BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 38 years April 4, 2022 VOL. 35, NO. 14
Akers Packaging Mission Propels Midwest Growth BY LEN PRAZYCH
AICC Members To Meet For Spring Event In Palm Desert AICC, the Independent Packaging Associa- tion is welcoming back the paper packaging industry for a must-attend in-person event at AICC’s 2022 Spring Meeting in Palm Desert, California, on April 6-8, 2022. Industry ex- perts and business gurus will discuss topics to help your company “grow and reach strate- gic alignment.” The meeting will also feature plant tours and numerous social and network- ing opportunities to help you connect with your peers and expand your network. The meeting also features the 8th Annu- al Independents’ Cup Golf Tournament, a “scramble style” event that takes place on Thursday, April 7, from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club’s Palm & Valley Course, which incorporates 35 acres of streams, lakes and cascading waterfalls, pro- viding a tropical golfing oasis in the desert.
“Service and quality second to none,” was the mission statement of William C. Akers, who founded the company bearing his name in Mid- dletown, Ohio, in 1963 after leaving his job as Sales Manager at Inland Container. A former U.S. Marine who survived two tours of duty in Oki- nawa before returning home to begin his career working second shift
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
WHAT’S INSIDE 7 New Breaking Down Boxes Podcast To Feature John Bird 9 BCN Webinar On Machine Learning Receives High Marks 18 SUN Automation Continues To Deliver Solutions And Support 22 ICPF Partners With Students, Recent Graduates For Outreach 28 Huston Patterson, Sigma Merge With Lewisburg Printing Co. 62 Designing WIP Systems 82 The 2022 Slope: Taking On The Mountain And the Year
on Inland’s corrugator while pursuing a degree at Miami of Ohio, Akers convinced his secretary and one Inland salesman to join him in his new venture: making and selling custom shipping solutions, wooden pal- lets, folding cardboard cartons and corrugated boxes. With a primary focus on customer service, quick delivery, and no order minimums providing same or next-day delivery – essentially dis- covering the Just-in-Time (JIT) model long before the term became an industry standard – Akers made his first deliveries out of the back of his car before quickly growing to become a 10-person operation mak- ing boxes in a 20,000-square-foot facility in Middletown, just north of Cincinnati. “To this day, nearly 60 years after the company’s founding, we con- tinue to fulfill my grandfather’s mission that the customer must come first,” says Mike Akey II, the oldest of the Akers-Akey family’s third-gen- eration and now president of the company; William C. Akers’ daughter, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 Mike Akey II, President of Akers Packaging Service Group, continues the mission of his grandfather and company founder William C. Akers.
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AICC Members (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )
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.
Keeping in line with AICC Chairman Gene Marino’s theme of “Grip It & Rip It,” the goal of the meeting is for members to reach full strategic alignment at their plant with a compelling series of speakers and workshops that address the most important topics facing the corrugated industry today: Trucking & Transportation: Disruptions, Pressures, Developments and Opportunities; the Current State of the Containerboard and Paperboard Industry and Outlook for the Future; Lessons on Leadership Through Times of Uncertainty; Supplier Innovations in the Corrugat- ed, Folding Carton & Rigid Box Industries; Tactics, Strate- gies & Actions to Increase Profitability; How to Think About Your Business as a System; and much more. As usual, AICC has compiled a stellar roster of pre- senters and keynote speakers who are among the most influential in the industry: Sean McDermott, Founder and Certified EOS® Implementer, The Traction Group; Gene Marks, CPA, Author, Columnist and Business Expert; Mark Roberts, CEO, OTB Solutions; Ed Wallace, Managing Direc- tor, AchieveNEXT Relational Capital; Ryan Fox, Corrugated Market Analyst, Green Markets, A Bloomberg Company; Terry Webber, Executive Director, Packaging, AF&PA; and Richard Phillips, author and the real-life inspiration for the Movie “Captain Phillips.” Visit www.aiccbox.org for more information to register for the event. If you’re already here, welcome and enjoy!
