BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years May 15, 2023 VOL. 39, NO. 20
AICC Associates Ask Boxmakers: How Can We Help You Succeed? BY SUSAN RILEY Independent boxmakers gathered for an industry panel discussion during the AICC Associates meeting that took place in Miami, Flori- da April 24-26. The boxmakers engaged in a candid discussion about their businesses and the corrugated industry in 2023. Panelists were moderated by Joe Morelli of Huston Patterson Print- ers and Lewisburg Printing Company, AICC Board Chair, and co-host of the Breaking Down Boxes podcast. The following questions and an- swers were edited for clarity and space.
Cascades Celebrates Startup At Bear Island, VA Mill Kingsey Falls, Québec based Cascades inc., a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and hygiene products, an- nounced that it has produced its first roll of 100 percent recycled containerboard at its Bear Island, Virginia, mill. With annual production capacity of 465,000 short tons of lightweight, high-qual- ity, 100 percent recycled containerboard, the company said that the mill is now equipped to perform within the top quarter of its indus- try, strengthening its operational flexibility, geographic footprint, and competitiveness of Cascades’ Containerboard platform. The project created 700 jobs in the region during the construction phase, and 180 per- manent jobs with the onset of commercial production. “After the commissioning of the Greenpac mill nearly 10 years ago, the start-up of Bear Island marks another historic milestone in the strategic modernization of our mill network,” said Mario Plourde, President and Chief Exec- utive Officer of Cascades. “More than ever, Cascades has modern and competitive assets that will allow us to
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
WHAT’S INSIDE 8 AICC Emerging Leaders Take Charge At Spring Meeting 14 The BoxMaker Announces Return Of Summer Camp 18 Bobst Acquires Majority Stake In Ducker Robotics 38 Emerging Brands Summit Returns To Las Vegas
Morelli : I think the $1,000,000 question is what’s going to happen in the coming months? Could you look into your crystal ball and give us an idea of what you see coming down the pike and what are your busi- nesses doing to prepare for that? Urquhart : We are cautiously optimistic, but we are planning on holding our breath and waiting to see what happens. There are a lot of warn- ing signs. Everyone is somewhat still recovering from the challenges CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 AICC box maker panelists included, clockwise, Howard Bertram of Com- plete Design & Packaging; Brett Kirkpatrick of The Boxmaker; Ben Urquhart of NEWW Packaging & Display; and Joe Palmeri of Jamestown Container.
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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 E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner $ 9 55.00-960.00 $ 9 70.00-980.00 $ 9 70.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $ 1000.00-1 010.00 $ 9 73.00-983.00
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00
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
More box makers, brokers and end users are relying on the containerboard pricing in Board Converting News to negotiate their contracts than ever before.
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.
See the current prices every week right here on Page 3.
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Cascades Celebrates (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
pursue long term growth in packaging, on a North Ameri- can scale.” “Cascades would like to thank all its employees and partners who made this project possible, a feat made even more challenging given the difficult global context of sup- ply chain issues,” said Charles Malo, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Containerboard Packaging. “This project was the second largest in Cascades’ his- tory, and we are very proud to have successfully convert- ed this plant into a state-of-the-art mill that will allow Cas- cades to grow our market share and enhance service and our portfolio of sustainable solutions for our customers.”
The Bear Island mill is now entering the ramp-up phase of the machine and will gradually increase its production to reach full capacity. An official inauguration will be held in the coming months. Shutdown Of Paper Machine At Niagara Falls Mill Cascades is also announcing the permanent shutdown of paper machine number 2 at its Niagara Falls, New York mill, which had been temporarily shut down since Novem- ber 2022. The machine, amongst the oldest in the Container- board platform, has a production capacity of 90,000 short tons per year, and would require investments for it to re- main competitive. The permanent closure of this machine will impact ap- proximately 40 positions. The majority of these positions are currently vacant or will be subject to attrition in order to minimize the impact on the employees, the company said. In February 2023, Cascades announced a $9 million in- vestment at its Piscataway, New Jersey corrugated pack- aging converting facility with the purchase of a new print- ing press. Cascades said that the EVOL press would allow them to continue growth in the northeast and increase their ability to serve current and future customers. Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, inno- vative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery sollutions. The company employs 10,000 people across a network of close to 80 facilities in North America.
