Board Converting News, December 8, 2025

December 8, 2025

VOL. 41, NO. 49

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years

Bay Cities Cuts Ribbon At New Ohio Facility BY LEN PRAZYCH

Packaging Industry Sees Over 1K Layoffs In November According to a report on Packaging Dive , the packaging industry accumulated more than 1,000 layoff announcements in November. Many of the separations are scheduled to oc- cur next year. Graphic Packaging International confirmed that the long anticipated closure of its mill in East Angus, Quebec, will move forward now that operations have begun at its new re- cycled paperboard mill in Waco, Texas. Ap- proximately 120 employees will be affected when the East Angus plant closes, which is expected around January 2026, a spokes- person said via email. Those employees have “played an important role in the company’s success, and we are committed to providing them with support and outplacement assis- tance,” the spokesperson said. In two major announcements just days apart, International Paper said it aims to close a corrugated container facility in Compton, California, and another in Louisville, Kentucky, by January 2026, affecting a total of 218 em- ployees; it also intends to close five sites in Germany by the end of 2026, affecting ap- proximately 500 employees. The company’s

Aspire! Achieve! Advance! proclaims the sign welcoming visitors to Blue Ash, the business-friendly community in southwest Ohio offering a unique blend of small-town charm (population approximately 14,000), top-rated amenities, major employers, and big-city access, the big city being Cincinnati, about 15 miles away. Indeed, Blue Ash is home to a thriving business environment—ma- jor brands Kroger and Proctor & Gamble support a thriving POP market here—which was one of the prime reasons that Pico Rivera, California based Bay Cities embarked on a plan to expand eastward and open

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

a new office this past May. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 29 at 4370 Glendale-Milford Road in Blue Ash for customers, friends, local officials, and employees/owners of Bay Cities. Blue Ash Mayor Jill Cole kicked off the ceremony with a welcoming message: “On behalf of the City Council and all of us in Blue Ash, we are so happy to be here to help celebrate the grand opening of Bay Cities. Your investment here not only brings new jobs but also strength- ens our vibrant local economy. We know that choosing a location for a new office was not an easy task, and we’re grateful that you chose Blue Ash. The fact that your award-winning products are made in the USA CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Greg Tucker, CEO and Chairman of Bay Cities, cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the company’s new office in Blue Ash, Ohio, with Sahar Mehrabzadeh, Chief Revenue Officer of Bay Cities, right, and Blue Ash Mayor Jill Cole.

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 8 FBA Provides Insights On CPA Lifecycle Assessment 12 AICC To Host Free Webinar On AI And Packaging Workflows 14 GP Introduces Technical Skills Program At Texas High School 18 Gene Marks Asks: Is Inflation Really That Bad?

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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

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! Industry Stories (AKA Articles) May be hiding plain view. If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

Layoffs (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

ongoing streamlining actions have affected more than 4,500 employees since October 2024. Printpack is slated to close a facility in Elgin, Illinois, and lay off 111 workers in January, according to a WARN filed with the state. Smurfit Westrock plans to close a corrugated food ser- vice packaging plant in Atlanta by January, which would affect 55 employees. This facility will close “as part of on- going optimization,” according to a spokesperson, and production “will transition to an improved Smurfit Westrock facility with expanded production capabilities, optimized logistics and certified to SQF standards.”

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

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December 8, 2025

FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

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FBA Provides Insights On Recent CPA Lifecycle Assessment The Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) recently re- leased a new comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of corrugated packaging versus reusable plastic containers (RPCs). The study revealed significant environmental dif- ferences between packaging systems, and the Fibre Box Association (FBA) provided a deep dive into implications for packaging professionals across multiple industries. For years, packaging decision makers have heard a simple message: reusable plastic containers are better for the environment than single-use alternatives. It’s an appealing narrative that aligns with growing demands for sustainable packaging. But when subjected to rigorous analysis, the reality proves far more complex. What The Study Shows The 2025 comparative LCA, commissioned by the Corrugated Packaging Alliance and conducted by Anthe- sis Group, examined packaging systems across complete life cycles, from raw material extraction through end-of- life (Anthesis Group, 2025). This ISO-compliant study, ver- ified by an independent critical review panel, meets ISO 14040 standards for comparative environmental claims. The central finding upends simplistic assumptions: neither corrugated containers nor RPCs can claim to be the clear environmental winner. Instead, rigorous analy-