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
$1005.00-1010.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1050.00-1060.00 $1023.00-1032.00
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$940.00-990.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $975.00-995.00 $958.00-978.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 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 West
$970.00
$960.00 $995.00
$1,015.00
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It’s What is on the Inside & Outside That Counts The SUN 625 RDC brings together two-sided printing in a single pass, ideal for high-speed and high-volume production
The SUN 625 RDC is one of the most highly adaptable solutions in the market, delivering
exceptional productivity in a variety of segments. This vertically opening flexo printing machine was engineered to be a versatile, high-producing workhorse while keeping maintenance costs low. This true 125" RDC has the ability to run 200 kicks per minute and up to 12,000 sheets per hour
Inside / Outside Print
Custom messaging and branding has never been easier. SUN provides two-sided printing solutions to transform your existing press proficiency. This single pass solution is engineered to integrate seamlessly with a variety of OEM equipment, including the SUN 625. Email sales@sunautomationgroup.com and ask about our Spectrum Inside Print units & Color Master blade systems
New Breaking Down Boxes Podcast To Feature JB Machinery’s John Bird Gene Marino, Executive Vice President, Akers Packaging Service Group and AICC Board Chair, and Joe Morelli, VP of Sales & Marketing, Huston Patterson Printers and AICC Associate Board Chair, interview John Bird, CEO & Chair- man, JB Machinery, Inc. in The Unflappable Mr. Bird, the latest episode of AICC’s podcast, Breaking Down Boxes. “John has an immeasurable amount of inner drive, a tremendous amount of belief in self, and is just singularly focused on being successful. We were honored to have such a fascinating guest,” said Marino. John Bird started on his professional path at the age of 15. It all began on a shop floor in 1960, installing collars for ink rollers. He quickly moved up to be a development chemist,but this was not enough for Bird. He worked at various ink companies while attending the London Col- lege of Printing. Bird began JB Machinery, Inc. in 1998, which has won several AICC/ /Board Converting News/ Corrugated Today Innovator of the Year Awards. Morelli said, “He never thought twice about getting off the floor and starting again. His resiliency is incredible.” Though his beginnings were inauspicious, John Bird has grown to exceptional heights in the industry through his work ethic, innovative ideas, and his unfailing belief that failure was not an option.
“This is an incredible story of grit, resiliency, and perse- verance that goes to the heart and character of the man, the family, and their company. You will be moved and in- spired. I certainly was,” said Michael M. D’Angelo, AICC President.
New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. The episode trailer is available now and “The Unflappable Mr. Bird” will be released Monday, April 4. Subscribe to Breaking Down Boxes on all major podcast platforms or visit www.AICCbox.org/boxes . Gene Marino, left, and Joe Morelli speak with John Bird on the latest episode of the Breaking Down Boxes podcast.
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Calling Profero Systems just another equipment supplier is like calling the Tour just a bike ride. Profero Systems
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BCN Webinar On Machine Learning Receives High Marks From Viewers The webinar, “How Machine Learning Will Change the Corrugated Industry” aired on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 10 a.m. EST, when more than 80 corrugated and folding carton industry professionals participated in the first digi- tal event hosted by Board Converting News . Moderated by Editor-in-Chief Len Prazych, attendees gained insights into the next technology leap facing box plants – where data is harvested and analyzed to increase output and profit margins, with a focus on predicting and preventing machine breakdowns. Panelists included Matt Miller, Director of Technology at Helios; Justin Gagne, Senior Data Scientist at Helios; and Dennis Wood, Director of Manufacturing at Premier Pack- aging. After the 47-minute webinar, a lively 15-minute Q&A session revealed the high level of interest and opportunity surrounding machine learning. One of the key takeaways was that AI-enabled predictive and preventative mainte- nance is quickly moving from a distant option to an urgent business necessity, allowing box plants to gain rapid com- petitive advantages. Those who missed the event can see it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZptCvs5EjI. Organizations and businesses interested in suggesting future webinar topics or participating can contact Prazych at lprazych@nvpublications.com. Tanjo CEO Richard Boyd To Address AI, ML At AICC Great Lakes Summit Richard Boyd, CEO and co-founder of Tanjo AI, an award-winning machine learning (ML) company, will ad- dress the uses and importance of AI and machine learning on the corrugated industry supply chain at AICC’s Great Lakes Regional Summit (June 7-8, Cleveland). Boyd pre- sented the keynote address at last year’s SuperCorr Expo. Boyd, a serial entrepreneur, tech consultant, celebrated author and speaker on virtual worlds and computer gam- ing, is an expert in machine learning and human/computer
interfaces. He is also co-found- er and CEO of Ultisim Inc., a sim- ulation learning company using gaming technology and AI. Boyd will discuss methods for combining AI and Machine Learning technologies with sources of data, native knowl- edge, and expertise to amplify
business intelligence to drive value in packaging process- es. From preventative maintenance and operator training to plant process automation to manufacturing, AI and ML can impact every process in the packaging business. Richard Boyd CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Tanjo CEO Boyd (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2021
“After meeting with so many corrugated industry players in Orlando, and afterward, it’s clear that they are searching for new tools and methods to meet the growing demand for corrugated packaging,” said Boyd. “It’s an ex- citing time for the industry with a focus on technology with opportunities for OEMS, box-plants, and suppliers to en- hance productivity and maximize process improvements.” Boyd and his teams work with a wide array of indus- tries outside of manufacturing, including energy, health- care, defense, education and motion pictures. Tanjo is a recent XPRIZE finalist for its Community Confidence COVID-19 machine learning dashboard. Visit www.aiccbox.com/calendar for more information.
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2021 2020
34.195 34.916
-2.1
8.549 8.729
-2.1
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2021
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2021 2020
416.338 406.776
2.4
8.294 8.071
2.8
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2021 2020
2.7372 2.7727
-1.3
33.8477 33.0739
2.3
AICC To Host New Webinar: Key Account Development
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.256 2.203
2.4
3.3 3.3
0
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is hosting a new webinar, Key Account Development, on Wednes- day, April 13. Time seems more precious now than ever before. Com- panies must be more thoughtful about where salespeople spend theirs. Some of the greatest ROIs can be found by growing the share of wallet at key accounts.
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2021 2020
20 20
251 252
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
From robotic stacking to conveyor systems, we have the right material handling solution for you! JS Machines Material Handling
770-425-3353 www.cstsystems.net CST is an authorized agent of NCM
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40 ft of paper travel from preheater to hot plates 3 seconds of heat, glue and bonding 1 chance to get it right! the ZONE
Design & Production
Chicago Electric offers 10 technology solutions to control ‘the Zone’ CORRUGATOR Sectoral preheating plate
Our sectoral preheating plates provide direct heat by means of a double steam circuit, allowing for efficient heating in hard-to-access locations, as well as to act as a steam shower to open the paper’s fibre, making it receptive to absorbing the heat and the glue.
This translates into increased speed and improved quality of the cardboard sheet finish.
The system’s main advantages are as follows:
• The plate may only be used to heat, only to humidify, or both options at the same time. • The plate is sectored, which allows for applying humidity to the sections. • It provides temperature in previously inaccessible locations and near the location needed. • It compensates the loss of temperature dissipated due to distance, speed or limitations of the exiting preheaters. • Quick transferring of heat to the paper. • The combination of the hot plate and steam shower allows for providing heat even to the hardest papers to heat. • Does not dry out the paper. • Possibility of operating as a humidifier and pre-conditioner. • Maintains and improves the fibre’s elasticity. • Acts according to the operator’s needs. • Facilitates the paper’s hygroscopy to absorb the glue and improve rubberising.
CONTROLLABILITY
1. Wrap Arm - Position & Temperature 2. Preheater Direct Drive
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
3. Steam Plate 4. Contact Roll 5. Glue Machine Direct Drive Touch Productivity Issue—Glue Unit Many glue units run with a rider roll or a guiding bar system. The rider roll with paper gap allows a precise glue application, but requires frequent Contact Roll
PRODUCTIVITY
C/ Orfeó Català 13-15 · 08440 Cardedeu (Barcelona) telf: +34 93 846 01 06 · comercial@al-gar.com WWW.AL-GAR.COM
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
calibrations and settings. Bar systems avoid this, but compensate this with the risk of exces- sive glue application. The system contains many wearing parts. Solution The contact roll combines the ad antage of both systems and ensures minimum contact between board and applicator roll. The system uses small pneumatic cylinders in order to achieve a “soft touch.”
6. Gap Control 7. Curved Plate 8. Roller Shoe Press When it comes to a short-term increas of web tension, spring loaded systems with shoes or airpressure activated system have problems in compensating these. The system is lifted for a short time. This may result in de-lamination and in the ‘double kiss’ effect. Solution For a defined and exact bonding point of the web fiv weight rollers will be installed usually over the first flat hotplate of the heating section. The rolls are mounted into a frame, which is actuated by means of two pneumatic cylinders. P oductivity Issu —Double Kiss Bonding
PRODUCTIVITY
PRODUCTIVITY
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
Roller Shoe
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
9. Thin Wall Hot Plates 10. Pressure System Benefits —Exact glue application due to defined contact of applicator roll to web. Web is in contact to less flute tips compared to bar systems. • High precision glue application • Less moisture applied to web —No wear of shoes and springs —No adjustment of shoes or paper gap —Uniform glue application over entire w orking width for all flutes by use of pneumatic cylinders instead of springs — Less contamination by paper dust and glue remains —No jam of board because of web breaks caused by splice joints going through 630-784-0800 Benefits —Rollers secure exact defined first point of contact of liner and single-faced board - No double kiss —Frame design avoids unintended lifting of roller shoe (compared to spring or air loaded systems) - No double kiss —Pressure can be increased or released for special grades or products 490 Tower Blvd., Carol Stream, IL Contact Chicago Electric to GET IT RIGHT 630-784-0800 info@chicagoelectric.com chicagoelectric.com Solution The ProPress system ensures an optimum heat transfer to the board. It offers a wide range of set- tings. The loadi g pressure can be varied, the number of shoes can be lifted in accordance t the line speed. The outer shoes can be lifted in accordance to the paper width. The shoe bars will be delivered pre-assembled for a short installation time. —Liftable for easy paper infeed and for cleaning of the machine —Position adjustable in paper direction to avoid grooves in hotplate Press Productivity Issue—Poor Heat Transfer Rollers are usually limiting the heat transfer, since they often have contact mainly on the edges of the plates due to wear or bent plates. They also cause often loss of caliper and bearing need to be replaced frequently. Airpressure actuated systems can only supply a limited pressure and have com- pared to shoe systems a closed surface. Pressure Shoe
Plate vity Issue—Poor Heat Control l hotplates are slow to react to pressure due to high steam volume and massive y also have high heat radiation and heat profile. Worn plates can damage crease edge crush.
Thin-Wall Hot Plates
t by peripheral drilled hot plates. anufactured out of special wear and nt steel, through which a continuous is drilled, with one inlet and one outlet. ecured by a massive steel frame.
CORR24usa.com
ance from steam to paper surface results in fast heat flow
AICC Webinar (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
ipating companies a code that all employees can use to register for every webinar scheduled through July 2022. Each company also receives a recording of each webinar. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org/Pass . Register for Key Account Development at www.AICCbox.org/Calendar.
A sales team, with the right training and skills, can help customers by finding new solutions to their current prob- lems with other suppliers. Presenter Mark Allen Roberts will share his key account development model. Roberts, CEO, OTB Solutions, brings over 35 years of sales and marketing success, and leadership with manufacturers & distributors. He has had senior sales, marketing & training development positions across a wide array of businesses, including The Timken Company, Mobility Works, Gardner Denver, VMI, Pragmatic Marketing, Frito-Lay, & many other industry leaders. With a long history of building, training, coaching, & leading sales teams, the National Association of Sales & Marketing recognized his contributions with The Business Excellence Award. Roberts is also the author of the book Branding Backwards, a keynote speaker, train- er, thought leader on LinkedIn, and his strategic business development blog No Smoke & Mirrors. A graduate of the Executive MBA program at Kent State University, he also completed a management-development program with Harvard Business School. He also has a free ebook, Le- veraging Customer Voice, available at otbsalessolutions. com/voc . Members can register for individual webinars or join them as part of the All Access Pass. Pass holders can use their promo code to register at no additional cost. The All Access Pass, for one payment of $1,695, gives partic-
79th Annual NA Paperboard Packaging Competition Open
The Paperboard Packaging Council PPC) has announced that registration is now open for the 79th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The dead- line for entries is June 1. Administered and hosted by PPC and judged by a jury of packaging professionals, industry experts, and profes- sors, the North American Paperboard Packaging Compe- tition is the premier competition for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging. Entries come from both major corporations as well as small, family-owned box shops yet all are weighted evenly, with the names of manufacturers unknown to the jury. Be sure to get your best entries submitted by June 1 for your chance to be celebrated at the Oscars of our industry at our Fall Meeting in Austin, Texas. More information and fntry forms are now digital on the website at www.paperbox.org .
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FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE TURN TO THE CORRUGATOR STEAM SYSTEM EXPERTS
BSP engineers have the advanced analytical capabilities and problem-solving expertise to achieve and sustain peak productivity from any corrugator. We offer efficiency audits, steam system surveys, and piping drawings to identify specific problems and map out the most effective improvements.
Whether you need to design and build a new corrugator steam system or a perfectly matched retrofit, turn to Boiler & Steam Performance for the most efficient process and reliable solution. We also offer specialized expertise to solve complex challenges and practical support to help you maintain peak performance. BACKED BY A 30 YEAR HERITAGE OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE.
