BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 September 7, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 36
Packrite Takes Digital/Offset To New Printing Heights BY LEN PRAZYCH “A New Generation in Packaging.” For Packrite, LLC, this is not just a slogan. It is their mission statement. In 2008, Packrite opened its doors in High Point, North Carolina boasting state-of-the-art equipment and a team equipped with a wealth of packaging industry knowledge. Almost 20 years later, Packrite has more than tripled in size while continuing to implement the latest equipment and ensuring their team’s knowledge base continues to grow.
Forest Packaging Expands Into New 113K SF Facility Elk Grove, Illinois based Forest Packaging, a designer of corrugated products and displays, plans to relocate its operations following a unanimous approval for a zoning change. The new location building, located at 1450 Bowes Road, offers triple the space of Forest Pack- aging’s current home at 1955 Estes Ave. in Elk Grove Village, according to company Presi- dent John Kula. “Elgin is definitely supportive of the manu- facturing community, and I think that was one of the big things,” Kula said on Friday. “And we found the right building to house us and help us grow for the next 30 years.” He also said the location also was attractive because of its proximity to Elgin Community College, where he hopes to draw potential employees for his company. “It’s huge for us,” he said. “I don’t ever want to have to move again.” The vacant 113,464-square-foot building sits at the northeast corner of Bowes Road and South McLean Boulevard. It was the for- mer home of snack food manufacturing com- pany TH Foods Inc. Forest Packaging doesn’t manufacture
According to Packrite CEO Michael Drummond, “It isn’t always easy to stay ahead of the curve on the latest technology. But it is the right way. We want to ensure that everyone who touches our product can see the care and quality we implement every step of the way.” Packrite keeps their promise by ensuring “A New Generation in Packaging” does not mean a “new facility.” It is a promise that Packrite will continue to stay ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest in the industry. So, what else has Packrite done to stay top of mind and multiple steps ahead of its competition? “We are now proudly SQF certified, which means we’re food-safe, which is a huge, huge deal,” says Drummond. “Our customers had been asking for it so of course, we responded with what ended up being a phenomenal undertaking in terms of upgrades, improvements and training to be sure we met everybody’s high standards. This cer- tification also gives Packrite the ability to manufacture packaging for certain pharmaceutical products.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 The team at Packrite LLC stands beside the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT’S INSIDE 4 AF&PA Announces 2025 Paper, Cardboard Recycling Rates 8 Momentium Packaging Installs Koenig & Bauer Press 10 Accurate Box Expands Automation Capabilities 14 Carolina Container Installs New Fosber Corrugator
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Forest Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
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Kula described his business as “a closed circuit,” han- dling everything from design to delivery in-house. He says, “My goal in the next five to 10 years is to double what we’re doing currently.” The facility will operate two shifts, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Community Development Direc- tor Marc Mylott said the company would employ “between 44 and hopefully up to 60 people.” No exterior changes are planned for the building. Kula said he hopes to be “fully operational” by the end of the second quarter next year.
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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AF&PA Announces 2025 Paper, Cardboard Recycling Rates
er of America’s paper recycling system and the industry behind it,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “Every day, people across our industry recover and reuse paper at scale to make the paper and packaging products families and businesses rely on.”
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has an- nounced its annual paper recycling rates, with 61-65 per- cent of paper and 70-75 percent of cardboard available for recovery being recycled in the United States in 2025. Paper and cardboard recycling rates held steady in 2025, underscoring the strength of America’s paper re- cycling system and highlighting that it is operating as de- signed. In 2025, around 45 million tons of paper were recy- cled in the U.S.—123,000 tons every day—including more than 33 million tons of cardboard. Nearly half of all recycled paper in 2025 went into containerboard, the material used to make cardboard boxes. Overall, a decline in U.S. paper and paperboard produc- tion led to a decrease in generation of recovered paper available for recycling in 2025. In addition, U.S. mills used 31.4 million tons of recycled paper to manufacture new products in 2025, a decrease of 1.3 million tons from 2024. Despite market dynamics, paper recovery remained strong relative to the available supply, explaining why the U.S. paper recycling rate held steady. The paper industry continues to demonstrate resilience by adapting to chang- ing market conditions while operating at significant scale and serving strong demand for paper-based products. “2025’s recycling rate demonstrates the staying pow-
Despite market dynamics that led to decreased fiber production last year, paper recovery remained strong rel- ative to the available supply, according to AF&PA. Where Recycled Paper Goes Today, more than two thirds of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products Americans rely on at mills nationwide. Recycled paper also made boxes for food and medicine, tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels, and printing papers. Beyond the U.S., recycled paper was exported to pa- per mills around the world and used to make new prod- ucts.
