico uses its own install team and it took about two weeks for it to get the machine on its foundation and then another two-and-a-half weeks to run cable and wiring. “We

is “the highest-producing piece of machinery we have in the corporation.” He adds that the Engico will eventually out-produce the Falcon because it takes a bigger blank through the machine.

On one of his “research visits” to Lawrence Paper, Le- land remembers being impressed with the Engico running there, then the first installation of its kind in the US. “I made the comment that, man, if we ever replace the jumbo we were running, we’re going to buy an Engico,” he says. (Note: Lawrence Paper is now running their second Engi- An Isowa FP50 Flexo Folder Gluer, which Krist Leland says is the highest producing piece of machinery at Alliance Packag- ing but will be out-produced by the Engico Jumbo because it runs bigger blanks.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Alliance Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

started up the machine about two weeks ahead of the expected start date,” says Leland. “Anybody that knows about installing machinery realizes that just doesn’t hap- pen.” Training also went well. “Engico had two trainers, one very experienced and one relatively new guy, both of whom spoke perfect English. They both did very well but I think they were a little stunned when they saw what we wanted to do. Most of these machines are going into full- line corrugated box plants making two, three, maybe four jumbo setups a day. We’re looking to make 15, maybe 20

setups in a two-shift day! Once they understood some of the ‘crazy stuff’ we did, they excelled. After they trained our operators, they stayed here for another two to three weeks and just stood back and let the guys operate the machine. When they saw our guys were stumped about something, the trainers stepped right in and handled the issue. I was very impressed.” Generally, it requires only two operators to run the mammoth Engico flexo on long-run jobs, but Leland says that he adds a third on short runs to do set ups while the crew of two is operating the machine. “We're continuing to push for large volume, large box business. But for the first few weeks of operation, every order was new so it took some time to enter all the dimensions into the machine. I think by the end of January 2025, when 80-90 percent of our orders are repeat orders, we’re going to open up 20- 25 percent more volume on the machine because setups will go from 30 minutes to 12 minutes,” he says. “What we were able to do is get more Amazon business based on having this machine and we’ve opened ourselves up to handle a lot more volume.” “This is huge,” says Austin Umlauf, Sales Coordinator for Haire Group who continues to service and nurture the partnership with Alliance Packaging. “Like other satisfied customers of the Engico, Krist and Alliance Packaging ap- preciate the set-up while run feature that much of the in- An Alliance Jumbo Bottom Feeder keeps the Engico fed quick- ly and efficiently.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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January 27, 2025

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Alliance Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

probably a larger undertaking than when we installed our second corrugator three years ago.” The Renton facility that houses Alliance’s newest cap- ital investment employs 150 who work swing shifts: two 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday and one 12-hour shift on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While product varies by division – approximately 25 salespeople blanket Alli- ance’s Northwest footprint – here in Renton, says Leland,

dustry is embracing. But Alliance didn't need or want a 66- 99 machine, they wanted one with two 99-inch cylinders. Because the cylinder can disengage, they can be running a non-die-cut job while setting up die cuts for the next job. They think that’s great.” Leland also appreciates the Engico’s upper and lower counter ejector. He says, “I've never seen anything like it. We have a down stacker, but we can convert that to a bun- dle conveyor that’s elevated through a strapper. It’s not easy to get a permit from the City of Renton for elevated structures because of seismic activity, but if we’re running center seam boxes, we can run those through the load former or through the upper section to a load former and rotate the boxes so we have a stable load. None of that’s available on any of the other machines we looked at.” Jumbo And More Having the first “true” 99-inch by 216-inch jumbo in- stalled in North America – every other Engico in the US is a 66/99-inch by 188-inch and is called a dual-size ma- chine – exemplifies Alliance’s “Go Big” philosophy, but the purchase of the jumbo is only the latest in a series of in- vestments: the company has installed approximately $70 million worth of capital machinery into the corporation in the last seven years. “For a small company that employs about 500 people, that’s major,” says Leland. “The installa- tion of the material handling systems and the machine was

“We try to do everything ‘value-added.’ We run a lot of brown boxes, but we also do a lot of multi-color, specialty folder, and two- and three-pass items, too.” About 12 years ago, the company invested in a plate making machine so that it could have its plates quicker, an initiative that has resulted in cost savings as well as an additional revenue stream. Alliance consumes only 40 Finished sheets off the jumbo, ready for converting and ship- ping to Amazon and a host of other customers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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January 27, 2025

Gluing on Specialty Folder Gluers is Our Specialty

Sustainability initiatives are changing the packaging landscape and Baumer hhs is ready to help you meet those challenges. Our PX1000 cold glue applicator coupled with the new ULT 400 XL are the pair to get it done. The PX1000 runs the widest ranges of non-contact cold glues and the ULT 400 XL verifies the glue dot or bead is in the right place without the aid of UV tracers, no matter the variety of board or thicknesses. Get your corrugated board onboard with Baumer hhs and let us show you how special you are to us.

