Board Converting News, March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

VOL. 42 NO. 13

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985

Entrepreneurs At CalBox Keep Adapting, Investing, Growing BY LEN PRAZYCH The entrepreneurs at CalBox Group—John Widera is the founder and chairman and his son Chris Widera is CEO—are at it again, or more appropriately, still at it, it being continuing to invest in new machinery in its flagship facility, CalBox I in Santa Fe Springs, CA, and secondarily in CalBox II in Rancho Cucamonga, both of which continue to not only survive but thrive in the rivalrous SoCal corrugated landscape, selling only to brokers and distributors.

TRG Acquires Chillicothe Packaging, Churmac Ind. Chicago, Illinois based The Royal Group (TRG), a leader in innovative packaging and display solutions, has acquired Chillicothe Packag- ing and its business unit, Churmac Industries, located in Chillicothe, Ohio. This acquisition expands TRG’s manufacturing capabilities in Ohio and supports its ongoing commitment to service, quality, and operational excellence. For 48 years, Chillicothe Packaging has earned a strong reputation for reliability, craftsmanship, and customer service. Inte- grating its operations with TRG enhances capacity and ensures continued support for customers who rely on both organizations’ expertise. “We are excited to welcome Chillicothe Packaging and Churmac Industries to TRG,” said Bryan Fagan, SVP and Regional Gener- al Manager. “This acquisition aligns with our strategic growth plans in Ohio and positions us for continued expansion across the re- gion.” Mike McCarty, President of Chillicothe Packaging, added, “Joining TRG marks an important step in our company’s evolution. TRG’s family-oriented culture and national

These two Southern California based operations are among five in the staunchly and fervently independent “group.” The others are Tucson Container Corp. (TCC) in Tucson, AZ; Arizona Corrugated Con- tainer (ACC) in Mesa, AZ; and West Texas Container (WTC) in El Paso, TX. All five entities have their own experienced staff of Sales Service Representatives (SSRs). There are eleven at CalBox I at CalBox II, three on the corrugated side with two in Kino Packaging at TCC in Tucson, two at ACC in Mesa, and two at WTC in El Paso, all of whom contribute strongly to the success of their salespersons, brokers and distributors. (They and their customers are all connected to various customer care portals on three web sites.) The entrepreneurial and strategically minded Wideras—along with the leaders and experienced production teams at each facility—have maintained year-over-year growth to the benefit of the entire CalBox Group, which is arguably one of the largest independent corrugator CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 The CalBox Group management team, from left, Nick Widera, General Man- ager; Chris Widera, CEO; Jose Luis Perez, Production Manager; Miguel Pi- tones, Maintenance Manager; and John Widera, founder and owner.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE 8 International Paper To Build $225M Box Plant In Mississsippi 10 Bob Chapman, Barry-Wehmiller Chairman, Passes Away 14 Volk Packaging To Host Forum For Customer Service Managers 16 Valley Container Installs TCY Flexo Folder Gluer 6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x

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BCN Seeking Submissions For Big AICC Meeting Issue

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

Attention box makers, suppliers, and industry partners: Board Converting News is now assembling its April 13 is- sue, timed for distribution in print and online at the upcom- ing AICC Spring Meeting, April 13–15 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. BCN welcomes press releases, company announce- ments, and contributed articles for inclusion. Whether the news involves new equipment, plant expansions, leader- ship changes, or customer-focused developments, the is- sue this is your chance to make sure your company’s news reaches the entire AICC community. As the only weekly publication dedicated exclusively to the North American corrugated and folding carton mar- kets, BCN remains the go-to source for industry news and insights. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your company fea- tured in one of our most widely read and distributed is- sues of the year. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 3, but please reach out sooner with questions or more information. Please include a high-resolution photo with submis- sions and send to Len Prazych, Editor-in-Chief, at lpra- zych@nvpublications.com, and Ashley Prazych, Associate Editor, at aprazych@nvpublications.com.

TRG Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

reach make this an ideal partnership, and we look forward to the new opportunities it brings for our employees, cus- tomers, and community.” The existing leadership team at Chillicothe Packaging and Churmac Industries will remain in place to ensure a seamless transition and maintain longstanding customer relationships. As part of TRG’s national network, the or- ganization will gain additional operational resources while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that has guided its growth. For more information, visit TRG’s new and improved website: www.teamtrg.com .

