BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 37 years August 16, 2021 VOL. 37, NO. 33
Greif’s Watson To SCE Audience: Be Intentional In Driving Culture
SuperCorrExpo 2021: Back To Business, Face-To-Face After more than a year-and-a-half of pandem- ic related delays, the much anticipated TAP- PI/AICC SuperCorrExpo 2021 successfully kicked off with an opening night reception and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, Au- gust 8, at The Hyatt Regency Orlando. Larry Montague, CEO of TAPPI, extend- ed his thanks to an enthusiastic and excited throng who gathered to watch the ceremony and finally, to reconnect and network with col- leagues, customers and friends. The enthusiasm swelled into Monday, when for the first time since 2016 the corru- gated industry opened its doors to a major trade show that saw more than 240 exhibi- tors, many with working machinery, ready to present their innovative offerings to attend- ees eager to witness the latest the corrugated industry has to offer. In addition to live demonstrations of ma- chinery and equipment on the expo floor, at- tendees had the opportunity to experience more than 17 breakout sessions – including five stellar keynote presentations – and more than 25 hours of educational programs rife with solutions to solve production problems.
BY GREG KISHBAUGH
Years ago, Pete Watson, CEO of Greif, Delaware, Ohio, learned many lessons about teambuilding and leadership as a football coach. Those lessons have served him well as the leader of the packaging company, helping him to share the company’s corporate culture.
“When it comes to a company’s culture, I have to own it,” he said in opening remarks at last week’s SuperCorrExpo show in Orlando, Flori- da. “There is no delegating when building a corporate culture.” The company, which employs 16,500 people in 41 countries, has the goal to “be the best performing customer service company in the world” in the industrial packaging market. It is an aspiration Watson freely admits is easier to say than it is to do on a practical — and contin- ual — basis. The pursuit of that goal led Watson and the executive team at Greif to formulate an action plan entitled The Greif Way. “Manufacturing is a team sport,” Watson said, “so our corporate cul- ture begins with the importance of everyone in our organization being on the same team, which is why ‘Engaged Teams’ is the first item in the ‘Greif Way’.” Under the banner of “Engaged Teams,” the welfare, health and safe- ty of employees comes first — “No one can do good work if they do not CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Pete Watson CEO of Greif, delivered a keynote presentation to attendees of the first general session of SuperCorrExpo 2021.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 Pratt Industries To Invest $18M In GA Plant Expansion 6 Peak Rock Capital Acquires Amtech Software, New Futura 8 JB Machinery Wins BCN/CT Innovator Of The Year Award 34 Is It Lonely Being A Leader?
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
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
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
$1005.00-1010.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1050.00-1060.00 $1023.00-1032.00
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$940.00-990.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $975.00-995.00 $958.00-978.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
P E R F O R M A N C E D E L I V E R E D • HEAVY, DENSE BALES • RELIABLE AUTOMATIC TIER • LOW OPERATING COST PER TON AMERICAN BALER TAKES PERFORMANCE TO NEW HEIGHTS! 800.843.7512 AmericanBaler.com I N T E G R I T Y I Q U A L I T Y I R E L I A B I L I T Y I VA L U E
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton.
42# Kraft Liner 26#
Semi-Chem Medium
East West
$970.00
$960.00 $995.00
$1,015.00
3
August 16, 2021
www.boardconvertingnews.com
Pratt Industries To Invest $18M In GA Plant Expansion
Core Competency
Conyers, Georgia based Pratt Industries reported that it will invest more than $18 million to expand its corrugated box converting plant in Albany, Georgia. The project is ex- pected to create 30 jobs. The expansion comes as a result of an increase in glob- al shipping and logistics needs, and will include an addi- tion of over 100,000-square-feet to Pratt’s existing facility. Upgrades will include new machinery, new scrap recycling system, waste water system and additional warehouse space. “We have been proud to call Albany home for the last 38 years and are excited to be continuing and strengthen- ing our relationship with the local community,” said Pratt Industries Albany Plant Manager Drew Pennington. Pratt Industries is the country’s fifth-largest corrugat- ed packaging company and has maintained a converting plant for corrugated boxes in Albany since 1983. The com- pany is also the world’s largest, privately-held producer of 100 percent recycled containerboard, with some 7,500 highly-skilled, “green-collar” employees. Pratt was found- ed in the U.S. more than 30 years ago and has shown dra- matic growth with manufacturing facilities in 25 states. Pratt’s expansion project in Albany, Georgia, is expect- ed to be complete by January 2022.
BloApCo Floor Shredders easily handle Cores and Sheet Waste
▲ All converting scrap handled by one BloApCo Shredder. ▲ Energy efficient. Low HP. Low RPM. Low noise. ▲ Industry leading 3-year warranty.
See the video at : BloApCo.com/horizontal-floor-shredder
www.bloapco.com 800.959.0880
© Blower Application Company, Inc., Germantown, WI 2020
Remember when we offered the best for your anilox cleaning? It just got even better! Now... EVOLUTION BIOCLEAN
Let us show you what’s possible.
770-425-3353 www.cstsystems.net
Do you know what’s possible?