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Rusken Packaging Sets Production Record With Global Boxmachine Rusken Packaging Fort Worth (Texas) announced a new square footage production record on their Global Boxma- chine K1X Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer. In a display of effi- ciency and teamwork, the production team achieved 2.75 million square feet in 16 hours.

Alliance Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

percent of the plates it makes and sells 60 percent to the outside market. The company also has its own tooling di- vision so it doesn’t have to buy any of its tooling “outside,” thus maintaining control and production costs. Leland also wants to let the industry know that Alliance Packaging is now manufacturing 99-inch dieboards. “Our group figured out how to bend the rule and burn the die, so that's a di- rection in which we've been ‘pushing’ our customers,” he says. Meanwhile, Engico continues to impress the industry with its well-made machinery, outstanding training and support, and timely service. Including this latest project at Alliance Packaging, every Engico installation has been successful and most of the time, projects are completed ahead of schedule. The company has further demonstrat- ed its commitment to the North American market by estab- lishing Engico USA, which operates out of Haire Group’s facility in Indiana. Engico’s parts inventory has already grown to over a half a million dollars and three employees are working on their full-time work visas. All systems are go. “We’re really proud of our decision to invest in the En- gico. I believe that we now have the largest flexo folder gluer in the country, if not the world,” Leland says, adding that Alliance Packaging is now home to the largest pallet inserter in the world. “You know, go big or go home.”

To celebrate this achievement, Todd Crowell, President of Global Boxmachine, joined the Rusken Packaging team onsite on January 16 to honor their success. David Ortiz, Vice President/Regional General Manager, and Rene Trev- ino, Plant Manager, alongside the entire production team, were recognized during a celebratory luncheon. To mark Rene Trevino, Plant Manager, Rusken, Fort Worth, Texas, and Todd Crowell, President, Global Boxmachine.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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January 27, 2025

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Rusken Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

the occasion, each team member received custom “Re- cord Breaker” T-shirts, symbolizing their pivotal role in this milestone. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication,

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skill, and teamwork of the Rusken Packaging Fort Worth team,” said Crow- ell. “It also highlights the unparalleled performance and reliability of the Glob- al Boxmachine K1X Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer, which continues to set industry benchmarks.” David Ortiz echoed

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that sentiment. “Breaking this record is more than just a number,” he said. “It showcases what our team is capable of when we align our expertise with top-tier machinery. We’re incredibly proud of this accom- plishment and excited for what’s to come.” For more information, contact Crowell at tcrowell@box- machine.com or David Ortiz at dortiz@rusken.com. ISM: Timothy Fiore Retires As Chair, Jeffrey Wincel Assumes Role The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) announced the retirement of Timothy R. Fiore, who has served as the Chair of ISM’s Manufacturing PMI Panel since 2017. Fiore will be succeeded in March by Jeffrey P. Wincel, D.Min., who will assume oversight of the Manufacturing ISM Re- port On Business, writing the monthly report and speaking on behalf of the companies that comprise the ISM Manu- facturing PMI Panel. Fiore has led the ISM Manufacturing PMI through some of the most transformative and challenging periods in re- cent economic history, including the unprecedented glob- al supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Under his stewardship, the Manufacturing PMI has remained a beacon of insight, providing critical and trusted interpretations of the U.S. economy’s health. As a frequent university guest lecturer and webinar speaker, he inspired the next generation of leaders to ap- preciate the importance of ISM’s work and its incredible data. He has touched countless lives through his analysis of ISM’s of economic data and his insight. Wincel, an international purchasing executive and in- dustry leader, is a published author of six books, including “Lean Supply Chain Management” and “People, Process and Culture.” He recently retired as Senior Vice President and CPO at NXP Semiconductors. Rene Trevino, Plant Manager, Rusken, Fort Worth, Texas, and David Ortiz, VP of Operations, Rusken Packaging.

