Board Converting News, July 20, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 July 20, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 29

Welch Breaks Records With Equipment, Planning & People BY ASHLEY PRAZYCH At Welch Packaging's Bridgeview, Illinois facility, an LMC Mini Full Ser- vo flexo folder gluer recently produced 206,750 boxes during a single eight-hour shift – a milestone for the machine and the plant. Achieved during standard production, the record reflected months of planning, thoughtful equipment selection and close collaboration between Welch Packaging and SUN Automation Group.

Cumberland Container Expands For Innovation

Monterey, Tennessee based Cumberland Container is expanding its operations into downtown Monterey to accommodate its new cold corrugator technology. Owner Mark Jared said the company is making the largest investment in its 57-year history to bring the first cold corrugator into the United States. Jared said the new technol- ogy requires additional space. “The Eli Walker building in its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s had 200 people working there and it was a sewing facility,” Jared said. “And we’ve spent a lot of money to upgrade it and get it back into the lifeline of the Mon- terey city.” Jared said the company is currently re- cruiting for 20 new positions, and that the new cold corrugator technology is expected to arrive by the end of the year. A new heating and cooling system has also been installed as part of the significant investment into the structure. Jared also said the company is working with Monterey officials to address the drain- age issues along Railroad Avenue using des- ignated city funds. Jared said the company

From the outset, the objective was to operate the machine at its maximum rated speed of 27,000 boxes per hour while maintaining product quality and control required for day-to-day production. The re- sult demonstrates what today's full-servo technology can accomplish when equipment, planning and people are working synchronously to- ward the same goal. Building Capacity With Intention According to Brock Welch, Chief Operating Officer at Welch, the Bridgeview plant had been growing at a double-digit pace since re- locating to its current facility. As production increased, an aging mini flexo folder gluer gradually reached the point where nearly all "mini- size" work was being transferred to a 35-inch machine. While the larger machine was more than capable of handling those jobs, it wasn't the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 The Welch Packaging production team hit a new production record, as dis- played on the SUN banner hanging above the LMC Mini Full Servo FFG.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

3 Coastal Container Adds New Facility In Michigan 10 TAPPI Announces Corrugated Week Sponsorships Filling Fast 12 Amtech Implements Encore ERP At Cumberland Packaging 14 Acme Corrugated Participates In Work-Study Program

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Coastal Container Adds New Facility In Michigan

Cumberland (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

also values its relationship with the local government, not- ing that the Monterey aldermen recently voted to move yard sale vendors away from the facility’s driveway to im- prove truck access. “I think the Monterey government has been very coop- erative,” Jared said. “They’ve recognized and I understand they’ve voted to help us out, so we certainly appreciate and value our relationship with the town government.” IP Temporarily Suspends Operations At Alabama Mill Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper has pro- actively decided to temporarily suspend operations at its Pine Hill, Alabama mill after a weather event damaged a critical roof at the facility. International Paper values the safety of its employees and contractors above all else and took this action out of an abundance of caution. The company is assessing required repairs and cur- rently expects to resume manufacturing in August. The company is also working closely with customers to man- age any potential impacts and appreciates the support of its employees, customers and stakeholders while working through this process safely.

Holland, Michigan based Coastal Container, a locally owned, full-service packaging company, has completed an acquisition of the former Howard Miller Clock manu- facturing facility in Zeeland, Michigan. The addition of this 380,000 square foot facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and long-term commit- ment to delivering exceptional service and value. The Zeeland location – Coastal Container and Packag- ing – will house Coastal’s secondary operations, assem- bly, warehousing, and rapidly expanding packaging sup- ply division, providing increased production capacity while creating opportunities for future growth and expansion. At the same time, Coastal’s main manufacturing facility in Holland is undergoing major upgrades with new high- speed, highly automated equipment designed to optimize single-pass production and further enhance efficiency, quality, and customer service. “We are excited to invest in Zeeland, expand our oper- ations, and continue building a world-class independent company, with an outstanding team leading the way,” said Brent Patterson, Owner. “Our goal is to set a new standard for box quality and manufacturing efficiency while reduc- ing costs for our customers. This new facility gives us the capacity to support that vision for years to come.”