4
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
A Century of Innovation In Every Machine Celebrating 100 Years: 1920-2020
FALCON 2-minute run-to-run times and world-class production @ 21K/HR
IBIS 2-minute run-to-run times and total product flexibility @ 15K/HR
www.isowa.com U.S. Based Sales, Parts and Service from Our New Expanded Location! United States: 602-639-9060 Brazil:+55 (11) 3666-6522 Japan: +81-568-31-3102 A M E R I C A
Peak Rock Capital Acquires Amtech Software, New Futura Services An affiliate of Austin, Texas based Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private investment firm, announced last week that it has completed an acquisition of Port Washington, Pennsylavania based Amtech LLC and New Futura Services LLC, leading providers of manufacturing ERP software and technology services for the packaging and other manufacturing industries. Amtech’s innovative, end-to-end suite of software, automation and other technology solutions serve as the backbone for a diverse group of over 245 customers and more than 750 manufacturing plants. Its tailored solu- tions enable manufacturers to remain competitive in a fast-evolving industry, while also achieving operational ex- cellence in areas including plant management, production
planning, supply chain, sales and customer service. Am- tech’s offerings provide a compelling value proposition to the full spectrum of manufacturers. “Over the past 40 years, the Amtech team and I have Cosmo DeNicola, founder and CEO of Amtech Software
built and refined a differentiated software solution to optimize our customers’ manu- facturing operations,” said Cosmo DeNicola, founder and CEO of Amtech. “Our team is proud of the success it has achieved to date and believes that Peak Rock is the ideal part- ner for our business as we undertake the next stage of growth. I am thrilled to continue as a shareholder in the company and in my role as Chief Executive Officer.” Pete Leibman, Managing Director of Peak Rock, said, “Amtech represents an exciting opportunity to invest in a well-established software platform with a track record of pro- viding significant value to its customers. This investment highlights Peak Rock’s continued commitment to investing in technology busi- nesses that are leaders in their categories and that are well-positioned for further reve- nue growth. We look forward to working with the Company’s management team to en- hance the business and build on the legacy of the DeNicola family. We are confident that Amtech is an excellent platform for expan- sion, through continued investments in new product development and strategic add-on acquisitions.” Anthony DiSimone, Chief Executive Offi- cer of Peak Rock, added, “This transaction further exemplifies Peak Rock’s technology investing strategy, which focuses on growing founder and family-owned businesses in the software and technology sector. We contin- ue to seek technology platforms and acqui- sitions that we believe would benefit from our ability to drive rapid growth and perfor- mance improvement.” DC Advisory served as exclusive financial advisor to Peak Rock on this transaction.
6
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
40 ft of paper travel from preheater to hot plates 3 seconds of heat, glue and bonding 1 chance to get it right! the ZONE
Design & Production
Chicago Electric offers 10 technology solutions to control ‘the Zone’ CORRUGATOR Sectoral preheating plate
Our sectoral preheating plates provide direct heat by means of a double steam circuit, allowing for efficient heating in hard-to-access locations, as well as to act as a steam shower to open the paper’s fibre, making it receptive to absorbing the heat and the glue.
This translates into increased speed and improved quality of the cardboard sheet finish.
The system’s main advantages are as follows:
• The plate may only be used to heat, only to humidify, or both options at the same time. • The plate is sectored, which allows for applying humidity to the sections. • It provides temperature in previously inaccessible locations and near the location needed. • It compensates the loss of temperature dissipated due to distance, speed or limitations of the exiting preheaters. • Quick transferring of heat to the paper. • The combination of the hot plate and steam shower allows for providing heat even to the hardest papers to heat. • Does not dry out the paper. • Possibility of operating as a humidifier and pre-conditioner. • Maintains and improves the fibre’s elasticity. • Acts according to the operator’s needs. • Facilitates the paper’s hygroscopy to absorb the glue and improve rubberising.
CONTROLLABILITY
1. Wrap Arm - Position & Temperature 2. Preheater Direct Drive
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
3. Steam Plate 4. Contact Roll 5. Glue Machine Direct Drive Touch Productivity Issue—Glue Unit Many glue units run with a rider roll or a guiding bar system. The rider roll with paper gap allows a precise glue application, but requires frequent Contact Roll
PRODUCTIVITY
C/ Orfeó Català 13-15 · 08440 Cardedeu (Barcelona) telf: +34 93 846 01 06 · comercial@al-gar.com WWW.AL-GAR.COM
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
calibrations and settings. Bar systems avoid this, but compensate this with the risk of exces- sive glue application. The system contains many wearing parts. Solution The contact roll combines the ad antage of both systems and ensures minimum contact between board and applicator roll. The system uses small pneumatic cylinders in order to achieve a “soft touch.”
