June 1, 2026
VOL. 42, NO. 22
BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985
Sauer System Celebrates A Century Of Success BY LEN PRAZYCH
Valco Melton To Be Acquired By Graco Inc.
Cincinnati, Ohio based Valco Melton has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Graco Inc., a global leader in fluid and powder handling technologies. Valco Melton will become part of Graco’s Industrial division upon closing, with timing expected sometime in Q3 2026. Like Valco Melton, Graco has a long his- tory of serving its customers in a wide vari- ety of material handling markets and we look forward to a partnership that underscores our common dedication to our global customers. With a 74-year history of supplying ad- hesive dispensing and inspection expertise across 87 countries and more than 650 em- ployees, Valco Melton will continue to serve industrial and packaging markets with solu- tions that enhance product quality and man- ufacturing performance, while the acquisition by Graco is expected to build on complemen- tary capabilities and support continued global growth. In recognition of the leadership legacy that has shaped Valco Melton over decades, the contributions of Greg Amend and Rich Sante- fort, along with the foundation established by
In a year of milestone anniversaries in the corrugated and folding car- ton industries, the latest and most “celebratory” would have to be the event at St. Louis, Missouri based Sauer System, where under a spec- tacular blue sky that held the promise of summer, approximately 375 guests, employees, retirees, family, friends and a member of the media gathered, ate, toured, visited and shared the many memories of a cor- rugated industry institution.
According to our AI friends driving ChatGPT, the odds of ANY com- pany in ANY industry existing for a hundred years is “very small — typ- ically well under one percent for new firms, and usually under 5–10 percent even for established firms, depending on industry.” Large, di- versified, regulated “incumbents,” ChatGPT says, have much higher long-term survival odds, but “large and diversified” Sauer System is anything but. Factor in the type of market or industry, company size, governmental regulations, company strategy, economic conditions and adaptability, and the odds of Sauer System having survived a century are borderline infinitesimal. Remaining consistently profitable and thriv- ing has launched the company in the stratosphere. The final major factor strongly affecting successful survival of a busi- ness, according to AI, is simply…luck. Yet it is upon luck—and a legend- ary single flip of a coin—that the L.E. Sauer Machine Company exists at all. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 Warren Sauer, right, and his son Peter Sauer, represent the third and fourth generations of St. Louis, Missouri based Sauer System, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in May.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 IP Breaks Ground On New Mississippi Packaging Facility 6 Valco Melton, PPC Deliver Hands-On Lesson To Students 8 PPC Hosts Two-Day Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp 24 Amtech Software Opens Innovation Hub In India
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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 Buford Thomas, have helped build a strong organization focused on customers, employees and long-term success. We value all our employees and business partners and look forward to the opportunities ahead as part of Graco. “This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for Graco and a natural extension of our industrial portfolio,” said Mark Sheahan, President and CEO of Graco. “Valco Melton expands our capabilities in precision sealant and adhe- sive dispensing, which closely aligns with Graco’s core expertise in fluid handling, while adding complementary vision‑based quality assurance systems.” Valco Melton (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Read the articles in Board Converting News every week to learn about the people, places and machinery that will open the doors to new or repeat business.
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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IP Breaks Ground On New Mississippi Sustainable Packaging Facility Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper (IP) has broken ground on its new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, two months after it announced the $225 million investment. Company leaders, state and local officials, customers, stakeholders, and community partners gathered to com- memorate the start of the project, which will include con- struction of a new 468,000-square-foot corrugated pack- aging plant on an 80-acre site in the East Metro Center. The new facility, located less than 10 miles from IP’s ex- isting Richland, Mississippi box plant, will strengthen man- ufacturing and service capabilities across the Mid-South region. Designed to improve reliability, product quality, and cost position, the new facility supports growth in key market segments while reinforcing the company’s commit- ment to operational excellence, sustainability, and custom- er-focused innovation. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027. Em- ployees at the existing Richland facility are expected to transition to the new plant upon completion. The new fa- cility will incorporate the latest advancements in manufac- turing safety, automation, and operational efficiency, sup- porting IP’s ongoing commitment to its customers.