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ICPF Sponsors MFG Day For Third Consecutive Year
pools to diverse manufacturing careers and demonstrate how innovation, creativity and problem-solving power suc- cessful manufacturing careers. More than just a single day, MFG Day fuels year-round efforts to engage students in an industry that employs nearly 13 million people and according to a joint study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, could face 1.9 million unfilled jobs by 2033 without strong workforce de- velopment. Right now, there are nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs nationwide. By connecting communi- ties—especially young people—with career pathways and training options, manufacturers can help close the gap. Through open houses, facility tours, classroom presen- tations and community events, manufacturers nationwide can spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. “One of the most exciting things we get to see at the
On Friday, October 2, the International Corrugated Pack- aging Foundation (ICPF) will join the Manufacturing Insti- tute – the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers – to mark Manufacturing Day 2026, known nationwide as MFG Day. Every year, manufacturers celebrate by inviting students, parents, educators, and civic leaders to encounter manu- facturing first-hand. MFG Day is celebrated nationally on the first Friday of October each year, with events continuing throughout the month, and often beyond. Led by the Manufacturing Insti- tute, MFG Day unites manufacturers of all sizes and spe- cializations to expose students and other potential talent
Manufacturing Institute is that special mo- ment for students, when they come to un- derstand not only how unique the manu- facturing industry is, but also when they realize that they have found their career path,” said Manufacturing Institute Presi- dent Carolyn Lee. “During MFG Day, we see that happen at scale. When manufac- turers open their doors and invite students inside their facilities, it embeds our indus- try in their communities and showcases the diverse and fulfilling careers that man- ufacturing has to offer. Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF, echoed the importance of this initiative,
stating, “There’s no substitute for giving students the chance to step inside a man- ufacturing facility and see the industry for themselves. Corrugat- ed packaging offers
Caitlin Salaverria
exciting career opportunities across tech- nology, engineering, design, sustainability, skilled trades and so much more. MFG Day gives our industry an opportunity to bring those careers to life, connect with students in our communities and inspire the next generation of our workforce. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Man- ufacturing Institute and encourage corru- gated manufacturers across the country to get involved.” As an official sponsor of MFG Day 2026, ICPF, together with the Manufactur- ing Institute, will help communities across the country see how manufacturing offers challenging, rewarding and high-tech ca- reers that make modern life possible.
6 September 7, 2026
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Momentium Packaging Installs Koenig & Bauer Rapida Press
In today’s competitive environment, firms winning the most business are those that know precisely what their custom- ers want. Momentium, a company launched by CORE In- dustrial Partners, is one such packaging firm. It has earned the trust of its customers by delivering high-quality custom packaging solutions with responsive expert service. Its industry leading design and manufacturing process- es led by press equipment from Koenig & Bauer ensure that it supplies complete packaging solutions that protect its customers’ products and brand image and optimize ef- ficiency of their packaging lines. Key to its production capabilities is having a trusted press manufacturing partner. That’s where Koenig & Bauer
perfectly fits in. “Koenig & Bauer provides state-of-the-art equipment that helps to increase our throughput and en- hance our total product offering by producing the highest quality in the marketplace. With the breadth of its prod- ucts, we are able to quickly pivot our needs with one sup- plier. Koenig & Bauer’s success story speaks for itself with best-in-class in both performance and service support,”
says Harrison Chien, Momentium’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We find its quality and reliability to be the best in the industry.” The firm’s management team has invest- ed in three leading packaging firms from coast to coast under one unified umbrella: Superior Lithographics in Los Angeles; Cen- tury Box in Methuen, Massachusetts; and General Converting in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The combination of the three packaging companies under the Momentium platform brand enables CORE to promote a consol- idated offering with over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing and more than 370 employees across three facilities in three states. “These three locations offer redundant manufacturing capabilities, expanded ca- pacity, localized delivery throughout the U.S., and scalability to produce small and large orders,” says Chien, “which save on freight costs and allow us to have a larger team of subject matter experts at each lo- cation.” Momentium is building a legacy of ex- cellence, personalized customer service, innovation, and resource-efficient practices that is transformed into value for its custom- ers. “The future is very bright with servicing large national accounts as well as local cus- tomers,” says Chien. “We have a legacy of long-standing loyal accounts that continue to depend on us for quality and delivery. Our continued investment into new require- ments, such as RFID, will only bolster our commitment to the needs of the market. As we look to further growth, we will look to further expand our capabilities, and we see Koenig & Bauer as one of our strategic part- ners.”
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8 September 7, 2026
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Accurate Box Expands Automation Capabilities With Mobile Palletizer Paterson, New Jersey based Accurate Box Company, a manufacturer of litho-laminated corrugated packaging, has expanded its automation capabilities with the installa- tion of a new mobile palletizing robot from Williston, Ver- mont based Rigorous Technology. Located in the Finishing Department, this is Accurate Box’s fourth robotic system and is designed to reduce re- petitive heavy lifting while supporting production across multiple folder-gluers.
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The robot palletizes cases and bundles of finished packaging as they come off the folder-gluer, reducing the manual lifting required by employees. With cases aver- aging approximately 30 pounds, palletizing throughout a shift can be physically demanding and lead to fatigue and strain over time. The robot can palletize approximately 112 cases per hour, operating faster than manual palletizing while reducing the amount of lifting employees perform throughout a shift. This helps improve ergonomics, reduce physical strain, and support more efficient production. Unlike a fixed robotic system, this new palletizer is mo- bile and can be moved between folder-gluers based on production needs. This gives Accurate Box the flexibility to use the robot across multiple lines and jobs rather than dedicating it to a single machine. Automation supports both the feeding and palletizing sides of Accurate Box’s Finishing Department, with a focus on employee safety, reducing repetitive tasks, and sup- porting efficient production. The company will continue to identify opportunities where automation can improve both workplace and manufacturing operations. In business since 1944 and women-owned since 1998, Accurate Box Company is a fourth-generation fami- ly-owned business that are experts in creating 100 percent recyclable and sustainably sourced packaging for the club store, retail, e-commerce, and quick services restaurant industries. It specializes in end-to-end services, including package design and all aspects of manufacturing, from concept to delivery at fulfillment centers or co-packer fa- cilities. Visit: www.accuratebox.com .
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.
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10 September 7, 2026
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FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
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UPS Announces 2026 Holiday Fees, Rates Increased From Last Year As the busiest shipping season of the year approaches, UPS has announced its 2026 holiday demand fees, join- ing FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service in instituting higher peak season charges than last year. Starting September 27, UPS will apply higher fees on packages that are bulky or oversized along with surge fees on certain international shipments between the U.S. and other countries. Added surcharges on all UPS Air, Ground Residential and Ground Saver packages, plus an- other fee for high-volume shippers, will begin October 25. The price of many of the holiday charges peak between November 22 and December 26, when ordering activity typically jumps in the leadup to Christmas. The fees are active through January 16, 2027. UPS and other parcel carriers regularly institute holiday surcharges each year to help cover increased operating costs as volume climbs. CEO Carol Tomé said in a recent earnings call that UPS expects its U.S. volume to jump about 24 percent from Q3 to Q4, similar to the increase it encountered in 2025. Increased holiday delivery costs are slated to add to the pricing pressures that parcel shippers have faced this
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Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )
If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!
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!
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Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
12 September 7, 2026
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Carolina Container Installs New Fosber Corrugator
Manager, Hickory, Carolina Container. The addition of the Fosber 400 Corrugator will enable Carolina Container to further improve its production ca- pabilities and respond to the growing requirements of its customers. The investment also reflects the company’s continued focus on adopting advanced technology to im- prove productivity and maintain high standards of quality. Along with the new equipment, Carolina Container is
Hickory, North Carolina based Carolina Container has strengthened its manufacturing capabilities with the in- stallation of a new Fosber 400 Corrugator at its Hickory facility.
The new corrugator represents a major investment in the company’s operations and is designed to enhance production speed, efficiency, quality, and overall manufac- turing capacity as Carolina Container continues its growth. “This state-of-the-art equipment represents a major investment in our operation, increasing our speed, effi- ciency, quality, and production capabilities as Carolina Container continues to grow,” says Brian Healy, General
expanding its team and is currently looking for Machine Operators to join its growing workforce. The company is seeking individuals who want to be part of a dynamic man- ufacturing operation and contribute to keeping its equip- ment and production processes running efficiently. The installation of the new Fosber 400 Corrugator marks another important step in Carolina Container’s con- tinued expansion and ability to support future growth.
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14 September 7, 2026
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TAPPI Board Members Gather To Envision Future Of The Industry TAPPI recently hosted a 2050 Vision Casting Workshop, where the Board of Directors, representing forward-think- ing organizations, came together to imagine what the fu-
tions to address industry-wide challenges such as safety and innovation. The workshop challenged leadership to think beyond today’s priorities and consider what future generations of industry professionals will need tosucceed. As technolo- gies advance, workforce expectations change, and new global challenges emerge, our association must continue
The TAPPI Board, from left to right: Adam Mathis (TAPPI), Brittany Sims (TAPPI), Ashley Westbrook (TAPPI), Lawton Roberts (TAPPI), Greg Jones (SUN Automation), Mike Farrell, Mary Beth Cornell (TAPPI), Wendy Cerilli (Irving Consumer Products), Mike Gray (Retired, Valmet Inc.), Kim Nelson (GranBio USA), T. Scott Frasca (MiniFibers Inc.), Keith Hamilton (Georgia-Pacific LLC) , Dan Goymerac (Miron Construction), Maria Soledad Peresin (Clemson University), Todd Grace (ANDRITZ North America), Leslie Petrie (Retired, IP), James McDonald (Sylvamo) and Simona Bethea (TAPPI).
ture could look like for our association and its ability to serve our industry. Since our founding more than 111 years ago, TAPPI has grown far beyond its roots in technical standards. Today, we are recognized as a global center of excellence for the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, and converting industries. We bring together verified technical knowledge, thought leadership, professional education, and collaborative solu-
to adapt in ways that create meaningful value for our mem- bers, companies, and the industry as a whole. This vision casting session marks the first step in a multi-year strategic initiative. Over the coming months and years, we will engage with additional industry lead- ers, companies, and stakeholders to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of our industry.
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16 September 7, 2026
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Corrugated Week 2026 Announces Powerful Keynote Lineup TAPPI and AICC, co-hosts of the Corrugated Week 2026 Conference and Expo, have announced Laurent Sellier, President & CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America, and Will Cain, host of The Will Cain Show, as keynote speakers for the quadrennial event taking place September 28-30 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. As President & CEO of Smurfit Westrock North Ameri- ca, Laurent Sellier oversees one of the most consequen-
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figures across politics, sports, and entertainment. Before his national television career, Cain owned Quince Media, a Hispanic media company, and Cain Communication, a
tial chapters in corrugated pack- aging history. Following the $10.7 billion acquisition of WestRock by Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa in July 2024, Sellier has been at the helm of integrating approximately 305 North American sites under a unified vision. His opening keynote will offer
community newspaper group. His closing keynote will connect the corrugated industry’s work to the broader economic and cultural trends reshaping American manu- facturing and commerce. Corrugated Week 2026 is the industry’s main attraction, bringing
Laurent Sellier
attendees a rare look into the forces reshaping corrugated in North America – from plant innovation and sustainable packaging to the future of the fiber-based supply chain. Texas native and former media entrepreneur Will Cain will bring an outside-in perspective to the conference. As the host of The Will Cain Show on FOX News Chan- nel and the Will Cain Country podcast on FOX News Au- dio, Cain has interviewed several key newsmakers and
Will Cain
together the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of corrugated. More than 1,400 corrugated profes- sionals from over 25 countries are expected to attend. To learn more about the keynote speakers, sponsor- ship opportunities, event program, or to register, visit: cor- rugatedweek.org .
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18 September 7, 2026
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ASSEMBLED PRODUCTS AND CONTRACT PACKAGING REQUIRED EXTRA HANDLING – UNTIL NOW Specialty packaging diversifies revenue, deepens customer relationships, and protects margins against board-grade price pressure.
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Packrite (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Heiber + Schröder WP 1400 Master+ and a Kohmann 1350. However, Packrite does not stop with just the packag- ing equipment itself. If you ask anyone in the packaging industry (or Walter White from Breaking Bad), they will tell you running packaging equipment is a very “humid” business. But a humidity problem is no match for Pack- rite. “One of the improvements we made several years ago was installing a plantwide humidification system to maintain approximately 50 percent relative humidity. This significantly reduced cracking and helped maintain proper moisture levels in the board,” adds Drummond about the enhancements. Packrite even goes as far as to consider the little things, like brand new pallets. Why is that? “First of all, they’re food safe. Second thing is that new pallets don’t break and they don’t tear up our conveyors,” says Drummond. “We have significant investment in blue conveyor systems and we don’t worry about old pallets damaging or slowing down our lines with nails hanging out. We believe even the smallest of decisions like these are details that set us apart from our competitors.” These little changes over the years add up and give Packrite the ability to do something that others cannot: de- velop new forms of packaging. “One of the new products
Part of the company’s recent “phenomenal undertak- ing” involved hiring a full-time Safety Manager, giving Packrite a dedicated leader focused on two critical pri-
orities: protecting employees and maintaining the highest quality stan- dards for food and pharmaceutical packaging. “First and foremost are our peo- ple,” says Drummond. “We held a contest to create a safety slogan and what our people came up with
Michael Drummond
was ‘Be safety-minded, not safety-blinded,’ which was per- fect. Our people see the banner every day, which is their regular reminder to be more conscious of their surround- ings and other employees.” World-Class Machinery Packrite’s business is comprised of five major market sectors. Pharmaceutical and cosmetics; food and drink; software and entertainment; auto parts; and virtually any other product in between. The company provides a full range of services for Consumer Product Goods (CPGs), distributor organizations, fulfillment houses and brokers.
Drummond insists that his people are the most import- ant part of the business. According to him, “A hammer is only as good as the person using it. We ensure that our people are trained on the latest and greatest machinery and they continue to exceed our expectations every day.” So, what equipment is Packrite using? The company primarily uses machinery from Bobst, a Swiss company that is world renowned for creating high quality packaging machinery. At the core of it all, Packrite uses a Bobst 64-inch by 87-inch Asitrade MF324 Master- flute. “After 18 years, it is still one of the highest performing Asitrades in the world,” says Drummond. “There’s not any faster or better one than this one is today because this was one of the first.” Complimenting and supporting the star of Packrite’s machinery show is an Expertflute 64-inch by 67-inch As- itrade Laminator; a Mastercut 2.1 Diecutter; an Expertcut 145 Diecutter; a Bobst Expertfold 230; a Bobst Masterfold 170; a Bobst Masterfold 130; and two window patchers, a The Bobst Asitrade is central to Packrite’s operations and one of the highest performing Asitrades in the world.
driven by our customer needs that we’re ‘playing around’ with is forming equipment,” says Drummond. “People have been trying to eliminate plastics for years, so to help with this initiative we’ve created a paper tray to replace plastic ones. We just installed equipment to produce these paper trays, which complements our existing blister cards nicely and also, will be the exact and eco-friendly replacement for plastic ones. We’re very excited about this opportu- nity.” Other facility upgrades include an HR training room, a new conference room, new restrooms, a 65,000-square- foot warehouse and new offices to support the company’s long-term growth plans. “We thought it would be good to have all our manufacturing on the first floor together and already had a need for more office space. While we were doing upgrades, it only made sense to holistically build out the rest of our office space for all the growth we are plan- ning,” notes Drummond. Packrite uses the Signode GCU Corrugated Strapping Ma- chine to compress and strap loads of corrugated.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
20 September 7, 2026
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6 COLOR 6-colors on semi-coated,
$65.11 SAVED/hr $130,220 * Projected Annual Saving semi-coated, full coverage, all dryers active
$57.12 SAVED/hr $114,240 * Projected Annual Saving 90% coverage, all dryers active
$58.48 SAVED/hr $116,960 * Projected Annual Saving semi-coated, full coverage, all dryers active
*PAS calculated on 80 hours/week (considering 4 hours make-ready, 4 hours production/day), 50 weeks/year. Avg. kWh cost of $.017
JB Machinery Inc. | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com AutoDryer Control and the JB logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of JB Machinery, Inc. Productivity — Quality — Profitability Corrugated Week 2026 Booth 523
Packrite (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
But as he reminds us, none of this would be possible without Packrite’s people. The company has been inten- tional in its effort to make the plant more automated, which has improved employee retention. Packrite is now attract- ing, training, and retaining people for skilled technical roles to operate this automated machinery. The company goal is to have even more automation, which drives both higher efficiency and higher-paid employees. Packrite’s employee roster is around 125 and is expected to grow around 10 percent in the not-too-distant future.
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.
Today, this gives Packrite the ability to support what Drummond insists is one of the biggest and most signifi- cant investments in the company’s nearly 20-year history: a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164, 8-color press. Even though the investment is large, it is the new generation that will further elevate Packrite’s ability to manufacture ever-com- plex, high-end packaging with offset-level quality at digi- tal-level speed and agility. A Room With A View The Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164 8-color press is every- thing a box maker with aspirations of market dominance seeks: automated color control and 7-color expanded gamut printing, allowing the conversion of a high volume of spot colors to expanded gamut, which dramatically re- Balemaster provides efficient waste and scrap baling.
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.
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CorrBox Solution evo glu i ng excellence for every budget
Precise adhesive monitoring
Non contact application
Intuitive touchscreen controller
baumerhhs.com
Packrite (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
duces waste during setup. Make-readies can be complet- ed “ultra-fast,” in as little as five minutes, which will speed production internally and allow Packrite’s customers to move from “concept to shelf” faster than ever. The Rapida 164 is engineered as a Digital/Offset pro- cess with the latest digital automation at the highest qual- ity print in the marketplace. By utilizing fully automatic inline grey-balance-control and 7-color expanded gamut, the press autonomously measures and controls the dot—a feature unique to Koenig & Bauer technology. The system continuously monitors and adjusts color throughout the run, ensuring consistent results from the first sheet to the last — a critical requirement for regulated and design-sen- sitive packaging. So, what made this the right time for Drummond and Packrite to move forward with the purchase?
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.
“We hit critical mass,” says Drummond. “The recent growth of our business combined with the advancement in technology hit a point in time that we knew we were going to be highly effective. I’ve been looking at print for years, seeing where the technology is going and what’s happening in the digital marketplace. All the digital press technology that I looked at have one thing in common; they can’t produce flat sheets at a rate that our business requires. Accordingly, none of them are running more than two or three thousand sheets an hour.” “The Koenig and Bauer Rapida 164 is capable of mass-producing flat sheets at 15,000 per hour. We added the eight-color unit to allow us to set up and run seven-col- or process without breaking in when you need to add that hard to hit spot color. We feel that this will significantly re- duce our make readies on a traditional offset press down to five minutes. Instead of 1,000 sheets of waste, we be- lieve 100 to 200 sheets will be plenty. The process is ma- terially different, and all while it’s running at 15,000 sheets an hour. Our seven-color process printing should give us a “competitive advantage over other traditional offset and digital printing presses in the marketplace”. As the newest member of Packrite’s machine family, the Rapida 164 is 120-feet long and has a room of its own. A new climate-controlled 16,000-square-foot space with dedicated power and water supply. Kernic supplied high-efficiency scrap recovery and air convey- ing solutions for the Packrite operation.
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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featuring the ChromaCUT High Tech An RDC for every need...
Versatile
Productive • Exceptional print quality, IR & hot air drying • Set-while-run & automatic set-up for fast changeovers • Real-time print and die cut inspection
Reliable
• Modular design
• Robust design with direct drive axes • Low maintenance/Low cost of ownership • Recognized for long term durability, reliability and performance
• Easily configurable to meet current and future needs
• Available in Right and Left-hand configurations
• Inside/Outside print
• Top vacuum stacker included
Contact Us For full features and specifications, visit koenig-bauer-celmacch.com Contact Kevin Erbe at kevin.erbe@koenig-bauer.com, 303.718.0023
Booth 805 Corrugated Week 2026
Packrite (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Customer Buy-In The ultimate goal of such a significant investment is satisfying customer demand. “A lot of customers have actually been asking for this and have been saying, ‘Let’s go already, convert us. We’re ready. We want to be a part of this,’” says Drummond, who adds that he wants to get these customers—and the new ones who will follow—into the “digital offset” mentality. “When people say digital, they presume inkjet, right? Why wouldn’t they? There’s been no reason not to. We want to change that. We’re us- ing our digital press and simply choosing to use offset as a medium to apply the ink.”
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.
C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com
Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.
EMBA www.embausa.com
Drummond insists the seven-color process is the key. “There’s no more ‘monkeying’ with PMS numbers. Now we just run to the numbers. Every photograph, every image, every viewpoint is enhanced. We tell customers that we’re mixing in-line on the press, not in a kitchen. By going to seven colors, not only will we hit 94 percent of the gamut, but we’re going to enhance all the images. It will be far better than anybody’s ever used to seeing. We’re going to offer something that digital isn’t able to.” The Signode GCU strapper features three strapping heads.
The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.
EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.
Having the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164 gives Packrite a unique value proposition. Only a handful of other box mak- ers in the U.S. have one. According to Drummond, “We aren’t aware of another manufacturer anywhere that has this printing technology and an Asitrade sitting in the same facility. We set out from the beginning to be innovators and changemakers, and we’re going to continue capitalizing on that.” Thus, Packrite becomes even more vertically in- tegrated and growing organically, a word not often heard from an independent box maker positioning itself for fu- ture success. The Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164 8-color press delivers auto- mated color control and 7-color expanded gamut printing for Packrite.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .
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