6. Gap Control 7. Curved Plate 8. Roller Shoe Press When it comes to a short-term increas of web tension, spring loaded systems with shoes or airpressure activated system have problems in compensating these. The system is lifted for a short time. This may result in de-lamination and in the ‘double kiss’ effect. Solution For a defined and exact bonding point of the web fiv weight rollers will be installed usually over the first flat hotplate of the heating section. The rolls are mounted into a frame, which is actuated by means of two pneumatic cylinders. P oductivity Issu —Double Kiss Bonding
PRODUCTIVITY
PRODUCTIVITY
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
Roller Shoe
DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT
9. Thin Wall Hot Plates 10. Pressure System Benefits —Exact glue application due to defined contact of applicator roll to web. Web is in contact to less flute tips compared to bar systems. • High precision glue application • Less moisture applied to web —No wear of shoes and springs —No adjustment of shoes or paper gap —Uniform glue application over entire w orking width for all flutes by use of pneumatic cylinders instead of springs — Less contamination by paper dust and glue remains —No jam of board because of web breaks caused by splice joints going through 630-784-0800 Benefits —Rollers secure exact defined first point of contact of liner and single-faced board - No double kiss —Frame design avoids unintended lifting of roller shoe (compared to spring or air loaded systems) - No double kiss —Pressure can be increased or released for special grades or products 490 Tower Blvd., Carol Stream, IL Contact Chicago Electric to GET IT RIGHT 630-784-0800 info@chicagoelectric.com chicagoelectric.com Solution The ProPress system ensures an optimum heat transfer to the board. It offers a wide range of set- tings. The loadi g pressure can be varied, the number of shoes can be lifted in accordance t the line speed. The outer shoes can be lifted in accordance to the paper width. The shoe bars will be delivered pre-assembled for a short installation time. —Liftable for easy paper infeed and for cleaning of the machine —Position adjustable in paper direction to avoid grooves in hotplate Press Productivity Issue—Poor Heat Transfer Rollers are usually limiting the heat transfer, since they often have contact mainly on the edges of the plates due to wear or bent plates. They also cause often loss of caliper and bearing need to be replaced frequently. Airpressure actuated systems can only supply a limited pressure and have com- pared to shoe systems a closed surface. Pressure Shoe
Plate vity Issue—Poor Heat Control l hotplates are slow to react to pressure due to high steam volume and massive y also have high heat radiation and heat profile. Worn plates can damage crease edge crush.
Thin-Wall Hot Plates
t by peripheral drilled hot plates. anufactured out of special wear and nt steel, through which a continuous is drilled, with one inlet and one outlet. ecured by a massive steel frame.
CORR24usa.com
ance from steam to paper surface results in fast heat flow n higher plate surface temperature
Benefits
Fosber America Rocks Orlando, FL In Monday Night Non-Football Event Green Bay, Wisconsin based Fosber America upheld its long-standing tradition of hosting an over-the-top event for more than a hundred customers, employees and friends on the Monday evening of SuperCorrExpo week. Instead of a football game-themed party, however, the corrugator
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2021
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2021 2020
35.963 34.395
4.6
8.173 7.817
4.6
Industry Total
Year-to Date
June 2021
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2021 2020
208.632 196.828
6.0
8.279 7.749
6.8
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2021 2020
2.9450 2.8182
4.5
14.1095 13.3029
6.1
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Jun. May
2.1046 1.9962
5.4
3.1 2.9
6.9
Shipping Days
manufacturer rented out Mango’s Tropical Cafe on Interna- tional Boulevard in Orlando for an evening of food, drinks, dancing, a Las Vegas-style tropical floor show and live music that delighted those lucky enough to attend. The Fosber team thanked everyone with their usual restrained enthusiasm, as pictured in the photo above.
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2021 2020
22 22
126 127
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs. • Moving to a new facility? Puhl has experience moving entire plant systems all while minimizing down time in BOTH plants during the transition. • Below roof AND above roof systems custom designed to meet your needs. • New and Remanufactured Equipment (balers, blowers, separators, filters and more). Our Remanufactured equipment includes a warranty and offers significant savings. • NFPA and OSHA compliant systems designed by our NFPA trained engineering team. • Dust Briquetters, Certified Explosion Isolation Valves, Flame Front Diverters and more to control dust and meet NFPA requirements. • PLC Touch Screen Controls with Real Time Pressure Balancing and Real Time Remote Monitoring available on your smart phone or computer.
Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems • Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones Trim Separators • Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters 240 Airport Road | Gallatin, TN 37066 | 615.230.9500 | FAX 615.230.9590 | sales@gfpuhl.com | www.gfpuhl.com Follow us on LinkedIn
8
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
Don McCaughey, Formerly Of Mark Trece, Dies At 85
Clipper City in Baltimore, Maryland. He was inducted into his College (R.I.T.) HOF for basket- ball. His main hobby was oil on canvas painting. Don loved to read -- biographies, history, Industry periodicals-- you name it. He was an avid college basketball fan, following Michigan State and the Maryland Terps. He loved and was a long-time ticket holder for the Baltimore Colts, Ravens and Orioles. He was a “legendary” Youth Rec. coach for Bel Air Youth Basketball and if there was a sport, Don tried it. He loved spending time at his beach house in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, painting. Above all, Don adored his grandchildren and spending time with family. In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by his two daughters, Shawn McCaughey of Bel Air and Melinda Mc- Caughey of Cleveland, Ohio; two sons, Chris McCaughey (Sylvia Ramiah) of Loveland, Ohio, and Richard and Dr. Barbara (Pierantozzi) McCaughey of Fallston; three grand- children, Collin and Erin McCaughey, and William Paolucci II. Thought of fondly, granddaughter Sara Hardman and great granddaughter Jaylee Hardman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William and his granddaughter, Ashley Paoluc- ci. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The John Carroll School or Harford Day School. Established in 1964, The John Carroll School is a private Catholic school for grades 9–12. The address is 703 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014 21014. The Harford Day School is located at 715 Moores Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014.