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Valco Melton, PPC Deliver Hands-On Sustainability Lesson To Students Cincinnati, Ohio based Valco Melton, a manufacturer of adhesive dispensing and quality inspection systems, part- nered with the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and E.H. Green School to deliver a hands-on sustainability les- son to fifth grade students as part of PPC’s “Trees Into Car- tons, Cartons Into Trees” (TICCIT) program. Valco Melton representatives Bryan Casteel, Folding Carton Manager and Jeff Pollack, National Sales Manager led the day’s presentations, walking students through how paper and paperboard products are manufactured, the role of recycling in the paperboard supply chain, and why replanting trees is essential to keeping the products peo-
ple rely on every day truly renewable. Each student then potted a tree sapling inside a paperboard carton filled with soil to take home and plant with their families. Once plant- ed, the carton itself biodegrades, completing the “trees into cartons, cartons into trees” lifecycle the program is built around.
“Most kids see paper and packaging ev- ery day without ever thinking about where it comes from. Helping them understand that these products start as trees, and that the industry depends on recycling and replant- ing, gives them a real connection to sustain- ability they can carry forward. Paper-based products are an important part of everyday life and, the next generation must under- stand the cycle that makes that possible,” said Bryan Casteel, Folding Carton Manag- er, Valco Melton.
Created by PPC in 2010, TICCIT (pro- nounced “ticket”) is an educational outreach program for elementary school students that highlights the renewability and sustainabili- ty of paper and paperboard packaging. The program is delivered in classrooms across the country each year around Earth Day in partnership with PPC member companies. Valco Melton’s adhesive dispensing and vision inspection solutions are used by folding carton manufacturers worldwide to apply glue precisely and verify the quality of every carton produced. The Cincinna- ti-based company has a long history of com- munity involvement in the region alongside its global footprint.
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Turn Trim Waste into Revenue One Size Never Fits All G.F. Puhl Designs Scrap Systems to Meet YOUR Needs
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.
Problem: No room for a scrap system inside the building. Solution: If your building footprint won’t support additional trim waste equipment, go outdoors. Exterior systems like an above-roof or ground-level concentrator will boost your capacity. Problem: No way to monitor the system unless you’re on site. Solution: G.F. Puhl leads the pack with proprietary technology that makes it possible to monitor the system from wherever you are. Request PLC touch screen controls with real-time pressure balancing and real-time remote via your smart phone or computer. G.F. Puhl’s expert engineering team has more than 50 years of combined experience designing, fabricating installing, and commissioning trim and dust collection systems of every kind, including outdoor systems with dual compactors, above roof systems with single or multiple cyclones and balers and below roof screen separator systems. If you’re looking for a vendor that can help you solve the scrap collection puzzle once and for all, contact G.F. Puhl today. 615.230.9500 or sales@gfpuhl.com
Problem: No space for a baler room. No budget for baler room staff. Solution: Try outdoor auger compactors requiring minimal operator interaction. Auger compactors achieve higher compaction than conventional ram compactors with less maintenance and no hydraulic fluid. Dual compactor systems allow continuous running while the waste hauler is changing out the container. Problem: No budget for a new system. Solution: Request a custom system with remanufactured equipment. G.F. Puhl sells remanufactured balers, blowers, separators, filters, and more. The savings can be significant and the warranty adds peace of mind. Problem: Your existing system doesn’t meet codes and the inspector has notified you of a problem with the existing system. Solution: G.F. Puhl’s NFPA trained engineering team designs NFPA and OSHA compliant systems that are as safe as they are durable. Problem: Dust is out of control. Solution: G.F. Puhl systems are designed to minimize the hazards created by ambient dust. Dust briquetters, certified explosion isolation valves, flame front diverters, and other safety features maximize safety.