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May 15, 2023
Supremex Acquires Assets Of Graf-Pak
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2022
Packaging, envelopes and labelling solutions provider Su- premex has acquired the assets of Canada based folding carton packaging solution retailer Graf-Pak. The compa- nies have closed this deal at a total consideration of ap- proximately $4.48m (C$6.0m), which was provided on a debt-free and cash-free basis. Financed via Supremex’s existing credit facility, the deal is now subject to certain customary adjustments. Based in Quebec, Canada, Supremex manufactures and provides envelopes and other paper-based packag- ing solutions. The company owns and operates 11 produc- tion facilities across Canada’s four provinces as well as a total of six manufacturing units in four different states in the U.S. Together, the facilities support more than 1,000 employees. Graf-Pak registered overall sales of approximately $5.02m in the previous fiscal year. The company pro- duces a variety of styles of folding cartons and sleeves, including straight-tuck-end, speed-lock, Hymes-bottom, reverse-tuck-end, Z-Fold, envelope-style, double-walls, as well as klick-lock boxes. The company owns and operates a facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, employing just under 25 people. This facility is close to one of Supremex’s primary folding carton plants in Lachine.
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
30.124 34.180
-11.9
7.927 8.545
-7.2
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2022
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
400.520 416.189
-3.8
7.979 8.291
-3.8
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2022 2021
2.4260 2.7360
-11.3
32.5461 33.8321
-3.8
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.2603 2.2586
0.1
3.5 3.6
-2.8
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2022 2021
19 20
251 251
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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AICC Emerging Leaders Take Charge At Spring Meeting
“It’s a great way to encourage them to stick around and to make them feel engaged and further connected to our industry as a whole.” With a mission to encourage, engage, and support young professional in the paper and packaging industry, McQueary said the EL Program gives young professionals an opportunity to find their voice and develop skills that create value in the industry and their company as well as their career. Currently, there are 124 enrolled members in the EL Pro- gram, 15 of whom are new members. Throughout the year, the EL Program hosts multiple virtual and in-person train- ing and networking events. More than half of those events are free. During the AICC Spring Meeting, the Emerging Leaders hosted a leadership development workshop pan- el and an offsite evening networking event. McQueary said the Emerging Leaders are also excited about the next installment of their quarterly C-Suite webi- nar series which featured AICC Vice Chair and President of Packaging Express Matt Davis on May 4. In the C-Suite series, Emerging Leaders have candid conversations with people within and outside of the packaging industry. Past speakers have included the VP of Sales for the world’s second largest wine producer, the Human Re- sources director of a large noncorrugated manufacturing company, the CFO of an AICC general member company, and president and founder of an AICC associate company.
The AICC Emerging Leaders (EL) fully embraced their mis- sion to engage and support their fellow paper and pack- aging professionals at the Spring Meeting in Miami, Florida last month. Emerging Leader Delegate John McQueary, Vice Pres- ident of Sales at CST Systems, spoke to the larger AICC
membership during the general session about the EL Program’s latest activi- ties and the important role it plays in the industry. McQueary has been in-
volved with the EL Program since 2019 and was elected as a Junior Delegate in 2021. The EL program is designed for those ages 35 and un- der who are in management positions or who have been identified by their respective companies as being on the future leadership track. “Having some of your younger employees join the EL program is great way to show that you believe in the lon- gevity and bright future of your company,” McQueary said. John McQueary
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
8 May 15, 2023
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TAPPI Announces CorrExpo 2023 Box Plant Deal
Emerging Leaders (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)
On June 7-9, the ELs will have their annual Emerging Leaders Workshop which is hosted in conjunction with the AICC Vice Chairman. The event takes place in Denver, Colorado this year and will include two plant tours, a lead- ership training workshop, tickets to a Colorado Rockies game, and numerous networking opportunities. “This Emerging Leaders workshop is always well re- ceived by our members and leaves them fired up and ready to create the maximum positive impact within their perspective organizations when they get back to their companies,” McQueary said. Registration is only $525 and is limited to 40 members. McQueary said they are close being full and encouraged all who are interested to register soon at aiccbox.org . To learn more about becoming an EL member, contact Taryn Pyle at tpyle@aiccbox.org.