706.453.2050 | www.BSPsteam.com/service
©2019 Boiler & Steam Performance, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tackling Environmental, Social And Governance Metrics (ESG) BY MARY DRAIN
employees and the communities they impact. Business Roundtable members are CEOs of leading U.S. companies that collectively represent every sector of the economy. The financial aspect of ESG is a set of standards for company operations that helps investors make strategic and socially conscious decisions about where to put their money. According to Investopedia, using ESG criteria is an increasingly popular way for investors to evaluate compa- nies in which they might want to invest. And it helps them strategically assess companies that could pose greater fi- nancial risk due to their ESG practices. The SEC is promoting ESG through the financial mar- kets by proposing to mandate disclosure of climate-relat- ed financial risks. And is “taking steps to bring the United States into parity with other advanced economies … to ad- dress the issue of global climate change.” (See National Law Review article from March 11, or WSJ March 21.) Climate risk, regulatory pressures, data security and
If your company hasn’t already created environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics, you might want to
get that started. 57 percent of chief financial officers in a 2021 Q3 CFO Grant Thornton LLP survey have made it a priority to invest in ESG efforts since the start of 2020. This reflects the change that Business Roundtable made to their Principles of Corporate Gov- ernance, from describing the pur-
pose of a corporation as principally serving sharehold- ers to benefiting all stakeholders - including consumers, Mary Drain
consumers wanting to buy from companies that share their values are all reasons to be- gin tackling ESG at your company. On top of that, your customers may be asking you to reveal environmental impacts. That said, in the same survey, 70 percent of respondents reported being worried that talent shortages jeopardize their ability to meet short-term strategies. 49 percent in- dicated that attracting and retaining talent was a top priority. “ESG isn’t just something you worry about with investors, customers and regulators,” … “Employees want to work for employers that share their values, em- brace diversity and demonstrate real care for their well-being and advancement.” Metrics are constantly evolving so it’s critical to begin to create your own metrics that will drive your performance and social responsibility. So, how do you start? A re- cent Forbes article has five steps that help: 1. Choose a framework/regulating body. 2.Get support from leadership. 3. Create an ESG committee. 4. Develop measurable criteria & goals. 5. Document and communicate. The time is now to begin laying the groundwork for your ESG initiatives. ESG will become a core part of doing business and you have an opportunity and motiva- tion to get started. Mary Drain is the Director of Technical Services at Fibre Box Association (FBA), a non-profit trade association that represents North American corrugated packaging manufacturers and strives to grow, protect and enhance the overall well-being of the industry through member-valued programs and services. E-mail mdrain@fibrebox.org.
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Availability Repeatability Flexibility When you’ve been in the business as long as we have, you start to be able to anticipate the market’s needs. That’s why Haire isn’t experiencing year-plus wait times on APSTARs.
Have yours installed in 2022.
Let’s talk about getting a Rotary Die Cutter on your production floor in 2022.
hairegroup.com
Cumberland Container Adds Capacity With Investment In Apstar HG2 1228
For over 50 years, Cumberland Container has been a staple in the corrugated industry, providing high-quality products to its customers. Over the years, Cumberland has continued to expand its operations and cutting-edge machinery to support its growth and changing mar- ket demand.
Cosmo DeNicola Chairman, Amtech Software
Packaging ERP Algorithmic Scheduling Web-Based Access Online Customer Portals
With its success, growth, and longevity, Cumberland Container once again needed to invest in new equipment. Their mission is to provide quality products within spec and on time, therefore, any ma- chine purchased by Cumberland had to be the cream of the crop. “In 2017, we needed to replace our 50-inch S&S FFG. We needed a machine that could combine high-quality print with speed and work as well on day 3,650 as it did on day one. We have a proven history of providing our customers with high-quality products, and any machine we purchase has to deliver on that,” said Mark Jared, CEO & Owner, Cumberland Container. Randy Swallows, Sales Manager, added, “Our acquisition team spent ten months evaluating the flexo folder gluers in the market. In addition to evaluating the specs of each machine, our team did its due diligence and went on extensive site visits to see each machine in operation. At the end, the Apstar HG2 1228 FFG came out on top.” The Apstar stood out from the crowd because of a combination of features. For starters, Cumberland purchased one of the first ma- chines in North America with inside/outside printing capabilities in one pass. As a company known to be cutting edge, Cumberland Container jumped at the chance to be one of the first container companies with this capability. “The Apstar HG2’s features make it a stand-out ma- chine. When you combine that with parts that can be sourced locally and are in stock in Merrillville, Indiana, the Apstar quickly became the clear choice,” explained Andrew Miller, Operations Manager. Cumberland’s new Apstar was installed in May 2019. Just after the installation, the Cumberland team experienced some issues with the counter ejector program, but the Haire Service Team would intervene. “They are the A-team,” said Brian McCormick, Lead Maintenance. “They were very responsive and fixed the issue we had experienced. It’s so important to have support when you purchase a new machine.” The Apstar was one of the first machines in North America capable of in- side/outside printing in one pass.