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FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

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Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems • Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones • Trim Separators Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters Follow us on LinkedIn Our systems are designed to operate reliably for decades and can be retrofitted to meet changing codes. All our systems meet OSHA and NFPA 654 Codes. Our customers have various needs for scrap and dust collection systems based on several factors including building layout, available space for the equipment, distance conveyed, local codes for noise and height as well as air permitting and available operating and maintenance staff. Change the game with a custom-designed system by G.F. Puhl. It can make all the difference. When it comes to trim collection systems, there’s virtually no problem we haven’t solved.

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AICC Canada’s Corrugated Collective Continues To Gain Momentum At the AICC Fall Meeting in Chicago last year, George Perreira, President of AICC Canada, introduced the Cor- rugated Collective. The inspiration for the event was to differentiate from a typical trade show environment, and create a structured space where suppliers are guaranteed to connect with decision-makers who are looking to build productive partnerships. Since the event was introduced, more than 50 box and sheet plant owners, CEOs, and senior leaders have com- mitted to attending the inaugural event. To maintain the intimacy of the event, attendance will be limited to 60 VIP box and sheet plant leaders and 60 carefully selected in- dustry suppliers. Jointly hosted by AICC Canada and AICC, The Indepen- dent Packaging Association, the Corrugated Collective will take place February 23-24, 2027, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Unlike a traditional trade show, the event is centered on pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, pairing independent box and sheet plant leaders with carefully selected suppli- ers in a setting built around meaningful conversations and relationship development. Sponsorship opportunities are continuing to fill, but there are still a few slots left. Gold Sponsorship (one re- maining) includes an opportunity to address the audience

during the keynote session, two meeting tables, and up to 18 scheduled one-on-one meetings. A Silver Sponsorship (six remaining) includes an address to the audience during a breakout session or meal, one meeting table, and up to nine scheduled one-on-one meetings. A Bronze Sponsor- ship comes with one meeting table and up to nine sched- uled one-on-one meetings.

With converter attendance already strong and suppli- er opportunities becoming increasingly limited, the Corru- gated Collective is shaping up to be a valuable new addi- tion to AICC’s lineup of events. If your company wants stronger relationships with in- dependent corrugated converters in 2027, this is where those conversations will happen. To view the attendee list and learn more about the event, visit aiccbox.ca .

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TAPPI Announces Corrugated Week Sponsorships Filling Fast A strong and identifiable brand is necessary for any busi- ness to succeed, especially in industries that depend on trust and reputation. Corrugated Week 2026 is just around the corner, and while many sponsorship opportunities have already been claimed, companies still have time to put their brand in front of one of the largest gatherings of corrugated industry professionals in North America. Jointly hosted by TAPPI and AICC, Corrugated Week returns September 28-30 in Fort Worth, Texas, where more than 1,400 attendees representing over 450 com- panies are expected to come together for three days of education, networking, and business development. As registration numbers continue to grow, sponsorship

opportunities are filling quickly. A variety of options remain available, giving companies multiple ways to connect with attendees throughout the conference experience. For companies looking for a broader presence, Premier Sponsorships remain available at the Platinum, Gold, and

Bronze levels. These packages provide visibility before, during, and after the event through attendee communications, confer- ence signage, networking events, and the conference app. Premier sponsors are also featured in promotional emails sent to more than 10,000 corrugated industry professionals ahead of the event, helping build recog- nition well before attendees arrive in Fort Worth. Additional sponsorship opportunities include the conference app, Wi-Fi, show floor map, golf holes, hotel in-room drops, registration area branding, registration confirmation emails, the Welcome Recep- tion, Show Floor Reception, Tuesday eve- ning's event at River Ranch Stockyards, and more. One of the biggest advantages of spon- soring Corrugated Week is the opportunity to be part of the conversations happening throughout the conference. Whether at- tendees are checking the event app, gath- ering at networking receptions, walking the show floor, or simply connecting be- tween sessions, sponsorship helps keep participating companies visible at the mo- ments when new relationships are formed and existing ones grow stronger. With many sponsorships already spo- ken for and attendee registration continu- ing to climb, TAPPI and AICC encourages attending companies to review the remain- ing opportunities soon while a variety of options are still available. For more information about sponsor- ship opportunities, visit corrugatedweek. org , or contact Shane Holt at sholt@naylor. com.