TAPPI has announced its Box Plant Deal, a specially tiered pricing program designed for box plants and converters to send teams to CorrExpo 2023, August 28-30 in Cleveland, Ohio. The primary registrant must be a TAPPI member and pricing is tiered based on the number of employees at- tending. Employees must all be from the same plant or converting location, except for those sending 15 or more employees to the conference. Box Plant Deal rates in- crease on July 30, 2023. Highlights of this year’s event include informa- tion-packed technical sessions, Tuesday evening’s event at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Monday eve- ning’s welcome reception, the popular What’s New/Tech
Talk sessions, and an expansive exhibit floor featuring a comprehensive display of equipment manufacturers, suppliers and more. Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, serves as the opening keynote, while Mark Schulman, world-class drummer for performers including P!nk, Foreigner, Billy Idol, and Cher, is the closing keynote at the event. “We are truly excited to extend this op- portunity to box plants and converters,” said CorrExpo Technical Program Chair John Semenske, Regional Sales Executive, BW Papersystems. “TAPPI offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, and send- ing multiple members of your organization to an event like CorrExpo invests not only in your company, but significantly in the growth of your team members.” Located at the Huntington Convention Center, CorrExpo brings together an array of industry decision makers — providing a variety of unique connections through ex- clusive networking events and a multitude of industry vendors under one roof. Download the Box Plant Deal registration form at correxpo.org/boxplant . Visit correx- po.org to book hotel accommodations and learn more about this industry event. TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide packaging, paper, pulp, tissue and converting industries and publisher of Paper360° Magazine . Through information exchange, events, trusted content and net- working opportunities, TAPPI helps mem- bers elevate their performance by provid- ing solutions that lead to better, faster and more cost-effective ways of doing business.
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ePS, HP Partner To Integrate Pace ERP, HP Indigo Solution
automating pre-flighting and approval processes while eliminating manual interactions. “The level of automation is a key indicator of a print service provider’s potential for business growth and suc- cess,” said Bob Raus, Americas Category Manager at HP Industrial Print. “HP is delighted to deliver on the promise of systems integration with eProductivity Software, benefiting our customers and the industry as a whole.” Anticipated benefits include time savings and en- hanced productivity. Point B Solutions estimates a poten- tial reduction of up to three days per job in the pre-press process, with greater efficiencies for more complex proj- ects. Looking ahead, Point B Solutions and ePS envision an era of enhanced efficiency and automation facilitated by the integration of ePS Pace ERP and HP Indigo. “We’re thrilled to see the advantages of a more open- source world between ePS and HP,” said Doug Haefele, VP of Technology Solutions at Point B Solutions. “This strategic partnership opens boundless opportu- nities for operational efficiency and innovation for printers like us. We can’t wait to see where this collaboration can take process automation and move the industry forward.” Brooklyn Park, Minnesota based Point B Solutions is a leading provider of industry-specific business and pro- duction software technology for the packaging and print industries. Visit pointbsolutions.com for more information.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based eProductivity Software (ePS), a leading global technology provider for print and packaging companies, announced its partnership with Palo Alto, California based HP, to offer an integrated solu- tion designed to revolutionize workflow processes and drive operational efficiency. The integration, first announced at Dscoop Edge Rock- ies in 2022, was unveiled at the 2023 Dscoop Edge St. Louis World Expo on May 7-10, signifying a move towards achieving a touch-free workflow. ePS Midmarket Print Suite, with Pace® ERP at its core, is a leading software offering purpose-built for commercial, wide-format, and in-plant printers. Recognizing the potential of ePS Pace ERP and HP In- digo integration, Point B Solutions volunteered to partici- pate as an early adopter, embracing the opportunity to op- timize its operations and enhance customer experiences by streamlining pre-press efforts and digital job processes. In addition to the integration between ePS Midmarket Suite and HP Indigo, Point B Solutions is embracing oth- er state-of-the-art technologies, including Enfocus Switch and Pitstop Server. By incorporating these solutions, Point B Solutions aims to establish a comprehensive and streamlined workflow,
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The Boxmaker Announces The Return Of BoxMaker University Summer Camp
The BoxMaker, a leading provider of custom packaging solutions based in Kent, Washington, announced its third annual Summer Camp program, taking place virtually on July 10-14. This year’s event offers an exciting lineup of free virtual classes and resources designed to inspire and educate attendees on a variety of pack- aging topics.