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PPC Hosts Two-Day Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp At Springfield Headquarters The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) recently welcomed another outstanding group of attendees to Springfield, Massachusetts, for its Spring 2026 Folding Carton Boot Camp, a two-day educational program designed to strengthen technical knowledge across every stage of the paperboard packaging lifecycle.
• 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
Bringing together professionals from across the industry, from those new to paperboard packaging to experienced team members expand- ing their technical expertise, Boot Camp continues to serve as one of PPC’s most impactful educational programs. Through presentations led by industry experts, attendees explored the full journey of folding carton manufacturing, from fiber sourcing and paperboard production to print- ing, converting, finishing, and rigid box applications. Throughout the two-day program, attendees gained hands-on insight into critical manufacturing concepts, including sustainable forestry prac- Attendees engage in hands-on learning and technical discussions throughout PPC’s Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp at PPC Headquarters.
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tices, recycled and virgin fiber applications, structural design, printing technologies, digital advancements, adhesives, laminating, diecutting, embossing, folder-gluer operations, and converting systems. Sessions were led by experts representing companies across the packaging sup- ply chain, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the paperboard pack- aging industry. A major part of what continues to make PPC’s Folding Carton Boot Camp so impactful is the caliber of industry experts who lead the pro- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Eric Frank of Diamond Sponsor Koenig & Bauer leads a Boot Camp session on printing technologies, color separation, and converting processes shaping the future of folding carton production.
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SIMPLE DESIGN, SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY & EASE OF MAINTENANCE Engineered Recycling Systems takes decades of engineering experience and integration expertise to provide turnkey solutions. We design, service and install world-class recycling trim removal and dust control systems. By providing our customers with equipment and system designs that deliver unprecedented levels of quality and craftsmanship, our solutions increase efficiency and cut labor costs.
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PPC Boot Camp (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)
gram. Throughout the event, attendees learned directly from leaders representing every stage of the paperboard packaging supply chain, gaining both technical knowl- edge and practical insight grounded in real-world manu- facturing experience. Steve Rote of Metsä Board Americas Corporation opened the program with an in-depth look at virgin paper- board production and sustainable forestry practices, while Quinn Garber of Integrity Fiber and Roberto Balaguer of Smurfit Westrock expanded the conversation around re- covered fiber, recycled paperboard, and the evolving role sustainability continues to play across the packaging land- scape. Former PPC President Ben Markens guided attend- ees through foundational production concepts and later
explored rigid-box packaging and automated packaging systems, helping to connect manufacturing operations to broader market applications. As the program shifted into design and print produc- tion, Susie Stitzel of Esko-Graphics BV explored struc- PPC President Emily Leonczyk (right) poses with the 2026 Woods Scholar Award winner Karla Ness (left) of Mill Rock Packaging during PPC’s Spring Folding Carton Boot Camp.
tural design principles and color theory, while Gene Cowden and Chris Blackburn of Wikoff Color Corporation led sessions fo- cused on inks, coatings, and print chemistry. Eric Frank of Koenig & Bauer delivered mul- tiple presentations on printing processes, cold foil applications, and rotary diecutting technologies, while Harold Leete of BOBST provided attendees with highly technical insight into digital printing, laminating, em- bossing, and diecutting operations. Additional sessions from Roy Oomen of Agfa Corp., Chris Raney of Heidelberg USA, Inc., Miles Guessford of Marbach, Gay- le Harrop of Tamarack Products Inc., and Kirsty Drury of Henkel further expanded attendees’ understanding of digital diecut- ting, folder-gluer operations, diecutting tools, windowing processes, and adhesives. Together, these instructors brought de- cades of experience into the classroom, helping attendees better understand not only how cartons are produced, but how ev- ery stage of the process works together to create efficient, functional, and visually im- pactful packaging. “One of the things that makes Boot Camp so special is seeing people from every cor- ner of the industry come together to learn from one another,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “Attendees leave with a much deeper understanding of how every part of the packaging process connects, but just as importantly, they leave with stronger relationships, greater confidence, and a re- newed appreciation for the expertise that elevates our industry.” The program also highlighted the impor- tance of connecting technical education to
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ICPF Opens Annual Surveys For Corporate, University Partners One of the driving forces behind ICPF’s efforts and initia- tives is input from our industry partners. With that in mind, we request your participation in our annual survey oppor- tunity to collect data on current hiring and retention efforts and ICPF value. ICPF’s 2026 Corporate Partner: Recruitment, Retention and ICPF Value Survey is designed to collect important feedback from corporate partners to better understand outreach priorities, measure ICPF resource impact and determine areas where ICPF can provide additional value and assistance to grow the workforce of the corrugated packaging industry. In addition to submissions from the leader of your com- pany, we recommend and request that you share this sur- vey opportunity with your human resources/hiring team. Multiple people from the same company may complete the survey. ICPF’s 2026 University Partner: Graduate Information, Corrugated Industry Resources and ICPF Value Survey is designed to collect important feedback from university partners to gauge the movement of graduating students, better understand job placement patterns amongst gradu- ates, measure ICPF resource impact and determine areas where ICPF can provide additional value to our partners.
PPC Boot Camp (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
real-world applications. Attendees explored how decisions made at the earliest stages of production influence effi- ciency, sustainability, print quality, structural performance, and ultimately the consumer experience. “I truly enjoyed the Folding Carton Boot Camp expe- rience and gained valuable knowledge that I was able to bring back to my facility. Since returning, I have been rec- ommending this Boot Camp to all associates because of the insight, hands-on learning, and overall value the train- ing provided,” shared Greg Bartolin, Quality Coordinator at Tavo Packaging. This year’s Boot Camp also welcomed PPC’s 2026 Woods Scholar, Karla Ness, Customer Service Manager at Mill Rock Packaging. The Woods Scholar Award is pre- sented annually to a rising leader within the folding carton industry and includes a scholarship to attend Boot Camp. In addition to the educational content itself, attend- ees had opportunities to connect directly with instruc- tors, peers, and suppliers across the industry — further strengthening the relationships that continue to advance the paperboard packaging community. With the Fall 2026 Folding Carton Boot Camp already scheduled for November, PPC remains committed to sup- porting professional development, strengthening techni- cal knowledge, and investing in the future of the paper- board packaging industry.
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Inside-the-Box Printing: Packaging No Longer Invisible In E-Comm Era BY PAUL STACK There was a time when a box was just a box. Brown. Func- tional. Unnoticed. It did its job, protected the product, moved through the supply chain, and then vanished with-
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out a second thought. But then some- thing changed. E-commerce didn’t just shift how we buy, it changed where brands show up. Today, the box doesn’t disappear, it arrives. It lands on a customer’s door- step as the brand’s first physical mo- ment of truth and in many cases, the
Paul Stack
only one that ever makes it inside the home. There’s no store. No shelf. No sales associate. Just that box. And in that moment, the packaging isn’t just protecting the prod- uct, it is the brand. That changes everything. Back in 2021, I presented data on the rise of e-com- merce and the impact of the COVID lockdown. The real question now is whether that was just a temporary spike in the data or an early signal of a lasting change. Revisit- ing that information today, the transformation is even more compelling and pronounced: • $6.4 trillion in projected 2026 global e commerce sales • Nearly 20 percent of global retail sales is now conduct- ed online • $80 billion in the e commerce packaging market, with corrugated enjoying a $34 billion wallet share This isn’t a trend anymore; it’s a structural shift. By 2028, estimates are that half the global population aged 14+ will be active online shoppers. That reality raises the bar: packaging must work harder, driving brand impact, ef- ficiency, and customer engagement. Consumers aren’t walking into brick-and-mortar stores the way they once did. In the U.S., we’re now seeing re- tail malls, once the center of community life, being torn down and replaced with mixed-use developments. So the dynamic has flipped. The brand no longer waits for the consumer to walk in; the brand now walks into the home. And when it does, it doesn’t arrive as a storefront or a shelf display. It arrives as a box on the doorstep. The unboxing moment is no longer trivial, it’s the brand’s last, best chance to make an impression. And the data backs it up: • 62 percent of consumers use unboxing videos as part of their online purchase research • 100+ billion total views using #unboxing searches • 30-40 percent of consumers say they would share unique packaging online Going back to my retail roots, I’ve always valued the in-store shopping experience. But my turning point came during the pandemic, when stores were closed and I or- dered hand soaps from Bath & Body Works. The box ar- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Inside-the-Box (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
piece, something shared, not discarded. That box isn’t re- cycled; it’s kept. That experience strengthens emotional connection and helps build lasting brand loyalty. For B2B, the opportunity is even more underestimat- ed. Not only can the brand utilize the same messaging as B2C, but there are additional opportunities: SKU and re- order cues, setup instructions, visual shelf display guides, and repeat order prompts. This is a moment of value, and too many corrugated box salespeople ignore it. In another conversation with a respected general manager of a large converter, I raised the topic and he responded, “I already have inside printing capability, I just run it through the machine twice.” It works, technically. But it’s not very cost effective, and more importantly, it high- lights the gap between having a capability and designing a process that fully leverages it in a single, efficient pass. So that raises an important debate: when is the right time to invest in single pass inside-the-box print capabili- ties? Do you ignore one of the fastest-growing segments in packaging and continue with business as usual? Do you wait until competitors adopt the capability first, then react? Or do you position yourself ahead of the curve, while the demand signal is already clear? Two recent installations make one thing clear: the mar- ket isn’t preparing for inside-the-box printing, it already expects it. Paul Stack is a Senior Sales Advisor at BW Papersys- tems ( www.bwpapersystems.com ).
rived plain on the outside, marked only with the company’ name. Yet the moment I opened it; the inside printing im- mediately transported me back into their store. The familiar trademarked gingham plaid pattern triggered recognition, comfort, and connection. Maybe some of it was subcon- scious, but I could still sense the in-store experience. It was a powerful reminder that brands historically built on sensory, in-person experiences are now shifting into a very different environment where packaging and unbox- ing become the primary in-home brand moments. And that makes this shift even more relevant. Inside-the-box printing isn’t just about making some- thing look nice, it’s a communication tool. And more often than not, it’s an underutilized one, offering a uninterrupted canvas for the brand to speak directly to the customer at the exact moment they’re most engaged For B2C brands, it enables storytelling, sustainability messaging, QR-driven digital engagement, returns and re- cycling guidance, and emotional connection. One of my favorite examples is a popular outdoor ap- parel company that uses inside-the-box printing as a form of art. Inside their packaging, they present a detailed map of Mount Everest hiking trails. When the customer receives their order, attention quickly shifts to the box itself. They unfold it, discover something unexpected, and may even end up hanging it on their wall. It becomes a conversation
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Sauer System (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
for the company’s early success. His two friends/partners put up capital but did not contribute to the day-to-day “grind” of the growing venture, an arrangement Lou Sr. grew tired of after three years. So, he dissolved the partnership, paid one partner his
According to the archival records and the history of the company compiled in a pocket-sized book researched and written by Tish Allan, the granddaughter of L.E. “Lou”
From left, framed photos of L.E. Sauer Sr., L.E. Sauer, Jr., and Robert Sauer sat on a table in a room with other archival material for guests to admire and remember.
Sauer Jr., in the early 1900s, Louis Edward Sauer, Sr. left Louisville for St. Louis in search of work. He found it by starting a business with two friends from the Centenary Methodist Church and named it Centenary Manufacturing Company, where he was a machinist and performed all the
share in cash and with the other, flipped a coin to deter- mine which of the two would win his share in cash or in the machinery upon which the business was built. Lou Sr. won the coin flip and the machinery, and thus, L.E. Sauer Machine Company was born in 1926. Humble Beginnings Lou Sr.’s business started as general machine shop and manufactured metal parts and tooling for a wide range of industries. As the business grew, his two sons, Louis Jr. and Robert, joined the company and by the late 1920s, the small family business was producing its first parts for the relatively new corrugated industry. Like other compa- nies at the time, the Sauers struggled—and survived—the Great Depression and became heavily involved in the W.W.II effort in 1940, after which it thrived by providing parts to large manufacturing companies, as well as more corrugated plants, which were opening more frequently. Lou Sr. died in 1952 and his two sons assumed control of the company. A local corrugated company asked the Sauer brothers if they could manufacture a die that could cut a perforated circle in a box as it was run through a die cutter, so Lou Jr. invented a way to make it possible, which led to the company’s pioneering of rotary die cutting sys- tems for printer-slotters, including the use of polyurethane anvils in die cutting and thus, the Sauer System was born. (The company still holds 15 patents on its processes and products.) Significant Growth Expansion came rapidly but so did challenges, specifi- cally, on how to ensure the company’s supply of polyure- thane for its anvils and scorers, which it did by forming another company, Dynasauer Corp. In addition, the Sauer
other tasks required of a new business owner, including purchasing machinery, bidding jobs, overseeing produc- tion and hiring employees. Lou Sr. was largely responsible A pocket-sized book on the history of Sauer System was writ- ten and assembled by Tisha Allen, the granddaughter of Lou Sauer, Jr. Every one of the 375 guests who attended the cele- bration event was gifted a copy.
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TOOLING THAT DRIVES PERFORMANCE
WWW.SAUERSYSTEM.COM WWW.SAUERSYSTEM.COM
Sauer System (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
complishment and I’m so very proud and thankful to our employees and retirees, many of whom are celebrating with us today,” said Warren Sauer, who will be celebrating his 50th year with the company in 2027. “I plan on con- tinuing indefinitely, or at least until Peter kicks me out,” he said with a chuckle. Warren was referring to his son, Peter Sauer, Vice President of Sales, the fourth generation of the Sauer family to continue the now century old tradition of “always adapting, transforming and extending our prod- ucts and markets.” Challenges And Obstacles Overcome No company survives for a century without its chal- lenges. Lou Jr. passed away in 2004 and his brother Rob- ert in 2016. They left their respective indelible marks on the company, most notably with their innovative and for- ward-thinking leadership talents instilled in them by their father and passed to Warren and Peter, the current and future standard bearers of the company. The financial crisis of 2008 did not spare Sauer System. Declining work volumes created some challenges, but cash reserves wisely accumulated in the “boom years,” combined with a diversified customer base, kept the com- pany from swimming in red ink like so many others. As the economy recovered, so did the corrugated industry and work volumes eventually returned to pre-recession growth. In 2020, less than a decade later, the Covid pandemic impacted Sauer System as it did every other global busi- ness, many of which suffered major disruptions and clo- sures. Being an “essential business,” however, Sauer Sys-
brothers continued to manufacture innovative products for the growing number of corrugated box makers and the
company soon outgrew its facilities in downtown St. Lou- is and moved its operations to Tree Court Industrial Park in West St. Louis County in 1966, the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding. As successful as they were, Lou Jr. and Robert could not have envisioned yet another 50 years of innovative successes, the culmination of which re- sulted in a 100-year anniversary celebration that was held on a bright and sunny May 14, 2026. In 1977, Robert’s son, Warren, joined the company. Having had the family business in his blood, Warren in- Sauer System Vice President of Sales, Peter Sauer, right, with Tisha Allen, the author of the Sauer System history book and the granddaughter of Lou Sauer, Jr.
Guests at the Sauer System 100th Anniversary celebration event were treated to a catered barbecue lunch, live entertainment and the camaraderie of friends, retirees and fellow employees.
fused his interest and expertise in machine technology into Sauer System’s future and the company’s first numer- ically controlled machines and tools, which led to further improvements in productivity. In 1989, the company pur- chased its first Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) laser cutting system, becoming one of the early adopters of laser cutting technology in the St. Louis area. This led to a surge in business both within and outside of the corru- gated industry, including an automotive industry supplier, whose volume of work required a 24/7 work schedule for several years. “Obviously, 100 years of success is a remarkable ac- 20 June 1, 2026
tem worked overtime as the demand for corrugated boxes driven by the increase in ecommerce boomed. As they al- ways seem to do for forward-thinking entrepreneurs, new opportunities presented themselves. As the quality of paper used for making boxes gener- ally began to suffer due to its increased recycled paper content, it became more difficult to score and fold boxes effectively using existing technology. To address the is- sue, Sauer System developed and successfully marketed new scoring profiles and folding section upgrades while expanding its footprint to approximately 100,000-square-
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THE COLLECTION
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Sauer System (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
feet across three buildings close to each other in Tree Court Industrial Park. Sixty people are employed across the company, in- cluding those manufacturing Sauer’s anvil covers, which
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.
are made from Dynasauer® polyurethane and are avail- able from stock for glue tab cutting, hand hole and other attachment head cutting, and several other applications. Polyurethane score anvils are also available for all Sau- er System scoring heads as well as certain specific OEM scoring heads. The Cutting Edge The literal cutting edges of many of Sauer’s cutting dies and tooling are manufactured with the utmost precision on the company’s newest and most modern pieces of ma- chinery: the Okuma MA-600HII Space Center, a powerful, Sauer System’s Okuma is a powerful, high-efficiency all-pur- pose horizontal machine that can churn out anything from long, continuous, die/mold applications to heavy-duty cutting to fine precise work.
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.
high-efficiency all-purpose horizontal machine that can churn out anything from long, continuous, die/mold appli- cations to heavy-duty cutting to fine precise work. Installed about two years ago, the machine center is known as the “Space Center” and is Sauer System’s work horse. “This machine is truly a manufacturing marvel with Okuma machine operator Carter Henry, shows off a finished product from the Okuma MA600HII Space Center.
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Sauer System (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
a tremendous amount of potential,” said operator Carter Henry. “This is our bread and butter. It has 10 pallets that we can set up work on. Most of the pallets we try and get at least one, if not two entire work assemblies on in one run. This machine can hold 171 tools, so it’s rare that we have to manually change tools out, unless we’re sharpen- ing or replacing one.” Approximately 70 percent of the work Sauer System does—creating rotary dyes for corrugated paper and tool- ing for corrugated industries—is the result of a 100 percent commitment to the fundamental understanding of how ev- ery tool works, as well as the processes to manufacture them to the most exacting specifications. The company may have been founded on the flip of a coin by L.E. Sauer, Sr. more than a century ago, but there was so much more than luck that was celebrated on May 14, 2026, in St. Louis: it was the incredibly high standards of performance, quality and innovation—without compro- mise—that four generations of the Sauer family have been delivering its products yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
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.
Amtech Software Opens Innovation Hub In India
Amtech Software, a global provider of ERP, MES and CRM solutions for the packaging and labels industry, has announced the opening of its new technology and inno- vation hub in Bengaluru, India. This strategic investment reinforces Amtech’s commitment to providing practical AI, cloud, and integrated technology to the global packaging and labels industry. Backed by Vista Equity Partners and serving more than 1,250 manufacturing plants worldwide, Amtech is making India an important part of its long-term growth strategy. Ac- cording to Amtech, India will serve as a center of product ownership and innovation. The Bengaluru hub will house engineering, product, customer operations, revenue oper- ations, and other key corporate functions. Amtech has ambitious hiring plans for the Bengaluru hub, with rapid team growth expected over the next year. This is not a small presence. It is a meaningful, multi-func- tional center being built to scale and serve global cus- tomers. Beyond functional hiring, the Bengaluru hub will also serve as the permanent home for a growing number of global roles with worldwide scope and responsibility, based in India. Evolution In India Bengaluru-based teams will work on cloud-ready, API-driven architecture, and AI-augmented product fea- tures. Plus, the teams will deal with advanced manufac- turing analytics and MES and CRM capabilities. The Ben- galuru team delivers access to global product teams and direct involvement in enterprise-grade software. In addi-
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.
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