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Amtech Implements Encore ERP At Cumberland Packaging In UK Fort Washington, Pennsylvania based Amtech Software, a leading provider of AI-powered ERP, MES and CRM solutions for the label and packaging industries, has an- nounced that Cumberland Packaging Ltd has selected Amtech's Encore ERP platform to manage and streamline its operations. The partnership marks a significant milestone for Am- tech as it continues to expand its presence in the UK pack- aging market, building on an already strong base of label plant customers in the region. Headquartered in Southend-on-Sea, Cumberland Packaging is one of the top five independent corrugated sheet plants in the UK. With over four decades of manu- facturing expertise, the company produces a wide range of corrugated and solid board packaging, converted poly- styrene, foam, and ancillary packaging materials, serving customers across extensive areas of the UK. By implementing Encore ERP, Cumberland Packaging will gain end-to-end visibility across its production, inven- tory, and delivery operations, enabling the company to continue delivering on its promise of getting customer or- ders there “on time, every time.” “We evaluated a number of solutions before choosing Encore,” said John Watson, Owner and Managing Director,

Cumberland Packaging. “Amtech's deep understanding of the packaging industry, combined with Encore's pur- pose-built functionality, gave us confidence that this was the right platform to support our growth. We're excited to modernise how we run the business and give our team the tools they need to serve our customers even better.”

“Cumberland Packaging is exactly the kind of for- ward-thinking, high-quality manufacturer we love partner- ing with,” said Chuck Schneider, CEO of Amtech Software. “This partnership is particularly meaningful for Amtech. It opens the door to the UK packaging market where we al- ready have a strong foothold in labels. We look forward to supporting Cumberland Packaging as they continue to grow and to building on this momentum across the region.”

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Acme Corrugated Box Participates In High School Work-Study Program Since 2014, Hatboro, Pennsylvania based Acme Corrugat- ed Box has participated in the Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School Work-Study Program, one of the most meaningful partnerships in company history. Year after year, this pro- gram brings talented, motivated students through Acme’s doors and sends them back out into the world better pre- pared for the future. Acme shone a spotlight on two students who worked there this year: Kahiyah (11th grade), and Terence (12th grade). Their energy, curiosity, and dedication have made a real impression on the Acme team, and we are proud to be part of their journey. About The Program Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School is “the school that works” literally. This college preparatory school with a unique operating model has its students spend one day a week in work-study roles at premier businesses and non- profits across greater Philadelphia. A Catholic school for students of all faiths, Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School is the 25th of 41 Cristo Rey schools nationwide offering private school education to low-income families via tuition subsidized by wages earned in work-study. The Philadelphia school currently has 520 students

working at 140 different locations throughout the course of the week. A well-oiled logistics team coordinates 19 vans and buses to drop off and pick up the students from their once-per-week assignments. According to Tom Shoemaker, President of Cristo Rey Philadelphia, 88 percent of this year’s graduating class are going to 4-year colleges or universities, 5 percent will at- tend community college, and 7 percent will go right into the workforce. Many graduating students plan to attend some of the top schools in the country, including Yale, Princeton, USC, Villanova, Tulane, and others. Acme has been a Cristo Rey Job Partner since 2014, hiring students each academic year across departments

including administration, IT, opera- tions, and more. The relationship re- flects a belief that Bob Cohen, Pres- ident of Acme Corrugated Box and a former member of the Cristo Rey Philadelphia Board of Trustees, has held throughout his career: “Academic excellence should be made available to all students, even

Bob Cohen

those who, through no fault of their own, have been disad- vantaged by circumstances. These students demonstrate the will and the staying power to realize a first-class edu- cation. Cristo Rey combines rigorous academic study with real life work experiences for their students. It is an honor

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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We’ve got our customers cov ered... TM

...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. We are proud to be an official distributor of Policart and Rodicut anvil covers. Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated.