Packaging ERP Algorithmic Scheduling Web-Based Access Online Customer Portals Paperless Workflows Mobile Sales Systems Digital Signage Production Monitoring Mobile Logistics Analytics & Reporting Cloud Hosting IT Management Services Cyber Security Management
This unique learning experience is packed with webinars, panel dis- cussions, and valuable digital resources, all available for free to registered attendees, referred to as “Campers.” Designed with busy professionals’ schedules in mind, Summer Camp content is available both live and on-de- mand. Content for every day of the 5-day series is built around a different theme to give campers a deep-dive into a specific topic:
600 + Plants 60,000 Users North America Latin America
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“We are so excited to bring back BoxMaker University Summer Camp this July,” says Katy Hart, Director of Marketing and Communications at The BoxMaker. “We are proud to provide relevant no-barrier content taught by experts that brands and packaging purchasers can’t easily find elsewhere. Offering these classes virtually and for free makes the program accessible for everyone, especially during the summer months.” The main education track for Summer Camp is tailored to brand man- agers, packaging buyers, and companies that utilize custom packaging at scale. Additionally, Summer Camp offers a curated education track for members of the trade (other packaging manufacturers and distributors). Each day of BoxMaker University Summer Camp, Campers receive a digital resource bundle sent to their email inbox with links to the day’s classes, events, and tools. To gain access to this exclusive content, individ- uals must register online. For more information and to register, visit boxmaker.com/summercamp .
14
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Calumet Carton Invests in K&B Rapida 145 Press Plus Coater
packaging customers, allowing them to offer color consis- tent eye-popping packaging within tight deadlines. This press, one of the first in North America, sets us apart from our competition, creating additional opportunities and of- fering lightning-fast production speeds.” Calumet’s management team — in close partnership with Koenig & Bauer — ensured that the new Rapida is configured with unique features for fast job changeovers and non-stop production. Its patented Koenig & Bauer sidelay-free infeed DriveTronic Sensoric Infeed System maintains maximum print speeds throughout the entire run. The new Rapida 145 is specially designed to meet Cal- umet’s turnaround and short makeready times with ad- vanced systems including fully automatic plate changers, CleanTronic Multi washing system, and DriveTronic SRW for simultaneous roller washing. Calumet’s Rapida 145 is equipped with built-in color and register management technology, including Ergo- Tronic Color Control, ErgoTronic LAB, and ErgoTonic Color Check to deliver consistent color results with a higher lev- el of automation. ErgoTronic ICR (Integrated Camera Register) also plays a key role in providing automatic register measurement from the ErgoTronic Central Command Console. The press is equipped with the Qualitronic Inline Color Control fea- ture, which utilizes an inline camera for color measure- ment of each sheet for a closed loop system.
South Holland, Illlinois based Calumet Carton, a leading producer of mailers and packaging products, announced its investment in a next generation Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 eight-color press plus coater.
“We are proud to be operating this next generation off- set press from Koenig & Bauer,” said Gina Inwood, Vice President at Calumet Carton. “In today’s competitive marketplace, we need to pro- vide the utmost speed, automation, and efficiency for our Calumet’s Vice President Gina Inwood and CEO John Inwood and the company’s new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 eight-color press plus coater.
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Bobst Acquires Majority Share In Dücker Robotics
automated. “In an era where converters are facing higher demands than ever due to the booming global demand and spe- cifically in e-commerce market, while simultaneously fac- ing challenges in shortages of manpower, automation has never been more important for our clients,” said Jean-Pas- cal Bobst, CEO of Bobst Group. “Dücker Robotics has 20 years of proven leadership in the development of robotic systems for the most sophis- ticated converting machines, and we are very excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Mex, Switzerland based Bobst Group SA announced its acquisition of 70 percent of the equity of Dücker Robotics s.r.l. of Momo, Italy. Dücker Robotics is a world leader in the use of robots for loading and palletizing in the corrugated board sector, while offering opportunities in the folding carton industry.
The Bobst and Dücker Robotics teams.
The current management team of Dücker Robotics will re- main in place. The strategic agreement is part of Bobst’s industry vi- sion for the future of the packaging world, where the en- tire packaging production line will be connected and more
Bobst has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 production facilities in 11 countries and employs more than 6,100 people around the world. Dücker Robotics with Bobst corrugated board solutions.