Paperless Workflows Mobile Sales Systems Digital Signage Production Monitoring Mobile Logistics Management Analytics & Reporting Cloud Hosting IT Management Services Cyber Security Management
600 + Plants 60,000 Users North America Latin America
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STOP GUESSING.
WE KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS...
WHAT IF?
Get Answers-Be Proactive. • There’s a board increase or decrease? • My volume goes up or down? • I lost my largest customer? • My MIX changed ? • I bought a new machine? • I sold more sheets? • My labor costs go up 5%? • I added OT or another shift?
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SUN Automation Group Continues To Deliver Solutions And Support As demand on the corrugated converting industry contin- ues to rise, answering dynamic customer demands is too daunting a task for any one team of experts. Working to build a global presence through a culture of collaborative thought and teamwork can reveal the most compelling solutions, unlocking the potential for innovative approach- es to complex challenges. With strategic partnerships across the globe and the combined experience, abilities, and talents of its employee owners, SUN Automation Group® is setting a shining example of how to execute and deliver industry-leading solutions and support through col- laboration. This approach to growth is fueled by listening to the needs of customers globally, looking for ways to best meet their demand by leveraging SUN’s world-renowned af- ter-market expertise and support. One way SUN is imple- menting strategic partnerships is with PARA; as of last year, SUN is a service provider for all PARA material handling equipment and is the exclusive representative for PARA in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. SUN’s deep-seated experience in leveraging and acti- vating its infrastructure for after-market support perfectly dovetails with the many accolades and merits of PARA: 15,000 products already installed world-wide and the rich history and expertise that comes along with all of this ex- perience. Together, the two organizations provide leading corrugated box plants with solutions previously unavail- able under one roof – converting equipment; palletizers; prefeeders for top and bottom printing FFGs and RDCs; pallet inserters for RDC stackers; corrugator handling equipment for corrugator roll stock; and vertical storage for finished goods. However, the dependability built from strategic part- nerships does not stop there. Box plants are increasingly facing demand to produce faster, more accurate and inno- vative corrugated products – and suppliers are challenged to match and/or exceed demand by providing superior equipment and service. To match these expectations on a global scale, SUN is the exclusive representative for Lat- itude Machinery Corp. (LMC) machinery, including rotary die cutters and flexo folder gluers, in North and Central America. With machine sizes ranging from mini to jumbo and over 100 pieces of converting equipment placed in North America alone, SUN service coordinators are able to remotely connect to many existing or future LMC equip- ment 24/7/365 to immediately help deliver on sales, parts, and service needs. Combined with the fact that LMC’s equipment maintains an excellent reputation in the mar- ketplace for its reliability and throughput, this partnership showcases SUN’s commitment to delivering premier solu- tions and unmatched customer service. Working together with partners across the globe helps
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SUN Automation Group (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
to the demand for digital cutting and creasing solutions. While strategic partnerships can help meet the needs of customers today, it’s imperative to understand where these needs are coming from and look to solve their prob- lems of tomorrow. One way to accomplish this is through investing in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, utilizing Machine Learning to improve the maintenance of
create a unique benefit for both existing and new custom- ers. Leveraging the knowledge, skillsets, and technology in growing markets can be challenging without the aid of established associates. To help bolster their presence in North America, Highcon partnered with SUN to represent
their digital corrugated converting solutions. The comple- mentary nature of these two companies’ machinery and the expanded geographical footprint formed through this partnership is helping to provide a well-balanced approach
corrugated machinery and give their customers more ad- vanced insights into how to optimize their fleet. Corrugated converting equipment involves a lot of nuance--hundreds
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ICPF Partners With Students, Recent Graduates For Campus Outreach Over the years, and throughout the months of the pan- demic, the International Corrugated Packging Foundation (ICPF) has continued to leverage outreach, education and the recruiting of students and new graduates into the industry through unique partnerships. One of the most significant partnerships has been with students and new hires in the industry who have attended ICPF events and used ICPF resources to acquire internships and full time positions. For example, ICPF’s student advisory board members have provided valuable input on the establishment of ICPF’s “virtual” student/executive dialogue dinners and assisted with plans for converting ICPF’s Teleconference on the Business of Corrugated Packaging & Displays and the Careers into a virtual format.