Donald “ Otto” McCaughey Jr., age 85, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away on June 26, 2021, at his home. Born in Scran-
ton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Donald George and Mary M. (McGuire) McCaughey and husband of Brenda J. (Arm- strong) McCaughey. After graduation at York Cen- tral High School in Retsof, New York, he graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology
Donald McCaughey
(R.I.T.) with a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in Printing Management & Sciences. He was a veteran of the United States Naval Reserve. He was Vice Chairman of Mark Trece, Inc., which he founded with his partner Richard Godfrey in 1962. He was a member of many Industry Trade Groups, such as FTA, TAPPI, and a founding member of the FPPA. He was a pub- lished author and held a U.S. patent for one of his industry inventions. He sat on the Board of Trustees for The John Carroll School, helping to advance the Athletic programs during the 80s. He was a longstanding member of the Maryland Golf and Country Clubs. and was part owner of Tall Ship
Convey with Confidence ™ AES is a leading provider of integrated turnkey systems for scrap collection, baling, and dust control, with custom-built solutions designed to meet the unique challenges of your industry.
SCRAP COLLECTION & BALING SYSTEMS
NFPA-COMPLIANT DUST CONTROL SOLUTIONS
YOUR PARTNER IN PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
NEW & USED EQUIPMENT | VIRTUAL SITE VISITS | 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
535 HAGEY ROAD, SOUDERTON, PA 18964 (800) 572-9998 | SALES@AESALES.NET | WWW.AESALES.NET CONVEY WI TH CONF IDENCE ™
10
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
THE NEW RD115/135S
The NEW KOLBUS Hycorr RD115/135S Flexo Rotary Die Cutter represents years of investment by the KOLBUS engineering team in Rahden, Germany and the Hycorr technical team in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This cooperation, combined with the input from our customers, has resulted in the ultimate blend of quality, performance, and value. Designed with all corrugated markets in mind, the RD115/135S is well equipped for high throughput, quick make-ready, and high graphics print production. With a complement of new features and benefits to accompany.
KOLBUS America Inc. | 216-931-5100 | sales@kolbus.com
SuperCorrExpo 2021 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )
The TAPPI Awards & Recognition Breakfast filled Monday morning – the complete list of award winners will be published in a future issue of BCN – after which Pete Watson, President & CEO of Greif, Inc., delivered the opening keynote presentation on The Greif Way. (See page 1 of this issue for his comments). Following Watson on the stage was Richard Boyd, co-founder and CEO of Tanjo, Inc., who shared insights about Artificial In- telligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
Packaging ERP Algorithmic Scheduling Web-Based Access Online Customer Portals
Paperless Workflows Mobile Sales Systems Digital Signage Production Monitoring Mobile Logistics Management Analytics & Reporting Cloud Hosting IT Management Services Cyber Security Management
600 + Plants 60,000 Users North America Latin America
On Tuesday morning, AICC Chairman Jay Carman conducted the Asso- ciation’s annual business meeting and recognized outgoing board mem- bers, introduced new ones and announced the winners of the Student Design Competition and the J. Richard Troll Scholarship. The complete list From left, Jeff Quinn of Haire Group, Larry Montague of TAPPI, Jay Carman of StandFast Packaging and Mike D’Angelo of AICC, cut the ceremonial ribbon to open SuperCorrExpo 2021.
of new board members and scholarship award winners will appear in the next issue of Board Converting News. Carman introduced Finn MacDonald of Independent II, who presented AICC’s Annual Member Champion Award to Pat Szany of American Cor- Finn MacDonald of Independent II, right, presented Pat Szany of American Cor- rugated Machiney with the AICC Annual Member Champion Award.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
12
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
“We can help you adapt and optimize with our proven, agile solutions.”
Cosmo DeNicola Chairman, Amtech Software
URGENT NEEDS
IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS
Customer Service Disruptions Remote Workforce Platform
Online Customer Ordering Portals
Paper-BasedWorkflows
Paperless, Electronic Document Management
Out-of-Date Pricing
Automated, Real-Time Costing Update
Viruses
Move to the Amtech Cloud Network and Data Security Tools
“Forget months...great things can happen in weeks, days, and hours.”