18 May 15, 2023
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AICC Associates Ask (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
of the pandemic, whether we’re talking about HR issues, just the sheer amount of work we were producing during the pandemic and the effect on our people. It was a very difficult three years, now everyone’s taking a deep breath. The economy may or may not be diving off the cliff and we’re just going to wait and see. Palmeri: We are not optimistic really for 2023 and early 2024. Things are soft, we feel they’ll continue to be soft. We’re taking the appropriate steps. I mentioned earlier that I am convinced our industry is fairly off — at least the markets we serve. The good news is we’ll come out okay. Morelli : Are there similarities that you’re seeing today that you might have seen during the economic collapse in 2009-11 or is this totally different? Kirkpatrick : We operate two facilities, one in Seattle and one in Arkansas and we’re seeing that we’re going to remain down. We’re down about 10 percent overall and we see that continuing through the end of this year. Then looking at 2024, it is relatively flat to the 2022 numbers. Bertram : We have a manufacturing and converting facil- ity in Concord (North Carolina) and a fulfillment center in Concord nearby. I try to be optimistic all the time, however, what we see is with paper mill capacity continuing to rise, mills upgrading equipment just like we are, I’m concerned that that’s going to cause more price erosion, paper ero- sion for sure, prices. Hopefully, we won’t find all of us inde- pendents at a race to the bottom. Hopefully we can hang in there. We do see a lot of retail special projects moving upward a little bit, or at least not shrinking like the indus- trial side. But overall, we’re just trying to buckle down and do a good job with what we have and grow where we can. Morelli : Are we at the point where you are looking at countermeasures to protect your business for potential decline in the economy or are you operating with just some nervousness? Or are we getting to the point where you’re stashing away money and packing away for a long winter type of situation? Bertram : Stashing away and spending some of the stash- ing, sure. I think again this is time to right-size. Somebody asked me about a reduction in labor force. I have absolute- ly no intentions of that, it’s just not my style. I’m committed to coworkers and friends and family, so to speak, and the only time I ever see that being necessary for me, not ev- eryone, but for me is in disaster mode — I guess when you start losing money — we’re nowhere near that. Kirkpatrick : We implemented some cost savings mea- sures early in the year. We had a couple of key people
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Engico Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer. Built to last. When you need corrugated boxes for automotive and heavy industry, the choice is clear. With one machine for sizes up to 99” x 256”, Engico has redefined the jumbo container market. All Engico machines are equipped with remote access, allowing real-time, remote service from Engico engineers. And, with replacement parts coming from Haire Group’s facility right outside of Chicago, extended downtime is a thing of the past.
• “Direct Drive” technology with independent brushless motors allowing for precise function in gearless mode.
• Minimal energy consumption for maximum sustainability
• 3.600 sheets/hour (up to 6.000 with double feed)
AICC Associates Ask (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
vestment strategies, they’re putting those plans on hold. Is it the same with the independents? Urquhart : We have a few balls that are already rolling that we have to see through to the end. We’re not going to derail any activities that are ongoing, but we are going to turn down the volume a couple notches. Palmeri : We’ve got some projects that are just wrapping up and should be July or August if not a little sooner and then it’s really sitting back and just kind of taking a breath of what we have right now. Kirkpatrick : This year we are not spending like we were pre-pandemic. We’re investing a lot into software appli- cations, enhancements that will help us with automation to reduce headcount and to help automate processes to make people faster and better. Bertram : We’re always spending a little bit of money and sometimes we spend a lot of money. We’ve created de- partment buckets where they’re watching their budgets more closely but we’re not spending wildly. But we, too, are upgrading software. We’re looking at different work- flows all the time. We’re always looking to do bells and whistles. We like technology. Some people don’t like tech- nology, we do.
retire. We didn’t replace them, we shifted the work to other people. We did a round of layoffs in February, five to seven percent of the workforce. There’s some mentality, ‘If you don’t need those people today, cut them loose and they’ll come back tomorrow.’ They’re not, they’ll go do something else so that’s a caution point. Keeping people, keeping staff committed to that — at this point, we’re in with that. Palmeri : We’re revisiting what we did in 2008 and 2009, kind of just dusting it off under the Excel file and just look- ing at things and how we’re purchasing, how we’re moving business between our locations, looking at productivity gains. We’ve worked hard the past couple years just trying to get the staffing up to where it needs to be and we’re really reluctant to cut those levels right now. It’s taking too long to get them trained and in place. Urquhart : We are being very cautious. We are going to sit on available cash. We’re going to divest the investments we made recently and we’re going to spend the money ju- diciously, and, to phrase that in an optimistic way, if we find opportunities or chances to be flexible and do new things in the near future, we will have the cash on hand to do so. Morelli : We’re hearing in the marketplace, specifically with integrateds, they are pausing their investment capital in-
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AICC Associates Ask (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.