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January 27, 2025

ADI/PDM TRADE GROUP

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SUPPLIER REPORTS 2025 (PART 1)

AES SCRAP CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS Souderton, Pennsylvania: Jeff Dietterich reports, “AES had a strong finish to 2024 despite the election-year jit-

a well-maintained scrap system delivers. In addition to preventive maintenance, our service team is ready to help with emergency breakdown and repair services as part of our total commitment to supporting our customers when- ever and wherever they need us.” Visit advancedequipmentsales.com. BHS CORRUGATED Weiherhammer, Germany: “BHS Corrugated is the lead- ing provider of solutions for the corrugated industry with

ters, and we have our customers in the box and corrugated industry to thank for much of our success. New box plants and plant expansions fu- eled a lot of our projects this past year, and with the renewed optimism for a strong business climate, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for our integrated scrap collection and

3,400 employees at headquarters in Weiherhammer, Germany, as well as in more than 20 countries. As a Lifecycle Partner, BHS Corrugated is characterized by its entire range of products and services, from de- velopment and production to in- stallation and maintenance. The

Jeff Dietterich

baling systems. The hesitancy to invest in new production equipment and product offerings seems to have vanished, and we’ve been asked to revise several projects to incor- porate new die cutters and FFGs. Box plants are clearly planning for success. More boxes lead to more scrap gen- eration, and we’re here to ensure their scrap-handling sys- tems can rise to the challenge. “Our flagship AirShark line of air material separators had double-digit increase in units sold for 2024, and we continue to be inspired by our customers to offer new models that solve specific problems. One of the key sell- ing points of the AirShark is its high air handling capacity. Our largest separator delivers up to 64,000 CFM, and it is indeed our biggest selling model. But with many custom- ers needing extra capacity for just one die cutter or FFG, sometimes smaller is better. Our newest addition is the model AS-10, a super compact unit that can easily handle the air equivalent of one die-cutter or Flexo application. It’s an economical, plug-and-play solution to support the scrap handling needs of the big-dollar investment in pro- duction machinery. Our customers love the versatility and reliability of these smaller units that let them bring on extra capacity with minimal impact on their existing scrap con- veyance system. “The ongoing labor shortages continue to drive the demand for automation in box plants, including in scrap handling systems. In response, AES provides scrap sys- tem evaluations aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of current equipment configurations. Often, a small change can pay big dividends. For example, replacing a manual-tie baler with an auto-tie eliminates a lot of labor from the baling process. Replacing an old hogger with a new hogger or shredder will increase efficiency and re- duce processing time. Even something as simple as add- ing additional bale runout plates can improve material handling flow and free up valuable hours for employees to do more productive work. “The AES service team had a record year in ’24, as our box customers placed a high priority on preventive main- tenance and repair services to keep their production run- ning strong. They know the ROI and peace of mind that

company offers a variety of innovative Lifecycle Service solutions in the areas of corrugating rolls, individual ma- chines, complete corrugators, Industry 4.0, logistics, and Single-Pass-Inkjet digital printing. “Digitalization has been a central part of BHS Corru- gated’s strategy for many years, focusing on optimizing process parameters and improving automation and pro- duction efficiency. To precisely meet customer require- ments and stay at the top of technology, BHS Corrugated reinvests almost 5 percent of its revenue in research and development. This commitment ensures that the company remains state-of-the-art and continues to drive innovation within the industry. “Beyond its core business, BHS Corrugated is dedicat- ed to various social projects. The company’s initiatives in- clude the family-owned foundation “Angels for Children” and the “Lars und Christian Engel (LUCE) Trust,” which pro- motes technological and economic development in the re- gion. These efforts reflect BHS Corrugated’s commitment to fostering a positive social impact. “The corrugated industry is on the brink of a revolu- tion with the introduction of Box Plant 2025. Since 2022, BHS Corrugated has been providing regular updates on the path to the corrugated box plant of the future. Through the Box Plant 2025 landing page, exhibitions, open house events, and the trade press, the company has presented the technologies/services already available as well as in- novations to complete the Box Plant 2025 system. “Several innovations have been highlighted over the past three years, including digital printing, automation and digitally supported services. These advances help custom- ers to flexibly adapt their production to increasingly short- term requirements. “In addition, BHS Corrugated has developed solutions

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January 27, 2025

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