Give us a call at: 215.639.9540 Reach out to: sales@amtechsoftware.com www.amtechsoftware.com
SuperCorrExpo 2021 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)
first duty as Immediate Past Chairman, presented Mari- no with the Chairman’s Gavel. As Marino’s first order of business, he presented Jay and Terry Carman with AICC’s crystal globe, which represents the tireless level of com-
rugated Machinery. Szany was recognized as being the AICC member who has gone “above and beyond” to pro- mote AICC membership and the value of the association.
mitment the Carmans have given over the past two years. “I want to tell you how honored I am to be AICC Chairman,” said Marino in his introductory remarks. “This as- sociation means a great deal to me and many of the won- derful people in this room and I look forward to representing
Gene Marino
you all. I’m also grateful to Akers Packaging, not only for their support of my chairmanship of AICC but for their sup- port as an employer. Akers is a great organization. “As we come out of the pandemic year, it’s time to re-evaluate and re-think what we’re doing in our business to create a sustainable enterprise. What I’d like to focus on for my year in the Chairman’s role is marrying my love of golf and my love for strategy and execution, which is basically a ‘grin it and rip it’ philosophy. Marino said his philosophy is like approaching a golf ball on the tee: it’s time to stop thinking and it’s time to start executing. It’s also doing what it takes to get every- one on the same page and heading in the same direction, whether its five, ten or fifteen years down the road.
Jay and Terry Carman
Carman, the first AICC Chairman to serve two years, then introduced Gene Marino of Akers Packaging as AICC’s Chairman for 2021-22 Membership Year and in his
14
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
NAM: Real GDP Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels In Q2
cent in June versus May, while shipments rose 1.0 percent in June versus May. Durable goods orders have risen a remarkable 13 of the last 14 months, and in June, they sur- passed their pre-pandemic high reached in March 2019. Capital goods orders excluding defense and aircraft grew 0.5 percent in June versus May to also reach a new all- time high. Preliminary international trade figures for June showed that exports grew only 0.3 percent versus May, while im- ports rose 1.5 percent. The monthly trade deficit grew to more than $91 billion in June. Both imports and exports rose significantly versus this time last year. At its two-day meeting last week, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee left the benchmark fed- eral funds rate unchanged at a target range of 0 percent to 0.25 percent. The FOMC also maintained the current pace of asset purchases at $120 billion per month. The FOMC noted progress on reaching its inflation and em-
This past week, economic data have confirmed the ongo- ing trends within the U.S. manufacturing sector and over- all economy. According to Chad Moutray Ph.D. and Chief Economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), demand remains strong, but supply chain and la- bor-related factors continue to constrain growth. In the second quarter of 2021, real gross domestic product grew 6.5 percent at an annualized rate, or 12.2 percent against the second quarter of 2020, according to the initial estimate of the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This marked the first quarter when real GDP surpassed the pre-pandemic level achieved in Q4 2019. Durable goods orders and shipments remained strong in the month of June. Durable goods orders rose 0.8 per-
ployment goals but indicated it would need to see further progress in the coming months before tapering its rate of bond purchases. New single-family home sales for June came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 units. June sales were at their lowest rate in 14 months and 19 percent low- er than in June 2020. Pandemic-related fis- cal and monetary stimuli helped boost recent demand for housing. However, the supply side has lagged, resulting in a shortage of homes for sale and rising prices. According to a survey by the Federal Re- serve Bank of Dallas, manufacturing activity held up at strong levels in July, despite on- going supply constraints. The production index from the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey was up from 29.4 points in the previ- ous month to 31.0 points in July. This result was above the year-to-date average of 26.1 points and surpassed historical averages by wide margins. The Richmond Federal Reserve District regional manufacturing index remained firm in July, rising by one point from a strong read- ing of 26 to 27. Both shipments and employ- ment showed stronger growth than the June survey, while orders grew at a slower rate, according to survey respondents. Invento- ries of raw materials and finished goods both hit record lows in this survey. The Conference Board Consumer Confi- dence Index increased for the sixth consec- utive month in July. Consumer confidence is at its highest level since February 2020, suggesting U.S. consumers remain optimis- tic about the economic recovery, despite in- flationary pressures and growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 variants.
DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION
ASDI offers: • 34 years of experience with separators, cyclones and conveyors • Sequential, Zero-Defect and various types of Scrap Systems • Each system is guaranteed to meet customer specifications • Turnkey Systems-handling all grades of paper and paperboard • In ground and overhead return conveyor systems direct to balers • Replace your undersized or aging cyclone over a two or three-day weekend • Representing a complete line of shredders, wet scrubbers and filters • NFPA compliant systems, ISN Network
Air Systems Design Inc .
50 East Court Mandeville, La 70471
Ph: 985-875-7777 Fx: 985-875-7778
\
email: sales@airsystemsdesign.com • www.airsystemsdesign.com
16
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
Increase Productivity by 15% in 30 Days* *Actual results may vary and could be even higher.
IMMEDIATE RESULTS Improve Efficiency Increase Visibility Motivate Crews
START TODAY Install It Yourself Remote Training Bring Your Own TV
Affordably Priced: $5,000/Machine
Any Machine, Any Box Software, Anywhere. ScoreKeeper
sales@amtechautomation.com | 215.639.9540 | www.amtechautomation.com
JB Machinery Wins BCN/CT/AICC Innovator Of The Year Award Westport, Connecticut based JB Machinery won the Board Converting News/Corrugated Today /AICC Innovator of the Year Award, which was presented on Wednesday, Au- gust 11, during the third general session at SuperCorrExpo 2021 in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s truly an honor to win this prestigious and coveted award,” said Warren Bird, President of JB Machinery. “Our focus is on helping converters maximize the productivity, quality and efficiency of their converting processes. Man- ually washing printing plates can take on average five to 10 minutes. Whether you’re doing it on the machine – after makeready or at the end of an order – or offline, you’re consuming 20 plus minutes of the crew’s time to wash plates on a four-color job.