SUN Automation Group (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
of thousands of moving parts, each working in tandem and each with its own set of responsibilities and maintenance needs. Enter Helios, a Software as a Service solution that empowers box plant leadership to make more efficient and informed decisions around when to schedule down- time and order parts to prevent machine failure. All of these decisions were driven by and dedicated to customer needs. Finding solutions to their challenges is best achieved through the collective efforts and ex- perience of employees, from the leadership team to the service technicians. At SUN, decades of combined expe- rience in Operations, Distribution, Engineering, Planning, Industrial Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing -- and their abilities, talents, experience, and backgrounds reflect their commitment to offering complete solutions that customers can depend on.
ICPF also continues to recruit and work with designated ICPF student representa- tives on18 campuses who promote corru- gated packaging careers, participation in ICPF’s initiatives and the utilization of ICPF resources among their fellow students. ICPF’s industry mentoring program that matches ICPF selected students with stu- dents seeking internships or full-time posi- tions has also proved successful. Addition- ally, ICPF recruits exceptional students to serve as student program manager interns to provide assistance with its outreach to students. More on ICPF’s most recent stu- dent intern, Emily Anderson, follows: “My name is Emily Anderson. I am from Tampa, and just entered my senior year at Clemson University. I am pursuing a Bach- elor of Science major in Packaging Science with a Minor in Business Administration with plans of graduation this coming December 2022. “For as long as I can remember, I have possessed a creative mind and a curiosity about the inner workings of different sys- tems. I love hands-on experience to see how a product is developed from start to finish. So in my sophomore year after tak- ing an Introduction to Graphic Communi- cations and Packaging Science class for fun, I became fascinated by the elective. I immediately joined the Clemson Packaging Science Club to participate in club meetings and to network with professionals. I then applied to change my major from industrial engineering to packaging science, and was accepted.
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ICPF Partners (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
meshed with the corrugated packaging industry. “Following the event, Richard Flaherty called me to per- sonally follow-up about my being nervous in being able to secure my first co-op/internship rotation. He gave me advice as he shared his knowledge about finding that first professional role and where to search. He reminded me of the career portal on the ICPF website and made me aware of dozens of corporate partners that recruit from the ICPF. I decided to post my resume and profile and get started with the job hunt. Kelsea Potthast, ICPF’s student program manager intern, was a huge help as I looked for co-op po- sitions and talked me through her personal ICPF applica- tion experience. I applied to several of the many corrugat- ed packaging solutions internship programs through the ICPF career portal and was grateful to hear these com- panies had an interest in me as well. I could sense these corrugated companies were genuinely intrigued in getting to know me and provide me with a solid foundation for the corrugated and displays industry and each department in- volved. I scheduled interviews and was able to tie down a co-op with the WestRock Corporation in South Carolina. “My co-op at one of WestRock’s sheet plants was a great introduction to corrugated packaging. I learned about the production and sales side and worked beside the design team editing CAD files and running the CAD table. The business unit quality manager taught me so much about the quality side of corrugated, and I was able to participate
“Coming into the game a year late, I learned a co-op rotation was required to graduate. I quickly started fol- lowing industry trends and encountered Richard Flaherty,
the president of the Interna- tional Corrugated Packaging Foundation on LinkedIn. His encouragement and concern for students to succeed in the industry were very reas- suring and supportive. After being introduced to the ICPF, I was invited to ICPF’s virtual Student Dialogue Dinner over winter break, where I had the opportunity to speak with a
Emily Anderson
dozen representatives from corrugated packaging com- panies that had earlier posted openings on ICPF’s career portal. Zoom breakout rooms made it possible to speak to multiple executives and gain direct insight from each after asking my questions. I was amazed by some of their display rooms and campaigns they had shared there on- line. I learned about the business side of packaging, the sustainability of corrugated packaging, and career oppor- tunities, while connecting with roughly 35 students across the country who had a diversity of majors from different schools. All of the students’ various majors and interests
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ICPF Partners (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
been in coordinating and assisting in campus outreach including working with ICPF’s student representatives on individual campuses, scheduling and participating in ICPF presentations on the industry at college student packag- ing clubs across the country, the creation and update of industry promotional information, scholarship and other ICPF web content for students, and assisting in the coordi- nating various elements of ICPF’s student advisory board meetings and upcoming Teleconference. I look forward to working with the ICPF over the next year, spreading the word about its resources, and gaining more exposure to the corrugated and displays industry!” Emily will graduate from Clemson University in Decem- ber 2022 with a major in Packaging Science and a minor in Business Administration. She is seeking a corrugated packaging student internship in Florida for summer 2022 and a full time position upon her graduation in Decem- ber 2022. She is interested in sales, design, operations and production internships. Emily’s resume is available on ICPF’s career portal at www.careersincorrugated.com . ICPF is an independent, non-profit 501 (c) 3 corpora- tion. The Internal Revenue Service has approved ICPF as a philanthropic, educational foundation that may accept tax-deductible contributions from companies, individuals, and other organizations. ICPF is largely supported by in- dividual corrugated manufacturers and supply companies, and is co-sponsored by AICC and the Fibre Box Associa- tion.