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CCM ® OCT Filter STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM

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International Paper To Build $225M Box Plant In Mississippi

ployees at the existing Richland facility will transition to the new plant upon completion. “This investment supports our strategy to optimize our box plant system and focus capital where it drives the greatest return,” said Keith Townsend, group vice presi- dent and general manager, IP North America Packaging Solutions East. “By modernizing our footprint in Missis- sippi, we are strengthening our service model and ability to provide customers with the highest quality sustainable packaging solutions.” “This is another big win for Mississippi. Internation- al Paper’s $225 million investment in Rankin County is more proof that Mississippi’s momentum is real and grow- ing stronger every day,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “We’re seeing historic levels of capital investment because companies know Mississippi is a state where businesses can succeed. This project will create new op- portunities for Mississippians and continue our state’s re- cord-breaking economic development success.” Noel Daniels, Chairman, Rankin First Economic Devel- opment Authority, welcomed the announcement, stating, “For years, Rankin First and our partners have strategical- ly developed the East Metro Center to attract world-class companies, seeing a global leader like International Paper choose this site validates that vision. This sophisticated operation doesn’t just create and retain jobs, it solidifies Rankin County’s position as the premier hub for industrial innovation in Mississippi and the Southeast.”

International Paper (IP) has announced plans to construct a new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi. The new build will replace a nearby aging facility. It also aligns with IP’s plan for $1.9 billion in annual capital spending, especially to reconfigure its box plant network. Following a comprehensive review of its manufac- turing footprint, International Paper’s Board of Directors approved both the exploration and advancement of this $225 million greenfield project in central Mississippi. The facility is planned to be built on an 80-acre site in Brandon, Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the company’s existing Richland (Jackson) box plant. The new plant is designed to strengthen International Paper’s cost position, improve reliability and product qual- ity, and enhance service capabilities across the Mid-South region. By replacing older infrastructure with a modern, highly efficient facility, the investment should reduce struc- tural costs and support growth in key market segments. The modern design and updated equipment should pro- vide the latest innovations in safety and efficiency for em- ployees. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027. Em-

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THIS ITALIAN MASTERPIECE IS USHERING IN A CORRUGATED Renasce

A renaissance of sophistication and innovation is upon us with the introduction of Haire’s Encore FD 821 Flexo Folder Gluer . With features like full servo design, set-up-while-run print units, and revolutionary rotary shear glue tab technology, this Italian-designed and -manufactured marvel is bridging world-class design and cutting-edge speed. Experience the rebirth of corrugated production—where timeless craftsmanship meets modern performance.

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Bob Chapman, Barry-Wehmiller Chairman, Passes Away Barry-Wehmiller has announced the passing of its Chair- man of the Board, Robert H. Chapman. Bob Chapman was more than a business leader, author and speaker, he was a relentless optimist who dedicated his life to building a better world. He worked to redefine what it meant to be a leader in business, to further the understanding that it was an awesome responsibility be- cause the way we lead impacts the way people live. He worked tirelessly to bring more caring to business and built the foundation for Barry-Wehmiller to champion new definitions for success in business: by demonstrating that economic growth and human vibrancy can exist in harmony.

Bob became CEO of a struggling Barry-Wehmiller in 1975 upon the death of his father, William Chapman. At the time, the company was a $20 million supplier of equipment for the brewing industry. As of 2025, when Bob handed the reins of the business to his son Kyle, the current Pres- ident and CEO, Barry-Wehmiller had become a $3.6 bil-

lion-plus global powerhouse with 12,000 team members and a portfolio spanning industrial and packaging automation, pro- fessional services and life sciences tech- nology. Beyond his business acumen, in the late 1990s into the 2000s, Bob underwent a personal transformation that changed his thinking from that of traditional “manage- ment” to what would later be called Truly Human Leadership. He then spent the last 15 years of his life sharing the lessons of his transforma- tion by writing prolifically and speaking to audiences around the world. Those experiences and the principles Bob championed were the inspiration behind his 2015 Wall Street Journal best- seller Everybody Matters: The Extraordi- nary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family, coauthored by his friend, Raj Siso- dia, founder and coauthor of Conscious Capitalism. Since its release, the book has been translated into eight languages and, in 2025, was re-released in a revised and expanded edition, chronicling more of the evolution of his thinking and the company he led. Bob’s views on leadership have been featured internationally in hundreds of me- dia outlets such as CBS Sunday Morning, CNBC, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Harvard Business Review, The St. Lou- is Business Journal, Chief Executive, The CEO Magazine and many more. His 2012 TEDx talk has been viewed more than 300,000 times. In 2013, Bob and his wife Cynthia launched a nonprofit, Chapman Founda- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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In Memoriam