sis reveals significant trade-offs between the two systems across eight environmental impact categories. Performance: More Complex Than Expected The results challenge the narrative that reusability auto- matically equals sustainability. Reusable plastic containers create higher environmental impacts in four of the eight categories assessed, including metrics most important to corporate sustainability goals (Anthesis Group, 2025). Corrugated containers show substantially lower impacts for global warming and carbon footprint (69 percent lower), eutrophication (the nutrient pollution of waterways, 69 per- cent lower), non-renewable energy use (110 percent lower, effectively cutting the impact by more than half), and respi- ratory effects (57 percent lower). These advantages align directly with top retailer sustainability priorities identified in 2023 Deloitte research: reducing greenhouse gas emis- sions, using sustainable materials, and minimizing energy consumption. The Environmental Realities Of Reusables Reusable plastic containers perform better in three cate- gories: acidification (36 percent lower), ozone depletion (24 percent lower), and water consumption (38 percent lower). For smog formation, the difference is negligible at less than 10 percent. Corrugated’s advantages appear in the envi- ronmental indicators that typically dominate sustainability discussions and corporate commitments. The assumption that reusable automatically means CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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FBA Insights (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

What This Means For Your Packaging Decisions These findings have direct implications for packaging professionals making strategic decisions. Environmental performance depends on your specific supply chain con- figuration, geographic footprint, and which environmental impacts matter most to your stakeholders. Companies with carbon reduction commitments should pay particular attention to the findings on global warming impact. Those prioritizing energy efficiency will find corru- gated’s 110 percent advantage in non-renewable energy use compelling. The weight differential also affects oper- ational costs, making corrugated attractive from both sus- tainability and business perspectives. Organizations focused on water conservation may find RPCs align better with their goals, but they need to under- stand the trade-offs in carbon and energy performance, as well as the business cost implications of heavier contain- ers and complex reverse logistics. Consumer Preferences

more sustainable overlooks critical operational realities. Container weight drives both environmental impact and business costs. RPCs can weigh up to four times more than corrugated containers, creating significant implica- tions throughout the supply chain. Reusable plastic containers require extensive support- ing infrastructure. Containers must be transported back to centralized cleaning facilities, washed using water and energy, then shipped back to points of origin. The heavi- er weight of RPCs compounds transportation emissions across these trips. In contrast, lighter corrugated containers reduce freight costs and transportation emissions. Local sourcing en- ables shorter supply chains, and the reduced weight al- lows more products per truckload, improving efficiency.

A 2025 McKinsey survey found re- cyclability as consumers’ foremost sus- tainable packaging concern (McKinsey & Company, 2025). This makes corrugated’s proven recyclability a competitive differen- tiator. With a recycling rate of 69-74 percent in 2024 (American Forest & Paper Asso- ciation), the industry has established in- frastructure and consumer familiarity that supports circular economy goals. The study reinforces an important prin- ciple: beware of absolute claims that any packaging type is universally “better” for the environment. Marketing messages promoting reusable containers as the ob- vious sustainable choice ignore the evi- dence of meaningful trade-offs between systems. Both systems offer opportunities for environmental improvement. Corrugated manufacturers continue advancing light- weighting technologies while benefiting from established recovery infrastructure. RPC operators can optimize reuse cy- cles, incorporate recycled content, mini- mize transportation distances, and reduce breakage rates. Corrugated’s strong performance in categories like global warming, energy use, and eutrophication reflects both the renewable, recyclable nature of the ma- terial and the efficiency of established re- covery systems. In sustainability, complex- ity is reality. Better decisions come from embracing that complexity with rigorous data rather than accepting oversimplified narratives.