in continuous improvement projects. I worked on over 12 customer issues independently and qualified $12,000 in immediate savings, with a forecasted savings of $15,000 a year. I traveled to Georgia and had the opportunity to see a full-scale corrugator along with shadowing sales reps on clients’ plant tours. “My summer co-op would not have been possible if not for the ICPF career portal. I am so thankful for my expe- rience there, as it meant so much more to me than just checking off a box to get my degree. “Following my co-op, I emailed Richard Flaherty ex- pressing thanks and asking if there were any other ways I could get involved. The president invited me to be a part of the ICPF Student Advisory Board and an ICPF represen- tative for Clemson University. Two special opportunities to expand student engagement and participation at events, share the resources the ICPF has to offer for undergradu- ates and recent graduates and to help brainstorm ways to recruit students and new graduates into the industry. “This past year I ran for leadership in Clemson’s pack- aging science club, and was elected secretary. I now am proud to represent the club this year as its president. My passion for this packaging major and the people in it con- tinues to grow, and I want to share it with fellow students. “Over the past six months I have been serving as ICPF’s Program Manager Student Intern. My principal work has
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Huston Patterson, Sigma Graphics Merge With Lewisburg Printing Co. Decatur, Illinois based Huston Patterson and Sigma Graph- ics (together, HP), leading suppliers of high-graphic print- ed materials, last week announced the companies have merged with Lewisburg Printing Company (LPC). LPC, a portfolio company of Radial Equity Partners, manufactur- ers of printed materials and packaging for a broad range of markets, including personal care, food & beverage, healthcare, and other consumer markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1895 in Decatur, Huston Patterson man- ufactures printed materials for the packaging and Point of Purchase markets. The company is a G7 Master Print- er with a broad range of capabilities, including large and small format lithographic and digital printing as well as val- ue-added prepress and finishing services. The company provides unparalleled value and performance through the effective use of both technology and craftsmanship. Sigma Graphics, located in Ottawa, Illinois, is Huston Patterson’s specialty products division. Founded in 1898, LPC is a manufacturer of high-graph- ic printed materials and packaging. LPC is a G7 Master Printer and offers a wide range of capabilities, including large and small format lithographic, flexographic and digi- tal printing as well as value-added prepress and finishing services to provide its customers with high quality printed solutions. LPC has approximately 250 employees located in Tennessee and Texas with a mission to ensure its cus- tomers receive products and services that exceed their expectations with unmatched speed to market. “Our goal has always been to exceed the expectations of our clients and to be the best partner and employer in the large format printed materials and packaging indus- try,” said Huston Patterson President, Tonya Kowa-Morelli. “I am thrilled to be able to broaden our value proposition to our employees, clients and vendors. LPC and HP have both been leaders in the print industry for over 125 years. Our partnership, along with the support of Radial, will pro- vide the perfect platform for continued growth.” “HP has a strong reputation as a high quality suppli- er and brings complementary manufacturing capabilities, customer relationships, and geographic reach,” said Hale Hawkins, IV, CEO of LPC. “We share a philosophy of ex- ceeding customer expectations, delivering unmatched speed to market and providing exceptional service. We look forward to working with the talented team at HP as we continue our growth both organically and through ac- quisitions.” The merger represents a continuation of Radial Equity Partners’ focus on investing in the packaging industry. The Radial team has previously led packaging investments in Alpha Packaging, Chesapeake Corporation, Mold-Rite Plastics and Multi Packaging Solutions. Visit hustonpatterson.com or lpc.com for more.
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