Robert H. "Bob" Chapman Chairman of the Board, Barry-Wehmiller

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Robert H. Chapman, Chairman of the Board of Barry-Wehmiller and a guiding presence for the teams at BW Papersystems and all of Barry-Wehmiller. Bob Chapman was more than a business leader, author, and speaker — he was a relentless optimist who believed that business could be the most powerful force for good in the world, if only it cared about the lives it touched. He measured success not by revenue or acquisitions, but by the way we touch the lives of people. He championed a culture where every team member felt valued, cared for, and an integral part of a shared purpose, which he called Truly Human Leadership. Bob's legacy is one of dignity, meaning, and the enduring belief that human and economic vibrancy can exist in harmony. It lives on in the leaders he inspired and in the lives he shaped across our industry and beyond.

Everybody Matters. That was his life's work, and it will remain his lasting legacy.

Learn more about Bob's legacy of Truly Human Leadership at www.barrywehmiller.com/blog

PPC Accepting Submissions For Annual Packaging Competition The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is accepting submissions for its Annual Paperboard Packaging Com- petition, the premier competition for converters of paper- board packaging. Judged by a diverse panel of packaging experts, the competition celebrates excellence in beauty, innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship, highlighting

Bob Chapman (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

tion for Caring Communities, to bring Barry-Wehmiller’s groundbreaking communication training to communities. And, in 2015, Bob founded Chapman & Co. Leadership In- stitute to bring the principles of Truly Human Leadership to for-profit organizations through culture transformation and leadership training. Bob’s and Barry-Wehmiller’s unique approach to business was featured in a 2016 case study by Harvard Business School, which is now taught at 70- plus business schools around the world. In 2019, he was invited to address the United Nations Global Compact Transforming Education Summit. Bob was named the Tharseō CEO of the Year by the So- ciety for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in 2022. Inc. Magazine ranked him as the #3 CEO in the world and in 2025 listed him in their Top 50 Leadership and Manage- ment Experts. Bob once answered a question of what he would want his eulogy to say with: “He genuinely cared for the people whose lives he had the privilege of touching.” He often said he would not go to his grave proud of the equipment built or services provided at Barry-Wehmiller but, instead, the people who built them. Everyone in the Barry-Wehmiller family is proud to have been part of Bob’s span of care and our thoughts are with his beloved wife Cynthia and the entire Chapman family at this time.

the strengths of paper-based packaging within the supply chain. Each entry is evaluated on innovation, craftsman- ship, and impact, ensuring that the most transformative designs receive top honors. PPC member companies of all sizes are encouraged to participate. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2026.

–

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Volk Packaging to Host Customer Service Manager Forum in June Biddeford, Maine based Volk Packaging will host a Cus- tomer Service Manager Forum June 7–9 at its facility in Biddeford, Maine. The forum, hosted by owner and CEO, Derek Volk, is designed to unite customer service manag- ers from independent box plants for two days of structured discussion, plant-level insight, and practical idea sharing. Attendance to the event is limited to 12 participants. Highlights of the event will include a plant tour of Volk Packaging, participant-led company profiles with KPI dis- cussion, and open forums built around real-world chal- lenges submitted by attendees. The session will conclude with each participant identifying actionable takeaways to bring back to their operation. “Every six months I attend an AICC CEO group, and I get so much out of it,” Volk said. “We don’t give our key

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players the same opportunities to learn from their peers. That makes no sense to me. Our key players growing in their roles is just as im- portant—if not more important— than what I learn from my leader- ship group.” That realization led to Volk’s first forum for Plant Managers in

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2023, which drew participants from across the country and set a template he has since replicated across other functional areas: a Sales Manager Forum in 2024 and one for CFOs in 2025. Each group is intentionally small to al- low for discussion around shared experience as a way to connect and grow individually and as an industry. “We are independent box plants competing against multi-billion-dollar companies every day,” Volk said. “Those companies control everything from the trees to the mills

to the corrugators and converting equipment. We live and die on our customer service.” Jeremy Boardman, President of Brevet Leadership Inc. and an authorized Crestcom International partner in Maine, will facilitate the event. A retired Army officer and West Point graduate, Boardman

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brings over 20 years of leadership experience across mil- itary and private-sector roles. Jeremy earned his MBA in Finance and Operations from Wharton and served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at West Point. He spent the last five years as an Associate Director at Wayfair, driv- ing strategy and innovation and growing leaders. As with prior forums, confidentiality is a priority. All at- tendees will sign non-disclosure agreements, and no fi- nancial data will be shared. For questions about the forum and to register to attend, contact Derek Volk at ceo@volkboxes.com.