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December 8, 2025

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AICC To Host Free Webinar: AI And Packaging Manufacturing Workflows AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, will host a timely and forward-looking webinar, A Revolution of Speed: How AI Is Rewiring Packaging Manufacturing Workflows , presented by HiFlow Solutions. This session offers a com- prehensive look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping operational performance in folding carton and corrugated plants, providing unprecedented gains in speed, accuracy, and efficiency across the production lifecycle. As market pressures intensify and labor shortages per- sist, packaging manufacturers face rising demands for rapid decision-making and seamless workflow integration. This webinar will explore how AI-driven ERP systems and workflow automation are enabling companies to accel- erate estimating, streamline procure-to-pay processes, optimize accounts payable, and enhance logistics per- formance. Attendees will see real-world use cases that demonstrate how AI delivers rapid return on investment and positions plants for scalable, long-term growth. Participants will gain clarity on the practical steps need- ed to adopt AI within their operations, insights on selecting high-impact areas for initial deployment, and strategies for ensuring measurable improvements. With HiFlow Solutions presenters Alfonso Hernandez, Vice President of Sales, Steve De Benedetto, Business

Development Manager, and Romek Kowalczyk, Product Manager, attendees will learn to: • Identify the processes where AI creates the greatest speed and efficiency improvements. • Understand how intelligent workflows connect esti- mating, procure-to-pay, accounts payable, and logistics into a unified data-driven system. • Begin planning an AI adoption strategy that starts small, demonstrates value quickly, and scales successfully. The program begins with an exploration of the grow- ing need for speed and intelligence in today’s packaging operations. The session will outline why AI-driven automation is no longer optional for companies that want to remain com- petitive, and how teams can streamline decision-making and reduce manual workload. Next, attendees will be guided through real-world ex- amples that demonstrate where AI delivers the fastest and most measurable returns--including estimating, procure- to-pay, accounts payable, and logistics-offering a clear view of how intelligent systems reduce errors, eliminate redundant processes, and increase operational visibility. The program concludes with a practical discussion on how companies can begin their AI journey, starting with manageable pilot projects, validate results quickly, and build a scalable roadmap that supports sustainable long- term growth. Learn more and register at AICCbox.org/Calendar .

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December 8, 2025

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Georgia-Pacific Introduces Technical Skills Program At Texas High School Atlanta, Georgia based Georgia-Pacific has introduced a 12-week technical skills course at Diboll High School in Di- boll, Texas, to help students build bright futures in manu- facturing. Last month, the Diboll ISD school board officially approved a new technical skills course, now being taught by Georgia-Pacific subject matter experts from Diboll Lum- ber and Diboll Particleboard. “The purpose of the course is to equip students with core technical knowledge and hands-on experience to understand and apply operator, electrical and mechanical skills in real sawmill and manufacturing settings,” said Matt Wynn, Georgia-Pacific Continuous Improvement Lead- er and author of the high school sawmill curriculum. “By working alongside local Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors and providing exposure to modern tech- nology and processes, we’re helping to jumpstart the ca- reers of junior and senior students.” The 15 students currently enrolled are participating in 12 90-minute sessions that combine classroom instruction, interactive learning and mill tours. Upon completion, stu- dents will earn a program certification and be eligible for potential employment opportunities with Georgia-Pacific. “These students will be prepared for entry-level roles or apprenticeships and will hold a respected certificate of

completion that gives them a competitive edge after grad- uation,” Wynn added. So far, students have completed three courses cov- ering an introduction to the sawmill industry, the flow of wood through the production process, the operation of each machine center and manufacturing safety. “We’re thrilled to work with Georgia-Pacific to bring this new curriculum into the classroom,” said Josh Slack, Diboll High School CTE Director. “The students are engaged and value hearing directly from industry professionals who can share their real-world experience and knowledge.” The program offers students the opportunity to earn two certifications: a 22-hour electrical apprenticeship through Angelina College and a 20-hour electronic tech- nology certificate — both of which can qualify them for jobs with Georgia-Pacific after graduation. “Diboll is a close-knit community built on generations of hardworking families,” Slack said. “Some students want to explore opportunities beyond the city limits, but others want to stay close to home with great-paying jobs. Geor- gia-Pacific is an essential community partner that supports both goals — it’s truly a win-win.” Diboll Lumber plant manager, Derek Roche, says the hope is that this program shows students they can build rewarding, successful careers right here in Diboll. “We’re proud to partner with local educators to prepare the next generation of the workforce — and, hopefully, help launch long and meaningful careers with Georgia-Pacific.”

www.boardconvertingnews.com

December 8, 2025

Fosber Group Enters New Era Under Brookfield Ownership

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

Italian corrugated equipment manufacturer Fosber Group has announced that Brookfield has reached a formal agreement with DongFang Precision to acquire the Fos- ber Group, which includes Fosber Italia, Fosber America, Fosber Asia, Tiruña, and Quantum Corrugated. The trans- action is expected to be officially completed in the first half of calendar year 2026. Brookfield manages over $1 trillion in assets and is rec- ognized for its financial strength and long-term investment approach. With the support of these resources and indus- try expertise, Fosber will be strongly positioned to acceler- ate product innovation, enhance service capabilities, and continue delivering advanced solutions and an outstand- ing customer experience. Fosber has been run as an independent company and will continue to do so out of the Italian headquarters: the management team remains focused on driving growth and delivering outstanding customer service across European, America’s and Asia based teams. Fosber will continue to run the business as usual and the leadership team is committed to driving the next phase of growth together with Brookfield; enabling Fosber to de- velop new products and services, reach new customers, and provide more opportunities for its employees.

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

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December 8, 2025

Gene Marks Asks: Is Inflation Really That Bad?

BY GENE MARKS Inflation, inflation, inflation. We keep hearing how terrible it is, but is it really as bad as it seems? We know grocery and restaurant prices are up. We’ve been warned about the impact of tariffs on consumer products. And yet people still seem to be buying. Tariffs haven’t taken much of a bite after all. Corporate profits are up, as is the stock market. Holiday sales are expected to rise 4 percent this season and GDP is projected to be around the same for the last quarter. Restaurants are busy. Airports are jammed. The current inflation rate is at 3 percent for consum- ers. This is much lower than we saw post-pandemic. It’s also lower than the average inflation rate of 3.5 percent recorded between 1950 and 2020. And yet everyone is concerned. The same goes for businesses; reports like this one are among the many that say that inflation is small businesses’ “number one worry.” I’m not sure I believe this is such a big worry. Yes, for businesses some costs are higher. But many critical costs have remained the same since the beginning of the year, when President Trump took office. Don’t believe me? Take a look at producer prices during that period. If you’re a manufacturer, like many of my clients, you’ve definitely seen significant price increases in some of your key materials over the past year. Steel piping, copper prod- ucts, machinery and equipment, industrial gases and the cost of iron and steel have gone up anywhere between 4 to 10 percent. However, many other primary costs, like corrugated pa- perboard and unlaminated polyethylene film and sheet (all used in shipping materials), plastics and resins and lubri- cating oil and greases have remained virtually unchanged, and the costs of industrial chemicals have actually de- creased since the beginning of the year by as much as 4 percent. Natural gas, a key component of energy, has fallen in cost by 50 percent since January. Both long-dis- tance trucking and deep sea freight costs to move materi- als have also fallen, from between 5 to 9 percent. When taking all of this into account, total manufacturing costs in the country have risen just 2 percent since the be- ginning of the year. Not exactly earth shattering. If you’re running a farm or in the agriculture industry, some costs, like fertilizer expenses, have gone up about 4 percent. But animal feeds, pesticides, farm machinery and equipment, farm plows, harrows, rollers, pulverizers and attachments and most other commodity farm products are mostly unchanged since the beginning of the year. Grain cost has fallen 16 percent. My clients in the construction industry have seen the average cost of all of their materials go up about 6 per-

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December 8, 2025

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Inflation (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

cent, led by pottery, ceramics and plumbing fixtures, which have increased 7 percent. But their biggest expense — lumber and plywood — are only up about 2 percent, and steel nails, staples, tacks and spikes are up 3 percent. The costs of gypsum building materials, equipment rental and cement and concrete have remained mostly unchanged since the beginning of the year. Overheads have gone up, led by healthcare and oth- er insurance. Salaries, according to HR company ADP, have increased 4.5 percent over the past year. But hourly wages, according to HR company Paychex, have gone up about 2.6 percent (among small businesses, who employ half of the country’s workers). Interest rates and the costs of borrowing have come down this year too, thanks to fed- eral reserve cuts. All of this seems back to normal to me. Some costs are up. Some are unchanged. Some are down. Most econ- omists will tell you that “some” inflation (between 2-3 percent) is good for a growing economy. The problem is that we’ve had so much inflation over the past five years, thanks to government spending, that consumers are still reeling from the adjustment, even though our annual infla- tion is now back down to a reasonable range. Speaking of government spending, economist Milton Friedman once said that inflation “is a monetary phenom- enon” and the result of “too much money” or of a rapid in- crease in the quantity of money than an output. “Inflation,” he famously said, “is made in Washington and nowhere else.” He’s right. Our money supply — the amount of money circulating in our economy — remains at historical highs and is chasing too little output. Government spending ex- ceeds $7 trillion a year and even Elon Musk can’t make a dent in it. National debt is exploding. Until the supply of money available catches up with the demand for it, infla- tion will remain elevated. It could even go up more. But even at these current rates, it’s still not that bad. And, at least for most of my clients, it’s still very manageable. My prediction is that, barring outside events that cause another unusual spike in government spending, we’ll con- tinue to see inflation rates at the current normal levels. People will be used to this. Businesses will adjust. Oth- er topics will take priority. Gene Marks is founder of The Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm. He is a best-selling author, business keynote speaker and columnist. Gene presents

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

and use primarily recycled materials is icing on the cake! The city is proud to offer your staff members amenities that we hope you will all enjoy. I’m eager to see Bay Cities grow and I’m confident that your future here will be bright. Congratulations!” Led by Jeff Craig, Bay Cities’ Senior Vice President of Sales, the new space has offices and meeting areas for the seven employees who will be working there. Craig

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. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. 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.

brings 35 years of industry experience with a focus on high-end graphics, displays, and retail supply chain ex- pertise. “We’re extremely well-positioned to provide our clients here with the insight, service, and responsiveness they have come to expect from Bay Cities,” said Craig. “We’ve been very pleased by the very warm reception we’ve gotten from the community.” The Blue Ash office also has a production area with workspace expansive enough to house a Kongsburg cut- ting table and a 6-color HP Scitex FB700 digital press that Jeff Craig, Bay Cities’ Senior Vice President of Sales, explains the many benefits of a relationship with Bay Cities to a guest at the ribbon cutting event.

was moved from Bay Cities’ Bentonville, Arkansas facility. The machinery will be used to create structural designs and corrugated mock-ups but won’t be used for large- scale production. The Bay Cities Legacy “We know that you probably have several locations in mind when you were looking around here, and we’re cer- tainly glad that you chose Blue Ash to be the home of your Christian Moore, Senior Visual Merchandise Designer, left, and Jeff Harpring, Senior Structural Designer, show the output of Bay Cities’ 6-color HP digital press.

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com

Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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December 8, 2025

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

third location,” said Steve Eroskey, Blue Ash Chamber of Commerce president. “By coming here, you are coming to an area with a modern infrastructure and a strong busi- ness base that means new opportunities for well-paying jobs for our families here in the region. It’s a visible sign that our economy is thriving, and companies like Bay Cit- ies are embracing the Cincinnati region as a place to grow and invest.” Brian Bodry, a project manager at REDI Cincinnati, played a role in the partnerships that made Bay Cities’ in- vestment in Blue Ash a reality. “Our region is now part of Bay Cities’ incredible history,” he said. “Since 1956, Bay Cities has been helping brands across the country stand out and keep products safe through innovative packaging and design. Today, that legacy continues as the company opens its first Ohio location right here in the city of Blue Ash, which was recently named Ohio’s Best Suburb.

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.