Morelli : Obviously, there’s a ton of macroeconomic con- cerns that are happening worldwide, geopolitically. Look- ing domestically, with interest rates and such, are there indicators that you guys look at on a month-to-month basis within the big picture that as a group of associates maybe we can hone in on to see how you’re gauging your future? Palmeri : We track so much stuff. Every morning by 5:15 a.m., I’ve got the bookings, what we shipped by plan. That’s the kind of stuff we look at because it’s so regional based what’s going on in our little world. We’re running the Great Lakes, Cleveland and Western Pennsylvania up through New York State and that’s really the markets we’re dealing with, a lot of the metrics that are specific to us in our business. Urquart : I’m obsessed with energy prices. That’s the sort of thing that’s easy to get. I’m spending a lot of time think- ing about our current numbers relative to where they were pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, relative to where they were before the pandemic, and I don’t want to draw any false conclusions based upon the abnormal circumstanc- es we were operating under during those three years. If I ran three cost box pricing systems right now, is that valid data or not for the future? I’m not sure that’s to be normal- ized in some way. Morelli : You say you’re comparing pre-pandemic numbers to today’s numbers. I’ve heard a lot this week from people, ‘We can’t really look at our budget year over year, we’re looking at 2019 numbers.’ Are we being talked into that just because that’s a little bit of a buzz or is that real life? Bertram : It’s real for me. The cliche that I think about in my head is that our total volume went up 30 percent and the number of labor hours I had went down 30 percent. So what was my efficiency? I don’t know. It was an abnormal time, so I think it’s a real thing. Kirkpatrick : I don’t think it’s a real thing. I look at every year built on its own year and stand on itself and look at it going forward. So, I’m not going back and looking at that and looking at what we did and just making that the new norm, the new future. Morelli : Could that be related maybe because you’re in a business that’s such an emerging technology? Kirkpatrick : I think so, I mean the ecommerce boxes, all the high digital graphics and digital finishing, all that stuff is emerging and so that probably makes sense because our brown box business is off significantly more than our graphic package.
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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EVOLVE
AICC Associates Ask (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Kirkpatrick : I would say change, what’s coming up. We have a supplier that is not able to source raw materials. So that’s going to result in us reformatting and reprofiling some jobs for customers and that change is pending. It’s going to happen. Palmeri : Just find ways to help us drive cost things better, safer, faster. Urquhart : I’ve got a very specific thing. I’m grateful for the education and the exposure that you provide to us as a customer. I’m sure we are difficult to deal with and frustrat- ing sometimes. Thank you for doing what you do. And you know, knowing what I know about the HR challenges that we have, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to find training and keep technical fields. So, keep trying please. Morelli : Ben, I think you were part of the inaugural Emerg- ing Leader class nearly ten years ago, I think we’re in our ninth year of Emerging Leaders and if anybody in this group has younger management and younger talent in your organization, AICC does a great job of bringing those people through and I highly recommend looking into it. Joe, I think you have a child involved in Emerging Leaders. What would you say to this group of suppliers in terms of their interaction with the Emerging Leader group?