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

14 March 30, 2025

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Valley Container Installs TCY Flexo Folder Gluer

Serving their customers for more than 50 years, Valley Container has grown into a family of four companies with facilities located across the Northeast and Midwest. The TCY NB5 FFG is the latest in their strategic investment plan and has been installed at the main manufacturing facility at the corporate headquarters in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Robert Niedermeier, Owner of Valley Container, says, “We were looking to invest in faster, more automated equipment solutions and during the research phase, we looked both inside and outside the U.S. at what companies like us were using. TCY was a machinery manufacturer that had been around for as long as we have, with a reputation around the world for manufacturing robust, reliable and good value machinery, and so we talked with them directly about what we needed from a capability standpoint.”

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The final specification selected was an NB5 38” x 98” 3-color FFG in bottom print and top die-cut configuration, with several options including the RDSI inline ‘clever’ dwell & waste removal section. All machines in the TCY N-series range come equipped with the on-board Smart Tech system and hardware includ- ing a standalone central computer setup unit plus touch screens on each machine unit. The Smart Tech software suite comes with a raft of features that allows for simple order uploads, easy operator machine sets, clear order flow management, 100% accurate job recall with preset machine settings and register positions, plus pin-point er- ror reporting and maintenance reminders. In the case of Valley Container, and as with many box plants, the work mix can often require pushing the ma- chine to its design limits or to cover work that may more usually run on other lines, so TCY have worked with Valley to provide some custom functions making it easier to set up and extremely versatile when those demands arise. Niedermeier continues, “Alongside the regular printed brown boxes, we also have customers in industries such as food and beverage that take more complex die-cut fold- Robert Niedermeier of Valley Container, left, and Rob Garvey of TCY stand beside the TCY NB5 Flexo Folder Gluer.

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AF&PA Releases February 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) re- leased the February Packaging Papers Monthly report.

Valley Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

ed boxes, which we can now look forward to producing accurately, at higher speeds and without waste tracking through into the bundles at the counter ejector. Equally, we can run much smaller, mini-style boxes, or trays unfold- ed through the whole machine quickly. Equally, we can produce larger printed sheets for conversion elsewhere, or larger die cuts also unfolded and collated quickly. This clearly improves production efficiency, flexibility and cus- tomer satisfaction.” Following an extensive installation and machine com- missioning over the 2025 Christmas period, Valley is now in full production, with TCY technicians and after-sales ser- vice team only a WhatsApp message or video call away for back up and knowledge transfer where required. TCY says this real-time support function is favored by customers around the world because it is so simple and quick to resolve most situations. The machine is fitted with ethernet remote support function which is essential for deeper diagnostics and machine adjustments as produc- tion loads and requirements may demand. TCY have been manufacturing flexo converting equip- ment for decades and are well known for manufacturing tough, reliable and easy to use machines that are installed all over the world. Supporting customers directly from its manufacturing facility in Taiwan and through satellite oper- ations in Europe, the UK and the USA.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging ship- ments in February increased 4 percent compared to Feb- ruary 2025. They were up 1 percent when compared to the same 2 months of 2025. • The unbleached packaging papers operating rate was 83.9 percent, up 4 points from February 2025 and up 2.3 points year-to-date. • Bleached food wrapping shipments were down 1.5 per- cent from last February. • Total inventories were up 7 percent from the same month last year.