“AutoWash allows us to automate this process and wash all plates simultaneously in less than four minutes. So, re- gardless of how many colors you’re running, all plates can be washed and ready for storage, or to run the order, in less time than it would take to wash a single plate.” JB Machinery also won third place in the Innovator of the Year competition for its DigiFlex High Speed Imaging System. HP took second place for its PageWide C500 Top Feeder. A view of the brushes on JB’s Plate Washing System.
Based on a majority of votes by SCE attendees, JB Ma- chinery took home the Innovator of the Year Award for its innovative AutoWash Automatic Plate Washing system. From left, Gene Marino, AICC Chairman; John Bird, Warren Bird and Dave Burgess of JB Machinery; and Len Prazych, Ed- itor in Chief of Board Converting News.
The Leader in Corrugated and Converting machine foundations
Jason Craddock General Manager 864-940-7356 www.zefco.net
Committed to: Professionalism, Accuracy, and Unmatched installation timelines 20+ year experience in constructing corrugated/converting foundations Ability to travel throughout North America
18
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
Money making machine
Domino X630i digital aqueous inkjet corrugated press
…MORE PROFIT per job. …MORE CAPACITY in a given day. …MORE CORRUGATED out the door faster. …MORE MONEY in your pocket sooner.
Why DOMINO? • 40+ years of inkjet technology experience • Financially strong and stable • Heavily invested in digital technology • 1,000 industrial inkjet installations • Service & Support,Trusted Business Partner • Small footprint (10’H x 38’W x 21’D) • Change SKUs & print jobs on the fly • NO PLATES to make, mount, or inventory • Less downtime, MORE UPTIME • Print SPEED up to 246 fpm • AQ95 aqueous ink, POLYMER-based • Prints on COATED & UNCOATED stocks • Swiss Ordinance & Nestle COMPLIANT • Environmentally FRIENDLY • LOWER Total Cost of Ownership Why X630i?
Contact us today for X630i print samples, product brochure, and more information on the press engineered and built to transform your business. Digital Printing for everyday corrugated box production that MAXIMIZES productivity & efficiency, while MINIMIZING cost & consumption. Experience the DOMINO dierence
domino digital printing.com
800.444.4512
See more. Learn more. Do more.
JB Machinery Debuts High Speed Variable Imager For Corrugated Westport, Connecticut based JB Machinery has an- nounced the debut of DigiFlex, a high-speed variable imager for corrugated. “This imager brings the versatility of digital printing to analog printers and introduces val- ue-added printing capabilities to traditionally non-printing processes,” said Dave Burgess, Sales Director, JB Machin- ery. “Brand owners are looking to maximize their packag- ing, unboxing experience and overall loyalty, especially in the ever-expanding ecommerce market. The ability to add use or assembly instructions, personalized marketing messages, AR and many other forms of variable data in- cluding QR, SKU codes, serialization and cert stamps, cre- ates additional value-added options they may present to their customers.”
DigiFlex, is an innovative high-speed, inline, variable data printing system that can be installed on virtually any flexo folder-gluer, rotary or platen die cutter, specialty fold- er-gluer or anywhere space will allow the top printing de- vice to be installed. The portable print engine design also
allows the system to be transferred between machine lines that meet the operating require- ments. The system allows converters and finishers to bring additional value-added printing capa- bilities to new or existing, production lines. Di- giFlex can print single color QR or bar codes, serialized numbering, personalized marketing, certification stamps and more, to the inside or outside of any box or blank. The 600dpi head prints high resolution images at speeds up to 1000 fpm (300 mpm) on virtually any coated or uncoated stock. A recirculating, filtered, self-cleaning ink system keeps ink fresh and clean to minimize print head maintenance and maximize sys- tem efficiency. Integrated water-cooled LED UV curing instantly sets the ink maximizing throughput and eliminating offsetting. The system is also operable as a water-based ink configuration. The integrated control and graphic editing system allows the operator to easily load, cre- ate and/or edit graphics and set up, edit and store job specification, which can be recalled from memory for quick setup of repeat orders. The drag and drop graphic WYSIWYG ed- itor supports TIFF and PDF graphic formats, CSV files for variable data printing and sup- ports over 50 barcode standards including code 128 and 93. “DigiFlex is specifically engineered for the corrugated and folding carton markets,” says Burgess. “We’ve designed it to be easy to use and simple to maintain to minimize crew inter- vention. It also features a heavy-duty construc- tion designed to withstand the vibration and operating environment associated with the corrugated converting process.”