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Acme (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

to host these young people who are looking for the path- way to a productive life.” Shoemaker adds: “Bob was one of our first board mem- bers. He really believed in our mission of providing op- portunities for underserved communities. He also wanted them to walk away with discipline and fortitude and char- acter.” Meet Kahiyah, Grade 11 Kahiyah came to Acme as an 11th grader and quickly proved herself to be a dependable, organized, and hard- working member of the team. During her time with us,

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she tackled a variety of administra- tive and operational tasks, including preparing marketing tools for new customers and for sales reps to use in the field, preparing PPE for plant tours, CRM data entry, closing PO’s and recording PO numbers and ship- ping IDs for roll stock. What stood out most? Getting

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Kahiyah

recognized for work that actually made a difference. “I really enjoyed my time here at Acme Corrugated Box. While here, I’ve learned valuable skills that will help me in the future. Everyone here makes me feel welcomed and part of the team, which makes my time here a great learn- ing opportunity. My highlight of working here is being com- plimented for my work and how much it has helped the company. Overall, this experience helped me improve my organizational, responsibility, and teamwork skills while learning more about the workplace. I’m thankful for every- thing I learned during my time at Acme Corrugated Box.” Meet Terence, Grade 12 Terence has been with Acme since his junior year, and as a senior, his growth over that time became clear. His passion for technology led him to Acme’s IT department,

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Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )

where he found hands-on experi- ence that directly connects to his plans for college and beyond. During his time at Acme, he worked in Excel, rebooted and installed data on com- puters, and learned how to create assets in Lansweeper. For Terence, this wasn’t just a high

If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

school requirement. It was a window into a future career. “I have loved every second of my time at Acme Cor- rugated Box. Ever since I was assigned here as a junior, I have learned invaluable skills that I will take with me when pursuing my future education. Acme Corrugated Box has made me feel welcomed and a part of the team, and they have helped me develop my future interests in the Com- puter Science major through their very resourceful and informational IT department. The highlight of my work ex- perience has been the hands-on work in Excel, rebooting and installing data in computers, and learning how to cre- Terence

Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting! Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-Makers READ BCN Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Acme (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

ate assets in Lansweeper. I am very grateful that I have gotten to experience the professionalism of Acme.” A Meaningful Partnership Students love working at Acme, mostly because when they walk through the doors they don’t feel like “kids”, they feel like colleagues and are treated like young profession- als that belong on the team. Bob Cohen and Acme Corrugated Box’s Director of HR, Heidi Morrison, have developed the program over the years to ensure that students are learning real skills, build- ing networks, and given the ability to explore different career paths. We have high expectations for our student interns and they like that. “Kids have aspirations,” Shoemaker says. “They're am- bitious. They don't lack for ambition. They don't lack for intelligence. Sometimes they just lack for opportunity.” Kahiyah and Terence represent exactly what this part- nership is about. They showed up. They put in the work. They grew. And they leave Acme with more than a line on a resume – they leave with real skills, real confidence, and real relationships. “Most high school kids don't know what job they want to be in after they graduate,” Shoemaker shared. “For stu- dents who don't have as much exposure to professional opportunities, our work-study program really helps them see what they can be.”

Atlanta, Georgia based Graphic Packaging, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, has announced the launch of PaceSetter Ridgeline TM , marking the company's entry into the uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mar- ket. The URB offering is a high-performing solution for folding cartons, laminations, edge protectors, tubes and cores, and other specialty purposes. “PaceSetter Ridgeline extends our recycled paper- board platform to new markets and customers, further di- versifying our portfolio to include industrial applications,”- said Robbert Rietbroek, president and chief executive officer at Graphic Packaging. “This new uncoated grade gives customers a fit-for-purpose recycled paperboard option backed by the scale, reliability and manufacturing capability they expect from Graphic Packaging.” Made from 100 percent recycled fiber, with at least 45 percent post-consumer recycled content, PaceSetter Rid- geline is available in 12- to 30-point calipers and produced at Graphic Packaging's state-of-the-art Waco, Texas, pa- perboard mill. The Waco facility enables seamless transi- tions between coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, and its advanced technology supports sheet squareness, color consistency, quality assurance and converting per- formance across high-volume applications.

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Welch (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

most efficient use of the plant's equipment. “As the plant grew, we needed to right size our ma- chine utilization to run true 35- inch work on the 35-inch machine,” Welch explained. “That prompted us to look for a modern mini.” Rather than replacing the aging mini because it had reached the end of its useful life, Welch zoomed out and evaluated how the work moved through the entire oper- ation. The goal was to create a production strategy that allowed every machine to do the work it was best suited to perform. Of course, speed was part of the equation. The 35-inch machine responsible for many of the smaller-format jobs was limited to 300 boxes per minute, creating an oppor- tunity to improve throughput while making better use of existing assets. As planning continued, the vision evolved into creating a dedicated long-run mini capable of sustain- ing high production speeds on smaller boxes, freeing larg- er equipment to return to the applications it handled most efficiently. Finding The Right Partner Reflecting on the vendor selection process, Welch said, "We expressed to every potential vendor that we intended to run the machine at maximum speed from the very first box.” As it happened, the vendor that would help move the project forward was already in the room: “LMC and SUN accepted that challenge. We felt that to achieve our goal, we needed a vendor that would be our partner, not just sell us a machine." Michael Klear, President of Corrugated Solutions and representative for SUN Automation Group, has had a years-long relationship with Welch Packaging, having pre-

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viously supplied consumables and supporting other projects throughout the plant. That famil- iarity proved to be an advantage, giving Klear a deep understand- ing of how Welch approached production challenges and what the team hoped to accomplish with this next investment. Around the same time Welch

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began evaluating vendors for a new mini, Klear knew an LMC machine was already built and available for immedi- ate delivery. With the company hoping to have the equip- ment installed before the end of their fiscal year 2024, the timing created an opportunity worth exploring. The ma- chine itself also checked the right boxes. Its full-servo ar- chitecture provided the repeatable, high-throughput flexo converting Welch was looking for in a dedicated long-run mini. Having a machine available accelerated the project, but availability alone was never the deciding factor. Rath- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Welch (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

Even details like sharing print tooling with existing equip- ment and integrating new conveyors into the plant's layout became part of the planning process. For Klear, those are the questions that determine wheth- er a capital investment ultimately delivers on its promise. "One of the biggest parts of new equipment projects today

er than focusing exclusively on machine specifications or production speeds, Welch and the SUN team spent their time discussing how the new line would function within the broader operation, how it would complement existing equipment and how it could support the company's long- term production goals. "The goal was to make this the long-run mini," Klear said. "Instead of running a lot of short orders, they wanted to put 40,000-piece jobs on the machine and just let it run." Making The Vision A Reality As anyone who's been through a major equipment in- stallation knows, getting a machine through the door is only part of the project. Well before delivery day, Klear and his business partner, Michael Prazzel, were already work- ing through the logistics of the installation. Using CAD software, they mapped the machine's footprint, conveyor paths and material flow throughout the facility, ensuring the LMC would integrate seamlessly into the existing oper- ation rather than forcing the operation to adapt around it. The deeper they got into the planning, additional ques- tions naturally surfaced: Would operators have adequate room to work safely and efficiently? Could finished loads move seamlessly into the plant's existing material-han- dling system? Would the new line complement established workflows or create bottlenecks somewhere downstream?

An operator loads sheets into the LMC Mini.

is understanding how the machine fits into the customer's operation," he said. "You have to know it's going to work with the other equipment they already have." Floor space is one of the most – if not the most – valu- able resources in any box plant, and adding new equip- ment has a ripple effect that touches nearly every aspect of production. Material handling, operator movement, con- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Welch (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

here. Orders of over 5,000 pieces and less than five square feet are the base criteria.” By matching a job to the equipment best suited to run it, Welch has created additional flexibility throughout the plant while maintaining the production discipline that drove the investment in the first place.

veyor routing and downstream processes all have to work in harmony. Otherwise, you're just moving bottlenecks from one part of the plant to another instead of solving them. As box plants become increasingly automated and interconnected, that level of planning isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. “As with many plants, space is at a premium," Welch said. "SUN helped us plan the floor layout and provided all the information needed for the infrastructure so we could make the best use of the real estate." Up And Running “As we requested, the machine ran at full speed from box one on the first day of commissioning," Welch recalled. "Registration of print and slotting continues to be near per- fect all the time.” By the time the machine was commissioned, much of the groundwork had already been laid. Instead of working through unexpected layout issues or infrastructure chal- lenges, the focus shifted to bringing the LMC into produc- tion. By the first half of 2025, it had settled into the role Welch envisioned from the outset, handling long-run pro- duction of smaller-format boxes while creating additional capacity across the rest of the operation. “The LMC runs small boxes fast and can sustain it for long lengths of time," Welch explained. "We use this pur- pose in selecting what items are routed and scheduled

Members of the Welch production team.

“This installation allows refinement of each machine's purpose," Welch added. "We've increased productivity not only by adding new equipment, but by opening capacity on other machines for the work they're best at running. Customers have been quick to provide new opportunities to help fill that newly created capacity."

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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24 July 20, 2026

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Welch (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Performance Is A Team Sport If there's one takeaway from Welch's production record, it's that a machine doesn't reach 206,750 boxes in a shift on its own. And Welch gives credit to the whole team. “It takes coordination,” he shared. “Truck drivers swap- ping in trailers of sheets; a feeder who is a machine in his own right; an operator listening to the machine and driving the crew; agility on the load former; a bander operator cap- ping the units for the entire plant to keep the line flowing; and take-off forklift drivers to keep inventory and load it on trucks. Without the help of the entire plant, a record-mak- ing performance goal would be unattainable.” “The relationships we build with our customers are ev- ery bit as important as the equipment we provide,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President at SUN Automation. “Michael has earned Welch's trust over the years by taking the time to truly understand their business, and that's what allows us to become part of the solution rather than just another equipment supplier. Seeing this team succeed is something we're very proud of. When our customers win, we all win.” So what’s next for Welch? According to them, “206,750 boxes came together after two previous records. The crew is just hungry for a perfect 8-hour shift of 216,000 boxes.” For a team that has already broken its own record twice, setting its sights higher feels like the natural next step.

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. 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.

Follow Board Converting News on LinkedIn and Facebook to get the most current news and information for the corrugated and folding carton industries.

AOPACK LTD www.aopackmachine.com

Aopack is a leading manufacturer of automatic corrugated box making machines for short-run and on-demand pro- duction. 1,200+ machines operate in 60+ countries. The BM2800-Ultra integrates digital printing, slitting, slotting, creasing, and vibrating knife cutting, delivering efficient, flexible solutions for customized corrugated box orders.

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

26 July 20, 2026

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PPC Releases Expanded 2026 Wage, Sales Compensation Report The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has released its expanded 2026 Wage Report, introducing a new Sales Staff and Compensation Report while restoring Canadian wage benchmarking for the first time since 2022. Togeth- er, the additions provide participating paperboard pack- aging manufacturers with broader workforce intelligence and expanded compensation benchmarking across North America. The 2026 Wage Report now includes seven regional compensation reports spanning six U.S. regions and Cana- da, allowing participating companies to benchmark wages against employers within their regional labor markets. The new Sales Staff and Compensation Report expands the program beyond production and administrative positions by providing insight into sales compensation structures, incentive programs, and compensation trends.

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

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. 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.

"Compensation continues to be one of the most import- ant tools organizations have for attracting and retaining tal- ent," said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. "By expanding our benchmarking to include sales compensation and re- storing Canadian data, we're giving participating member companies a more complete picture of today's workforce and the market intelligence they need to make informed business decisions." The return of Canadian benchmarking marks the first time since 2022 that the report includes dedicated Cana- dian compensation data, giving manufacturers more rele- vant regional comparisons across North America. The report includes data from the following regions: Re- gion 1: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York; Region 2: Indiana, Kentucky, Nebras- ka, Ohio, Pennsylvania; Region 3: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas; Region 4: Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin; Region 5: Colorado, Utah; Region 6: California, Oregon, Washington; Region 7: Canada. The PPC Wage Report is one of the association's flag- ship benchmarking resources, providing confidential com- pensation data to help manufacturers evaluate workforce trends, remain competitive in local labor markets, and make informed decisions related to recruiting, retention, and compensation planning. The report is available exclu- sively to participating PPC members.

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.

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.

28 July 20, 2026

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