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ICPF Introduces New Mentorship Program, Corrugated Connections The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has announced the launch of Corrugated Connections, a new mentorship program designed to connect students with early- and mid-career professionals across the corru- gated packaging industry. Corrugated Connections is built around a simple goal: to connect current students and potential industry lead- ers with young professionals through guided mentorship, hands-on experiences, and meaningful industry exposure. ICPF is now accepting applications for mentors currently working in the corrugated packaging industry. The pro- gram aims to build a pool of professionals working in a wide range of roles across the industry, including opera- tions, design, engineering, sales, supply chain, and man- agement positions. “Programs like Corrugated Connections help students better understand the wide range of careers available in the corrugated packaging industry,” said Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF. “By connecting students directly with in- dustry professionals, we can increase awareness of these opportunities while building relationships that ultimately strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline.” Mentors and mentees will be matched based on shared professional interests and geographic proximity whenever

possible to support stronger connections and facilitate in-person engagement. Each mentoring pair will meet once per month throughout the academic year to discuss guided topics such as career exploration, industry aware- ness, professional development, and leadership skills. A key component of the program is hands-on indus- try exposure. As part of the mentorship experience, each mentee will participate in an in-person corrugated plant tour coordinated by their mentor, giving students the op- portunity to see how corrugated packaging operations function and how various roles contribute to the produc- tion process. Become a Mentor ICPF is currently accepting applications from corrugat- ed industry professionals with approximately 2–15 years of experience who are interested in serving as mentors. Ear- ly- and mid-career professionals are uniquely positioned to connect with students and provide practical guidance on navigating early career decisions. Mentor participation involves: • Meeting with a mentee once per month (virtually or in person for approximately one hour) • Hosting or coordinating at least one plant tour or facil- ity visit • Providing guidance on career paths, skills develop- ment, and professional growth Additional information about the program and applica- tion can be found at careersincorrugated.chronus.com .

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20 March 30, 2026

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The Challenge

Seaboard’s scrap system was undersized, overloaded, and labor- intensive, limiting its ability to support additional equipment lines and to segregate scrap grades effectively to improve bale quality. And with a move to a new facility featuring a fully conditioned production floor, the company also needed a more energy-efficient solution to reduce heat loss and operating costs.

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AES provided a turnkey system to deliver the speed, reliability, and capacity needed to support future growth. The scope of work included system design and engineering, equipment selection and integration, fabrication, rigging, and installation of twin cyclone collectors and associated equipment. AES also installed a fresh air make-up system that eliminated the need for an expensive dust filtration system while improving HVAC efficiency. Energy-efficient motor controls further reduced energy expenditures and helped the facility secure a sizable rebate from its utility provider.

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The new system delivered improved operational efficiency, labor savings, and built-in redundancy with capacity for future growth. Seaboard achieved significant energy savings, received a sizable utility rebate, and avoided the upfront cost of installing a dust filtration system.

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TAPPI To Present Gorog With Award For Volunteer Contributions TAPPI, the leading association for the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and converting industry, is pleased to announce that Margaret Gorog, TAPPI Fellow, has been named win-

gineering Division and supporting knowledge-sharing across the pulp, paper, and packaging industries. Through- out her career, she has held more than 30 officer roles within the Division’s committees and leadership positions on the Division Council, while remaining actively engaged in the Plant Engineering Committee. Gorog’s service has been particularly influential in maintaining and advancing TAPPI Technical Information Papers (TIPs), where she has participated in numerous workgroups and chaired efforts to develop new and up- dated technical guidance for mill engineers. In 2010, Gorog received the TAPPI Engineering Leader- ship and Service Award and Amec Foster Wheeler Prize. She received the TAPPI Corrosion & Materials Engineering Committee Dennis Anliker Service Award in 2013 and was named a TAPPI Fellow in 2018. Gorog was the first woman to serve as chair of the En- gineering Division in 2018 and played a key role in revital- izing the Project Management Committee. Her leadership has also encouraged greater participation from young pro- fessionals and women engineers in the industry. She was named TAPPI’s Women in Industry Division’s Woman of the Year in 2025. Originally from the Vancouver area, Gorog received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining Hougthon Cascade Holdings, LLC in 2023, Gorog worked as a materials engineer for Weyerhaeuser and IP.

ner of the prominent Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award. The Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award rec- ognizes individuals for voluntary leadership and their support in ad- vancing the mission and vision of TAPPI and the industry. “Margaret’s dedication to TAP-

Margaret Gorog

PI exemplifies the spirit of service that the Herman L. Joa- chim Distinguished Service Award was created to recog- nize,” said TAPPI President and CEO Lawton C. Roberts. “For more than three decades, she has volunteered her expertise, time, and leadership to strengthen the Engi- neering Division, improve technical resources for our members, and mentor the industry’s next generation. Her impact on TAPPI and the industry will be felt for years to come and I’m looking forward to presenting the award to her at TAPPICon®️ .” A TAPPI member since 1990, Gorog has devoted more than three decades to advancing the organization’s En-