20
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
‘‘ When JB said the XL-UP upgrade would improve our productivity by a minimum of 20%, I was a bit skeptical. However, in just 2 days we went from 4,500 sph at 100% dryer power to 7,000 sph at 80% dryer power on coated paper. That’s a 55% increase in productivity with a 20% reduction in power consumption!” Pierpaolo Calderoni – TECO Srl, Conselice, Italy
Optimizes the Productivity, Safety and Profitability of your JB dryers
Minimum of 20% increase in drying efficiency Reduced annual operating costs Maximized safety
Before XL-UP
After XL-UP
®
Productivity — Quality — Profitability
JB MACHINERY
©2021 JB Machinery Inc., | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com
EAM-Mosca Introduces MAX-Q Strapping System
is eliminated. With that requirement removed, also gone are the momentum changes that contribute to bundle shifting. Bundle shifting demands slower run speeds and contributes to unplanned downtime. Both benefits en- hance overall bundle integrity in such a meaningful way to allow for higher bundle counts and consequently even additional throughput potential. The MAX-Q features an innovative, patent-pending variable-length roller conveyor that enables a 48 per- cent reduction in line space compared to the SQ4A Tan- dem System, from 160.8-inches to only 83.6-inches. The space-saving shorter footprint simplifies the high-speed conveying of unstable small box bundles that complicates conventional bundling systems. The unique simultaneous strapping feature allows the MAX-Q to strap twin bundles as short as 7-inches each (produced from a single 14-inch bundle before slitting) and as long as 25-inches each (produced from a single 50-inch bundle before slitting). Themaximumone-up bundle length for centered straps is 40-inches with maximum widths of 56-inches with squaring and 63-inches without squaring. Larger boxes in one-up bundles are typically strapped by the downstream strapper, with the upstream unit on stand- by in the event of technical issues. In this case, the system can strap up to 24 single bundles per minute. System set- ups are fast, convenient, and performed by operator input or data transfer from the flexo or upstream control system CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Hazle Township, Pennsylvania based EAM-Mosca Cor- poration has introduced its newest strapping system, the Max-Q. Well known for the successful SQ4A Tandem Sys- tem, EAM-Mosca’s new MAX-Q reinvents the conventional Tandem System by combining proven technologies with new designs and product handling. As box production speeds and bundle counts continue to increase, particularly on two-up stacks of small boxes produced by box slitters or bundle breakers, EAM-Mosca looked for a way to increase bundle throughput without loss of performance or reliability. The new system integrates two strappers whose po- sition can be varied inside a fixed-length chassis to align with the strap-to-strap distance of adjoining bundles. This unique design allows it to strap two bundles simultaneous- ly without separating the bundle after slitting. By simulta- neously strapping, the MAX-Q increases bundle through- puts by 48 percent from 32 per minute in the current industry-leading SQ4A Tandem System to 48 per minute. Beyond the throughput benefits outlined above, the sys- tem also improves bundle handling integrity. Unstrapped bundle travel is reduced by as much as 74 percent when running smaller bundles. In addition, the need for bundle pacing to create separation, required for current systems,
Let’s Tell Our Recycling Story
Investment, Jobs Created, Tons Produced
Rick Van Horne, Director of Creative Marketing srvan614@me.com Corrugated Supplies Corp. LLC
22
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
Unbox new opportunities
Make the move to digital – and unbox your business with the power of just-in-time jobs, fast-cycle proofs and prototypes, and customized campaigns. With the EFI TM Nozomi C18000 Plus digital press for corrugated packaging and POS, you can offer endless creative opportunities with VDP, white ink, and more. And personalize runs from one to infinity at higher margins and with lower costs – all in a single pass. Let’s build your brilliant future. Together. Visit nozomi.efi.com/bcn to learn how corrugated converters and packaging printers are opening up new opportunities.
THE GAME CHANGE
Meet The Latest Squaring Bundler From EAM-Mosca
Built on proven technologies from over 35 years experience, our new MAX-Q squaring bundler keeps bundles together after a box slitter and straps them simultaneously for faster, more controlled product handling. Greater Throughput Reliably increase throughput by simultaneously strapping with SoniXs ® ultrasonic sealing technology. Ultimate Flexibility
74 % Reduced Transit Distance Of Unstrapped Bundle* Up To
48 BPM Up To
48 % Reduced Line Space *
Maintain system flexibility on a wide variety of load sizes. Optimized Solution Manage small bundles exiting a box slitter without the complexity of high-speed transport.
Visit our website or speak to your local sales rep to find out more.
#bundlingbettertogether
www.eammosca.com | 844-859-6968
24
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
ER!
* When compared to an EAM-Mosca SQ4 Tandem System.
PATENT PENDING
Boxes Inc. Expands Into Digital Finishing With Highcon Beam 2C St. Louis, Missouri based Boxes Inc. has reportedly be- come the first company in the U.S. to install a Highcon Beam 2C digital finishing system for corrugated earlier this year. The company added the Beam 2C to its digital work- flow primarily to support its online, customized packaging web-to-pack site, Xceed, but is now also expanding usage to support other more traditional parts of the organization. Describing the install as its easiest ramp-up ever, Boxes Inc. benefitted most from the increased speed-to-market afforded by Highcon’s digital finishing technology. With a commitment to excellence, Boxes, Inc., together with sub- sidiary Mid America Display, has been producing industrial shipping and packaging products, POP displays and sig- nage for over 40 years.