“From eye-catching retail displays to custom packaging and corrugated designs, Bay Cities’ products touch con- sumers every single day. With this expansion, the Cincin- nati region and our talented workforce will play a critical role in the design and development of these products. I’m proud that we get to stand with incredible partners like Bay Cities who chose to put down roots here.” Sahar Mehrabzadeh, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cit- ies, was on hand to welcome customers and guests while explaining what it is that makes the company so special. “We design, manufacture, pack out, fulfill, and distribute into retail channels and to dot coms,” she said. “We have the opportunity and privilege to work with great compa- nies to help their brands execute and win at retail. Our re- sponsibility is to understand the ecosystem in which con- sumers buy their products every day. “I tell people that my job is to get consumers to buy something they never wanted to buy when they first walked into the store. We work very closely with our cus- tomers and their brands to be able to have that call to ac- tion, create a vehicle that gets consumers to engage with the display, learn about the product and ultimately, make a purchase. And we are completely vertically integrated.” Sahar Mehrabzadeh speaks to attendees at the ribbon cutting.

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.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

December 8, 2025

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MAXIMIZE the PRECISION and PERFORMANCE of your corrugator. TOTAL CORRUGATOR CONTROL

Many corrugators in operation today have provided decades of reliable service, but are they performing at their full potential in today’s competitive atmosphere? Copar Solutions’ Total Corrugator Control brings modern automated controls to aging, yet reliable equipment. Total Corrugator Control isn’t limited to older equipment; it can be installed on virtually any corrugator, new or old. Any machine’s potential is elevated with better precision, performance, reaction time, and communication between individual components, while maximizing efficiency, productivity, and the quality of the finished product.

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Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Mehrabzadeh cited the success of Bay Cities’ first “sat- ellite” office in Bentonville and how she expects the new Blue Ash office to be just as successful. “That office started with two gentlemen in 2014, and now boasts 50-plus em- ployees, which includes more than 30 graphic and struc- tural designers. That office serves our major retailer there, Walmart, and its ‘stepchild,’ Sam’s Club. Then we have our supply chain group, which services our retailers across the country by bringing products in and distributing them. And let’s not forget about the beautiful brown box, the kind you see from Amazon that ends up at your doorstep multiple times a week. Those brown boxes are a big part of what we do because ultimately, we’ve got to protect our cus- tomers’ products.” A Culture Of Growth On the topic of growth, Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO of Bay Cities, is an expert and introduced himself ac- cordingly: “I’m a socialistic, capitalistic person. I own and run an ESOP, an employee-owned organization, and ev- eryone here from Bay Cities is an owner, we all are. I didn’t pick this great place, our people picked this great place.

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

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.

And that’s the difference between us and the many orga- nizations we play against and compete against. That’s the beauty of Bay Cities. When we put down roots, we start to grow.” In addition to its culture of growth, Tucker also shared the importance of a core value at Bay Cities that is not usually mentioned by the leader of a North American box maker. “One of our core values is fun. We look forward to being here in Blue Ash and growing into something larger and more robust that can help everybody in this neighbor- hood, in this state and in the states around it. And we think we’re going to have fun growing along the way. That’s what we’re all about. It’s exceptional to come to a place like Blue Ash, Ohio because we feel very welcome and it’s great. I come from the People’s Republic of California and they don’t welcome business there. All of you have made it very easy for us to move here, plant our roots here, start growing here and continue having fun here. And for that I thank you.” For more information, visit www.bay-cities.com . Greg Tucker shared his thoughts on Bay Cities culture of growth…and fun.

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 .

www.boardconvertingnews.com

December 8, 2025

THE MOST VERSATILE JUMBO IN CORRUGATED: ENGICO!

“After doing our research, we thought it was the best Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer we could find in the world, especially with the side slotting, die cutting, stitching and gluing all in one machine. It was almost like having an entire sheet plant in one machine. ”

Justin D. Hill Jr. President Lawrence Paper Company October 2025

engico.com

For parts and service Engico America Corp. spareparts@engico.com service@engico.com 888-581-5210

For new machinery sales Austin Umlauf aumlauf@hairegroup.com 219-781-2424

Officially represented in North America by Haire Group.

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