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PPC, Marie Rosado Discuss Women Shaping The Future Of Packaging For Marie Rosado, President of 3A Press, the hum of a printing press is a sound that has shaped her entire life. Long before she built a company of her own, she grew up surrounded by the rhythm of presses running, the scent

that will outlive us, something that creates opportunities for others, continues to inspire me every day. PPC: You’ve spoken openly about being let go from your family business in the 1990s, a moment that marked a major turning point in your career. What did that moment teach you about leadership, resilience, and perspective? MR: That moment was one of the most difficult turning points in my professional life. My brother and I were let go from the company that had once belonged to our father, and it happened without conversation or negotiation. At the time, it felt like the worst day of my life. But with time and perspective, I came to realize that it was also one of the most defining moments of my leader- ship journey. Experiencing that situation taught me a very important lesson about the kind of leader I never wanted to become. Leadership is not about authority or control—it is about responsibility. It is about caring for the people en- trusted to you. Just one month later, my brother and I incorporated 3A Press. Nearly three decades later, as we approach our 30th anniversary, I can say with certainty that what I once thought was the worst day of my life has turned out to be one of the greatest blessings. PPC: The packaging industry has historically been male-dominated. As a woman building a career and lead- ing in this space, what challenges did you face early on, and how did you navigate them? MR: The packaging and printing industry has tradition- ally been male-dominated, and early in my career, that re- ality was certainly present. However, I chose to approach it the same way I approach every other aspect of life—with confidence, commitment, and a deep belief in my own worth. Rather than focusing on barriers, I focused on the work. I believed that if I remained persistent, prepared, and con- sistent in delivering results, respect would follow. Over time, I learned that leadership is less about proving your- self to others and more about trusting yourself enough to lead with clarity and conviction. When people see dedi- cation, persistence, and integrity, the conversation shifts from who you are to what you are capable of achieving. PPC: How would you describe your leadership style to- day, and what lessons from your career have influenced it most? MR: My leadership style is grounded in optimism, re- spect, and a deep sense of responsibility for the people entrusted to my care. Leadership is about creating an en- vironment where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work. I also believe strongly in celebrating the wins, both big and small. Recognizing the team’s effort builds con- fidence and reinforces the culture we want to nurture. At the same time, not every moment is perfect. The challeng- ing moments are just as valuable because they give us the chance to pause, recalibrate, learn, and move forward with renewed clarity. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

of ink and paper in the air, and the pride that comes from pro- ducing something tangible that people rely on every day. But Rosado’s leadership story is not simply one of con- tinuity. It is also one of reinven- tion. In the mid-1990s, a moment that could have ended her ca- reer in packaging instead be- came the beginning of some-

Marie Rosado

thing far greater. After being unexpectedly let go from the family business she had helped build, Rosado and her brother made a bold decision: they would start again from scratch. Today, nearly three decades later, Rosado stands among a growing group of women helping shape the fu- ture of the packaging industry. Across the sector, more women are stepping into leadership roles—bringing fresh perspectives, strengthening organizations, and helping guide the next generation of innovation and talent. In recognition of Women’s History Month, PPC spoke with Marie Rosado about the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy, the lessons learned from rebuild- ing after adversity, and why supporting other women in packaging remains an important part of her work. PPC: Your career in packaging has included both re- warding successes and difficult turning points. Looking back, what first drew you to the paperboard packaging industry, and what has kept you passionate about it over the years? Marie Rosado (MR): I often say that it is ink, not blood, that runs through my veins. I was born into this industry. My family was involved in printing long before I founded 3A Press, so from a very young age, I was surrounded by the presses running, the smell of paper and ink, and the pride that comes from creating something tangible that serves people every day. When my brother and I founded 3A Press in 1996, what began as a continuation of that legacy quickly became a mission of our own: to build a company grounded in qual- ity, trust, and long-term relationships with our customers and our community. But beyond the business itself, what truly fuels my pas- sion is the legacy. I feel a deep responsibility to honor the generations that came before us while preparing the path for the next generation of leaders who will carry this in- dustry forward. Knowing that we are building something

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March 30, 2026

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