Bertram : I relate to that very well. It’s difficult to bounce out of the Covid bubble and continue at that kind of pace. We’re so heavily equipped now and found ourselves in a position where we do need bigger bites as we grow for- ward. Morelli : Joe you mentioned employees coming out of the pandemic and such. What are you doing about the rising pay rates and benefit expectations for your new staff or your existing employees? Palmeri : We’re certainly trying to offset those costs through efficiency gains and where you could save labor. That’s why you rely on AICC Associate Members. We’re looking at what we’re doing, what we what can we do fast- er, better, more economically. We may not necessarily lay people off, but we’re going to divert that human labor cap- ital somewhere else where we need it. Morelli : What can we as a group of suppliers do to better serve your company to help you be successful? Bertram : We are big communicators. We talk about it all the time. I know some of our suppliers think we just beat it to death or use that word too much, but we really mean it. We really are communicators.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985
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EMBA Ultima ™ . Innovation from the premier class supplier Keep the strength
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AICC Associates Ask (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Palmeri : Don’t underestimate the value of being the fa- miliar face in the room is what I would say. Whether it’s at these meetings or even when you’re visiting our plants, no other emerging leaders are there. You’re more likely to see them walking around the facility while you’re walk- ing around the facility and just let them know what you’re doing a lot are on the sale side, a lot are on the operation side, they’re all very young. Reach out to them. Morelli : Ben, from your perspective, what would you say looking back on it as a supplier, client relationships, what did that open up to you? Is it important to you? Urquhart : Yes. I was much too old for it back then; I am too old for it now. But I derived a great deal of value out of it. It’s a good thing. The work/life balance question that we talked about in the sales managers training in the past couple days brings those two things together. Morelli : Howard, you have a daughter-in-law in the busi- ness as well. Bertram : I do, I have a son too that’s working there. He’s training, learning from literally the ground up. But yeah, re- ally, what Joe said, I mean don’t underestimate that. I can’t expand on that, it was expressed perfectly.
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a flexible and comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP re- quirements of full scale packaging plants and integrat- ed companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and accounting, this scalable sys- tem supports packaging plants that produce corrugat- ed boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase displays, assembled partitions, paperboard products, foam fab- rication, as well as distribution of packaging supplies. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a recognized leader in the in- dustry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the coun- try and the world. Let us build you the best Trim Removal System you ever had. Contact us today. Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and compre- hensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated sched- uling software, and engineered automation technology. For over 30 years, Amtech has remained at the backbone of successful businesses from the independent box makers to the largest integrateds. We keep our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with options such as custom- er digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.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.
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Follow Board Converting News on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to get the most current news and information for the corrugated and folding carton industries.
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.
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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Flexographers Hail Success Of FTA FORUM & INFOFLEX
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Flexographers saw tradition reimagined and discovered how to build their business’ future at FTA’s FORUM & IN- FOFLEX 2023. The four-day technical conference and exhibition took place April 16-19 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown and Greater Columbus Convention Center, re- spectively, in Columbus, Ohio. “I was very impressed with the work of our session co- chairs and speakers this year,” said FORUM 2023 Chair Laura Wright of CSW Inc. “They really embraced the ses- sion topics and objectives, as well as the idea of clearly offering value to the audience. The presentations and dis- cussions were professional, informative, and engaging.” With a mix of presentations and panel discussions, and aided by live audience polling and Q&As, FORUM 2023’s content focused on topics essential to modern-day flexo- graphic printing: How sustainability can benefit both busi- ness and planet; collaboration between design, prepress and printer; mounting tape and sleeve market trends and best practices; ways to find, train and retain employees; reasons to embrace collecting color data and implement color measurement; flexographic essentials; and a for- ward-thinking examination of the industry’s integrated and automated future. “Our conference theme, ‘Tradition Reimagined,’ directly addressed the notion of reconsidering long-held assump- tions and using today’s tools to improve both efficiency and print quality,” added FORUM 2023 Co-Chair Jason Cagle of MacDermid Graphics Solutions. “I was immensely impressed by and proud of our roster of speakers, who filled each session with material that encapsulated the idea of reinventing customs we are accustomed to. They presented fresh approaches through process control, em- ployee recruitment and training, and new technology.”
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.
AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com
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. 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.
Dura-Fibre, LLC Acquires Greif Chicago Converting
Menasha, Wisconsin based Dura-Fibre, LLC, has an- nounced the acquisition of Greif Chicago Converting. The acquisition helps solidify Dura-Fibre’s position as one of the largest independent industrial paperboard laminating businesses in the United States. Dura-Fibre will now add several products to its portfo- lio, including Strap Protectors to protect cargo for lumber, plywood and other industries, as well as FiberWrap® which offers greater beam strength and edge protection and coverboard products. Following the acquisition, manufacturing operations will move to Dura-Fibre’s Menasha manufacturing facility. Greif’s Protect-A-Board and Protect-A-Floor™ products are not included in the sale. For more information, visit durafibre.com .
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
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