EAM-Mosca’s MAX-Q (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
The Max-Q can be configured in left or right-hand ver- sions and features the highly successful Mosca SoniXs® Series 6 sealer and strap track found in the SQ4A Tandem System. The standard system includes three strappers, two active units, and a spare, along with two transfer carts to provide fast, convenient bundler removal and insertion in under five minutes for maximum uptime with convenient offline storage. Due to the new bi-directional accumulator, each strapper is interchangeable and can be placed in ei- ther the up or downstream position within the Max-Q chas- sis. Dual dispensers with automatic coil changers come standard, and a portable maintenance station provides the ability to perform strapper maintenance remotely. EAM-Mosca’s Max-Q can enable box makers to take full advantage of faster flexos and bundle splitters in response to increased demand for smaller boxes.
“We have installed a number of new ma- chines over the last few years, and this was by far the easiest ramp-up I have had the privilege of being part of,” said Jason Mueller, Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Within weeks, we were routing and running 10 to 15 production orders a day on the Highcon.” Mike Ciaramella, Highcon V.P. Sales & Gen- eral Manager, Americas added, “The close re- lationship between Boxes Inc. and our Highcon team has been key to their highly successful implementation of our technology. We look forward to continuing to support their business in the future.” Boxes Inc. is currently running two shifts, substantially improving their overall efficiency. “If I had to pick one benefit as the ‘key bene- fit’ I would have to say that we have benefited most from the speed-to-market improvements the Highcon system has provided,” added Mueller. “We no longer have the delay from or- dering tooling. We have reduced our delivery time by more than 40 percent.” The Highcon Beam 2C digital finishing system is available in two configurations: pal- let-based and a non-stop version with non- stop feeder, non-stop stacker and waste re- moval. It has been engineered to meet the stringent market requirements for corrugated packaging, which includes having a non-crush process, being customizable to enable right- sizing and light-weighting of packaging; and being strong enough to allow a product to be shipped in its own box; while providing a pos- itive and increasingly satisfying “unboxing ex- perience” that supports brand owners. Visit www.boxesinc.com or www.highcon. net/product/highcon-beam-2c/ for more in- formation
Once recycled, corrugated box fibers are used 7-10 times to make new boxes and other paper products. And, more corrugated packaging is recovered for recycling than any other packaging material. Corrugated attracts eco-conscious customers who prefer to choose sustainably packaged products. Environmentally Responsible. Recyclable. Compostable. Extraordinary.
Learn more at boxesareextraordinary.com
26
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
It’s time to revolutionize The new CorruCUT rotary die-cutter pushes what is possible
The CorruCUT is designed for high-performance rotary production of die-cut corrugated products with ultimate flexo post-printing quality. You will achieve paramount performance from the latest embedded technology with a brand new operating concept. It is available with the industry's shortest lead time from our factory to your floor. The CorruCUT has a maximum production output of 12,000 boards per hour, including setup while running, integrated remote maintenance for the ultimate uptime, and the easiest machine to operate – the CorruCUT will increase your profitability. Call us to set up a custom demonstration. Koenig & Bauer (+1) 214 790-8801 jurgen.gruber@koenig-bauer.com koenig-bauer.com
Greif’s Watson (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )
feel safe,” Watson said — while the importance of account- ability aligned to value creation is also addressed. The Greif Way also espouses that the company must seek to deliver a superior customer experience, create value for customers through a solutions-based approach, and earn customers’ trust and loyalty. The Greif Way addresses ‘Enhanced Performance’ through value-driven growth — “Nothing creates value unless you do it for the customer,” Watson said — margin and free cash flow expansion via the Greif Business Sys- tem, and integrating sustainability to the company’s busi- ness model. “The environment and sustainability have to be core to the business,” said Watson, who spoke of the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, especially in regards to marginal gains. “If every one of our 16,500 employees can make a small but significant improvement
to our customers’ experiences every day, then those mar- ginal gains become very significant over time,” he said. Like most companies, Greif faced a massive upheaval from Covid-19. From supply chain disruptions to econom- ic uncertainty, nothing personally affected Watson more
than the inability to visit face-to-face with his multi-national team members. “You cannot lead culture from behind a desk,” he said. This meant that, like many others, Watson had to turn to Zoom, but he has worked around the clock to make certain to stay in touch with team members and to hear what they have to say. “To be a leader, you must first listen,” he said. “In addition, you must respect people’s time, employees and customers. So, if I am doing a Zoom meeting with someone who is overseas, we conduct the call on their time. That means if I have to make the Zoom call at 4:00 a.m. my time, I’m happy to do so. I want people to know, as part of our culture, that their time is important to me.” Watson also shared the Core Values at the heart of The Greif Way: Ethical : We can be trusted to do what is right. Grief’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics guides our decisions and actions. Strong through diversity : We encourage and embrace our diversity of culture, lan- guage, location and thought. Our differences define but do not divide us; our common inter- ests unite us. From the many we are one: Greif. Serious about sustainability : We honor our history as we focus on our future. We use fi- nancial, natural and human resources wisely without compromising the ability of future gen- erations to meet their needs. Committed to continuous improvement : We always look for ways to make our work, products, services, and our company better. As a parting thought, Watson made it clear that there is nothing accidental about a com- pany’s culture. “You must be intentional in driv- ing culture.”
28
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 16, 2021
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog