BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years August 19, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 34
Vineland Packaging: Ongoing Investments = Sizable Dividends BY LEN PRAZYCH Southern New Jersey is home to several noteworthy points of inter- est: Cape May, the Victorian-era resort town on the Atlantic Ocean’s edge at the state’s southernmost tip; Atlantic City, the gambling and entertainment mecca less than an hour’s drive to the north; the Pine Barrens, the largest remaining example of the Atlantic coastal pine bar- rens ecosystem that spans seven New Jersey counties and is home
BCN Seeks Submissions for 9/9 Issue At SuperCorrExpo Attention all box makers and suppliers! Board Converting News is an essential component of your marketing plans for North America’s largest corrugated event, TAPPI/AICC Super- Corr Expo, which is just around the corner September 8-12 in Orlando, Florida. As such, we invite you to send your press releases, informational articles, and any other company news you would like to see featured in our big issue on September 9, which will be distributed at the show. This is your opportunity to be highlighted in one of the biggest and most anticipated is- sues of the year that will guarantee you the most exposure possible during the nearly week-long event. As the undisputed source of information and the only weekly publication — in print and online — serving the North American corru- gated and folding carton markets, we want to help share your successes with the industry. Are you planning to have a show-stopping display at SuperCorrExpo? Are you showcas- ing a new technology? Would you like to an- nounce an expansion, new appointment, or a key partnership? Let us know! CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
to the fabled Jersey Devil; and Vineland, the city 35 miles to the east of Philadelphia known for its poultry industry – in the 1930’s it was re- ferred to as the “Egg Basket of America” – as well as a market center for clothing, chemicals and glass manufacturing. More noteworthy, for more than 55 years Vineland has been home to Vineland Packaging Corporation, a third-generation independent box maker owned and operated by the close-knit D’Alessandro family, whose synergies have been growing a sheet plant that continues to prosper well into its sixth decade. The company was founded in 1969 by the son of an Italian immigrant, Joesph D’Alessandro Sr., a produce broker who named the company J&I Industries, its stock in trade being the hand assembly of corrugated partitions for an integrated company, as well as customers in southern New Jersey’s glass-making industry, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Mike D’Alessandro welcomes visitors and customers into the lobby of Vine- land Packaging, his family’s 100,000-square-foot sheet plant in Vineland, New Jersey.
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 AICC Webinar To Highlight Domino Digital Printing 5 SUN To Present Innovations, Key Partnerships At SCE Geo. Martin Names Riley Ostrowski As SE Sales Mgr. 14 PPC Invests In Leaders At PPC Next: Leadership Summit
Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
AICC Webinar To Highlight Domino Digital Printing
AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION
AICC, The Independent Packaging Foundation, invites members to participate in the “Everyday Digital” webinar at 2:00 p.m. ET on August 29. Guest speaker for the vir-
tual event will be Craig Heavener, Domino Installation & Application Engineer. Previously, Heavener was a Customer Lead in Field Service at EFI. He is a graduate of the Universi- ty of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Everyday Digital allows you to uti- lize all of the key ingredients in your plant today, your material and your workforce, and combine with a press built for a corrugated environment, but better. With digital printing, operators do not need to have a background skilled in printing. It attracts the next genera- tion of a younger workforce, and it allows them to operate a touchscreen display while keeping their hands clean. Everyday Digital allows your customers a cost-effective way to quickly change their branding and messaging at a moment’s notice, while allowing you to be more produc- tive, more efficient, and make more money. This webinar is free to AICC members in good stand- ing. Register at aiccbox.org . Craig Heavener
BCN Seeks Submissions (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
The deadline is Friday, August 23. Please aim for un- der 500 words and include a high-resolution photo with
captions. You may send your news to Len Prazych, Edi- tor-in-Chief, lprazych@nvpub- lications.com, and Susan Ri- ley, Associate Editor, sriley@ nvpublications.com. Meanwhile, we will be counting down the days to SuperCorrExpo. We look for- ward to seeing you there!
3
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Calling Profero Systems just another equipment supplier is like calling the Tour just a bike ride. Profero Systems
Proven unsurpassed customer service over the long run, commitment to our customers is second to none!
Add value to your Corrugating Process, be the go-to Company for your customers.
DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND!
www.ProferoSystems.com
704-923-0990
PO BOX 950 DALLAS, NC 28034
4
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
SUN To Show Latest Innovations, Key Partnerships At SuperCorrExpo Baltimore, Maryland based SUN Automation Group (SUN), a global provider of innovative corrugated solutions for feeding, printing, and converting, announced it will wel- come customers to SuperCorrExpo in Booth 1731 at the Or- ange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from September 8-12. Visitors can learn more about the SUN625 HD Rotary Die Cutter, SUN’s next-level solution for corrugated manu- facturing. With comprehensive feeding, printing, and con- verting capabilities, the SUN fixed-frame RDC offers more production volume than two traditional RDC machines while producing superior container quality. “We’re incredibly excited to share the SUN625 HD at SuperCorrExpo,” said Eric Aulton, Product Manager-RDC. “This new technology, specifically, a new engineered
POWER PRECISION PERFORMANCE
RDG 115/135 PERFORMANCE SERIES We’ve combined power, precision, and performance into a robust and technically advanced machine.
REALLYGREATSITE.COM
Designed & manufactured in Germany Robust cast-iron construction Hybrid-design: gear driven + servo technology
Up to 8 print units Slot score section Top print available
approach to Rotary Die Cutting, embodies our commitment to innovation and productivity and offers our customers unprecedented machine reliability, product throughput, and product accuracy. It’s setting new standards in effi- ciency and versatility, and we look forward to discussing its transformative capabilities in September.” SUN will also highlight Helios, the company’s machine learning and IIoT platform. The SaaS solution quantifies and analyzes key elements of the corrugated manufactur- ing process. With this data, box plant leaders are empow- ered to make more efficient and informed decisions about when to schedule downtime and order parts to prevent machine failure. “Helios saves box plants time and money by enabling their equipment to work smarter, not harder,” said Gokul Gopakumar, Vice President of Technology and Business Development. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
kolbusamerica.com | sales@kolbus.com | 888-705-0051
5
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
SUN Highlights (CONT’D FROM PAGE 5)
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2024
“Its machine learning capabilities enable predictive maintenance, and its real-time remote monitoring allows for quick identification and resolution of issues. Helios is the 21st-century solution for optimizing the manufacturing process.”
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2024 2023
30.635 33.080
-7.4
7.659 7.518
1.9
Industry Total
Year-to Date
June 2024
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2024 2023
189.589 189.478
0.1
7.464 7.459
0.1
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2024 2023
2.5331 2.7016
-6.2
15.5229 15.5207
0.0
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
In addition, SUN will feature its breadth of strategic global partnerships at SuperCorrExpo. By combining in- dustry leaders’ experience, equipment, service, and tech- nology worldwide, SUN can provide the right solution for any operation and accommodate even the most unique needs. “Our strategic partnerships allow us to expand as a total solutions provider for the corrugated industry,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President. “We can capitalize on our all-encompassing resources to provide individu-
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
June May
2.2316 2.3155
-3.6
3.8 3.5
8.5
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2024 2023
20 22
127 127
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Anvil Covers for Rotary Die-Cutters CST Systems has partnered with a well-established European manufacturer and now offers a full line of premium anvil covers for all rotary die cutters. • Specialize Polyurethane Formula • Fiberglass Net Backing
• Interlocking Design • Boltless Mounting • Available in Multiple Widths Let’s talk about what’s possible!
September 8-12, 2024 Orlando, Florida
Booth #1943 Come see us!
770-425-3353 www.cstsystems.net
6
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Visit Our Booth For The Latest Innovations SuperCorr Expo, Sept 9-12, Booth #2031
?
eammosca.com | info@eammosca.com | 844-859-6968
SUN Highlights (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)
(LMC), PARA Srl Machinery and Material Handling for Corru- gated Board, Highcon, and ePS. Since August 2019, SUN Automation Group has been the exclusive representative for Latitude Machinery Corp. in North and Central America. As a Rotary Die Cutter and Flexo Folder Gluer manufacturer with over 100 machine in- stallations in North America, LMC is known for reliability and throughput. As a globally integrated Italian material handling compa- ny and partner to SUN since 2021, PARA boasts a wide vari- ety of material handling solutions for the corrugated indus- try, with 30 plant installations in the U.S. and over 15,000 products installed worldwide. PARA’s extensive product range includes pre-feeders, palletizers, RDC stackers, bun- dle breakers, pallet inserters, vertical storage solutions, pa- per mill roll transports, and unit conveyor systems. SUN and Highcon have been cultivating a growing rela- tionship since 2021. Highcon represents the digital arm of corrugated converting solutions, bringing patented digital cutting and creasing for post-print processes in the folding carton and corrugated carton industries. ePS leverages its extensive product range and global reach to deliver expertise across all aspects of plant opera- tions, from scheduling and MES to ERP solutions. Much like Helios, ePS’ solutions are specifically tailored for corrugat- ed box plants to address both current and future software needs. For more information, visit sunautomation.com .
alized solutions for our customers. We look forward to demonstrating how our current knowledge, experience, and global presence can serve the corrugated commu- nity.” SUN says it is proud to maintain key partnerships to provide solutions for increasing production, efficiency, and profitability. When SuperCorrExpo attendees visit SUN’s booth this year, they can also meet and learn more about these strategic partners including Al-Gar, and a new partner, Versor. Al-Gar is a global leader in corrugated engineering solutions. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the company pro- vides expertise and resources to optimize manufacturing processes with customizable solutions for design, con- trol systems, retrofits, and maintenance. Al-Gar bolsters its comprehensive services with top-of-line product of- ferings that enhance corrugated, paper, and converting operations. SUN will display the Al-Gar Load Tag Inserter, show- casing the latest innovative corrugated solutions. Versor, a maker of Specialty Folder Gluers, joins SUN’s lineup of strategic partners. Their advanced technology enhances the capabilities of corrugated manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient and high-quality output. Versor has installed over 300 machines in Europe alone. Other Key Partners include Latitude Machinery Group
8
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
GET THE RIGHT PARTS FOR ANY STEAM SYSTEM
PARTS TO FIT ALMOST ANY STEAM SYSTEM, DELIVERED WHERE YOU NEED IT, WHEN YOU NEED IT. GET RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL HELP, AND GET THE RIGHT PART EVERYTIME.
Whether you need to design and build a new corrugator steam system or a perfectly matched retrofit, turn to Boiler & Steam Performance for the most efficient process and reliable solution. We also offer specialized expertise to solve complex challenges and practical support to help you maintain peak performance. BACKED BY A 30 YEAR HERITAGE OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE.
706.453.2050 | www.BSPsteam.com/parts
©2019 Boiler & Steam Performance, Inc. All rights reserved.
Kolbus America To Showcase BX Motion Solution At SCE Huntersville, North Carolina based Kolbus America Inc. announced its upcoming appearance on September 8-12 at TAPPI/AICC SuperCorrExpo in Orlando, Florida, where their team will be showcasing BX Motion in booth #2319. Power and innovation are at the heart of their newest innovation and the company says they are confident that the BX Motion is unlike anything else on the market. Fea- tures include fully automatic setup and stacking, inline digital print and glue strip application, and inline waste shredding. The BX Motion is billed as a versatile machine de- signed for short-run production of corrugated boxes, utiliz- ing a modular and multi-functional design which allows for
customizable tool configurations to meet specific produc- tion needs. Capable of handling single, double, and triple wall boxes from E-flute to AAC-flute, the BX Motion offers setup in under 60 seconds and can produce more than 50 FEFCO box styles. For more information, visit kolbusamerica.com.
Balemaster Reaches Out To Students At Job Fair Crown Point, Indiana based Balemaster, founded in 1944, sent representatives to a job fair earlier this year to give students an opportunity to learn more about the
company and career opportunities. Bale- master’s Nick Shute, Production & Sched- uling Manager, and James Valentine, HR Manager, attended the Starke County Ini- tiative for Lifelong Learning (SCILL) Job Fair. Balemaster said it was a great day to speak with the students, encourage them and recognize their skills obtained through hard work and wonderful programs of- fered in the community such as SCILL. Balemaster will also be exhibiting its baler solutions and technology on a much bigger stage on September 8-12 during the TAPPI/AICC SuperCorr Expo trade show in Orlando, Florida, booth #2344.
10
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
More years in the industry More hard lessons learned More goals attained More relationships forged More expertise earned More uptime ensured More reliability proven More installations completed More successes shared
Because you deserve More Expect More
MEET THE NEW LINEUP!
BOOTH # 915
hairegroup.com
Geo. Martin Appoints Riley Ostrowski As Southeast Sales Manager Emeryville, California based Geo. M. Martin Company, an industry supplier of rotary die cutter stackers and nicked bundle line components, announced the addition of Riley Ostrowski as Southeast Regional Sales Manager. Riley will
be responsible for servicing existing and new Geo. M. Martin customers throughout the Southeast United States, as well as further developing the regional market. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Riley will assume the territory previously served by Kevin Ables prior to his re-
Scrap and Waste Handling Systems
Riley Ostrowski
▲ Shredders to keep your facility clear of sheet waste, peel wrap and cores
tirement. His territory includes all the Southeastern states from West Virgina and Kentucky south, and the Midwest states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Riley has a degree in mechanical engineering from Kennesaw State and a background in project management, previous- ly serving as Senior Project Engineer for a large national industrial/commercial construction company. “We’re very happy to have Riley as part of our technical sales team”, says Jason Smith, VP Sales at Geo. M. Martin. “He will be an asset to Geo. Martin, and to our customers throughout his region.” Call Riley at (678) 766-3993 or via email at rostrowski@geomartin.com.
▲ Core shredders for heavy cores ▲ Trim cutters to remove edge-trim from production lines ▲ Material handling fans for fully integrated scrap removal
See us at SuperCorrExpo 2024. Booth #1147
www.bloapco.com 800.959.0880
© 2024 Blower Application Company, Inc., Germantown, WI
WPR SERVICES 7/29/24 11:49 AM
SuperCorrAd BCN 072524r04.indd 1
video analysis
machine metrics
audio analysis
led signage
safety monitoring
communicators
ergometrics & haptic feedback
conveyor controls
custom dashboards
9059 Technology Lane Fishers, IN 46038 317.513.5269 WPR SERVICES
12
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
EnCore Modules:
PPC Unites Leaders at Inaugural PPC Next: Leadership Summit In Chicago The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) announced the success of its inaugural PPC Next: Leadership Summit, held July 17-19 at the RRD Corporate Offices in the Greater Chicago area. The sold-out event, with programming sponsored by Sappi North America, marked a significant milestone in the paperboard packaging community, bringing together top talent to foster community, sharpen leadership skills, and address the pressing issues facing many professionals today. The PPC Next: Leadership Summit was not just a gathering of industry professionals, but a platform designed to equip PPC member companies with practical tools to engage and retain their most promising leaders.
Customer Care Portal
Quality Management
TopGun
ScrapTrakker
Sign & Drive Visual Analytics
Advanced Planning Board
ScoreKeeper
The summit, held over three days, featured dynamic discussions, collab- orative sessions, and deep-rooted networking opportunities. The con- tent emphasized practical tools that left attendees equipped and ready to tackle the challenges faced in their respective roles. The ‘Leaders at Every Level’ session was a standout at the summit, offering a unique opportunity for personal development. Led by Teri Kinsella, Talent Optimization Advisor for PI MidAtlantic, Kinsella deliv- ered insights into The Predictive Index (PI) Behavioral Assessment and gave attendees a comprehensive understanding of their natural working styles and how they influence diverse teams. The ‘Self-Aware Leader Exercise’ that followed was a practical tool for identifying strengths and areas for improvement, fostering deeper self-awareness and hands-on techniques for effective teamwork and collaboration. Keynote speaker, Bakul Wadgaonkar, Director of Sustainability for Sappi North America, educated and inspired leaders with insights on sustainability in emissions reduction, forestry, water stewardship, stake- holder engagement, supply chain, and product footprint. Her keynote delivered actionable strategies for converters of folding cartons, em- phasizing the importance of incorporating climate-smart elements into everyday decisions. Wadgaonkar reiterated the importance of industry collaboration in her closing message, inspiring attendees with her mes- CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 PPC Board Member Lisa Pruett, President of the Packaging and Labels Seg- ment of RRD (middle right), stopped by to greet her team and welcome the leaders to their facility. RRD served as the warm hosts for the Summit, inspir- ing engagement, camaraderie, and partnership.
Corrugator Scheduling
Automated Performance Costing
Partner Integrations:
14
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Do More with Less APB is an automated and integrated plant planning system designed to help your schedulers do less manual work. By utilizing scheduling optimization technology, your planning department can focus on exceptions only. Visibility Enables Optimization Our intuitive scheduling solution features seamless, bidirectional data flows with core backend systems. Easy-to-Understand Dashboards Machine capacity charts provide graphical real-time information of the equipment’s backlog state and next available delivery dates. Improve Capacity through Automation Our proprietary algorithms leverage cutting edge automation to dynamically prioritize your most critical scheduling constraints. ADVANCED PLANNING BOARD
215.639.9540
|
sales@amtechsoftware.com
|
www.amtechsoftware.com
PPC Unites (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
from, and how mentorship has transformed their careers – noting that the lifelong connections they’ve cultivated through PPC have been paramount to their success. During the discussion, Codo highlighted the impor- tance of making industry connections and the power of friendship, urging attendees to “Get involved early. You’ll grow faster by surrounding yourself with sharp people.”
sage of unity: "The more we do to support biodiversity, the more it will enhance circularity. We’re stronger as an indus- try when we work together.” The event also featured an engaging PPC Industry Pan- el, where industry leaders shared their enthusiasm for the
The PPC Next leadership class of 2024 came together for PPC’s inaugural PPC Next: Leadership Summit. The exclusive, interac- tive meeting united, ignited, and built the most promising leaders in the paperboard packaging industry..
industry and highlighted the successes and challenges they have faced over the years. The panel featured re- nowned industry veterans, including Bill Codo, Executive Vice President of Accord Carton Company, and Ken Pet- ty, President of Indiana Carton Company. Codo and Petty shared their real-life leadership lessons, reflections from their worst and best decisions, mistakes they’ve learned
Petty reaffirmed this sentiment and added, “When you need to solve a problem, be patient and invite the right people in the room – the only way to create ownership is to communicate context and provide the ‘why.’” Another noteworthy session was “Preparing for and Executing Difficult Conversations,” where participants CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
PageWide Corrugated Digital Presses See the Difference - Feel the Impact
Scan to learn more
HP corrugated digital presses embody the synthesis of technological advancement and sustainability. These presses are engineered to deliver unparalleled print quality, versatility, and speed, catering to the dynamic demands of the corrugated packaging market. This portfolio is more than just a showcase of innovation, it’s a tool for economical, faster, and sustainable production.
Join us at SUPERCORR EXPO September 8 - 12, Orlando, Florida, booth #1055
HP's Water Based Ink
Accurate Media Motion
HP's Thermal Inkjet Technology
16
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
DOUBLE NEXT DIE CUTTER THE OUTPUT OF YOUR
ASK US HOW.
Booth 2331
GEO. M. Martin Company • 1250 67th Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States 510.652.2200 • Fax 510.652.6447 • email info@geomartin.com The Martin logo and Quik-Break are Registered Trademarks of the Geo. M. Martin Company.
Creative Solutions Since 1929
PPC Unites (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
UNFOLD THE POWER OF CONNECTION WITH THE
learned strategies for addressing challenging conver- sations with confidence and poise using the DESC (De- scribe, Express, Specify, and Consequences) framework.
PAPERBOARD PACKAGING COUNCIL
EDUCATION
ANALYTICS
The summit addressed the need for effective time man- agement in today's fast-paced industry with a session on “Mastering Time Management.” This session covered vari- ous tools and techniques essential for productivity. Public speaking, a crucial skill for leaders, was also ad- dressed during the summit. Attendees received tips on establishing credibility, harnessing the power of persua- sion, and preparing impactful presentations. This session Bakul Wadgaonkar, Director of Sustainability for Sappi North America delivered an engaging industry keynote.
COMMUNITY
INNOVATION
Open the box at paperbox.org
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.
For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com
18
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
PPC Unites (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)
tangible skills to better equip their organizations to com- pete in the marketplace and a strong network of peers for camaraderie, best practice sharing, and friendship. PPC will host its next major event September 30 to October 2 at its Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference in
aimed to help participants overcome nerves and deliver their messages with confidence. Emily Leonczyk, VP and Executive Director of PPC, de- livered an inspiring introduction where she reflected on her five years with the organization – highlighting the re- silience and growth of the industry, especially through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Covid was hard, but it strengthened our industry; it increased demand and created further momentum towards the demand for paper-based solutions. I’m excited to be part of an industry undergoing a revolution, and I hope you walk away from this event with more excitement, enthusiasm, and commit- ment to shaping our future together,” said Leonczyk. Laura Brodie, CEO of Pusterla 1880 North America and PPC’s Board Chair, expressed her delight with the sum- mit’s success. “The PPC Next: Leadership Summit was an outstanding success. Seeing so many talented individuals come together, eager to learn and grow, was inspiring. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by this leader- ship cohort gives me great confidence in the future of our industry. I’m assured our leaders are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and are equipped to drive innovation and sustainability in paperboard packaging,” said Brodie. The PPC Next: Leadership Summit provided compa- nies an exclusive opportunity to identify and invest in their current and future leaders. Attendees left the summit with
Atlanta, Georgia where members are poised to celebrate PPC’s 95th Anniversary and winners of the 81st Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition and 2024 Student Design Challenge. For more information, email Irene Costello, PPC’s Di- rector of Operations, at irene@paperbox.org. From left, Bill Codo, EVP of Accord Carton Co., Teri Kinsella, Talent Optimization Advisor at Predictive Index MidAtlantic, and Ken Petty, President of Indiana Carton Co.
20
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Visit us at Booth 1371
Challenge the Status Quo A lot has stayed the same in the industry over the years. But, if you’re looking to improve your conveyor systems and find new solutions to increase your efficiency, safety, and functionality — we’d love to meet with you.
Learn more at MainlineConveyor.com/SuperCorr
Rethinking Conveyor Solutions
Vineland Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
to printing up to four colors on its flexo and rotary die cutter lines, to manufacturing corrugated assembled par- titions, Vineland has evolved into a “one-stop shop” for complete packaging solutions and strategies. All of which meant it was only a matter of time before the company
who were first drawn to the area because of its sandy soil. Joseph Sr. retired in 1994, when his sons Joe Jr. and Dave took over the business and renamed it Vineland Packaging Corporation (VPC). Joseph Sr.’s grandchildren, Joseph III, Michael, Anthony, and Christina D’Alessandro now share ownership and control. Joseph III’s son, Jo- seph IV, at 25-years-old, represents the 4th, generation of D’Alessandro working in the family business. Mike D’Alessandro wears “a lot of hats,” the biggest one being sales. Mike’s brother Joe manages customer service, including IT. Christina keeps tabs on accounting and bookkeeping. And Anthony, the Operations Manag- er who Mike calls the “resident gearhead,” oversees plant maintenance and keeps the production floor running at peak efficiency. “I don’t remember a ‘you do this or you do that’ discus- sion,” says Mike about the appointment of duties amongst family members. “We all just seemed to just gravitate to the area of the business that best suited us. That’s worked out well, mostly because the primary thing that all of us in the third generation agree on is continual investment in the company.” The Spectrum Of Converting Solutions Serving industrial, pharmaceutical and food service markets, Vineland Packaging offers the spectrum of con- verting solutions. From package design and prototyping,
would be investing in and growing its footprint, which it did in 2013 by adding 20,000-square-feet to its existing 40,000-square-foot facility. Two years later, the company added a pre-owned mini flexo and a pre-owned rotary die cutter in what was sup- posed to be additional warehouse space. But that quick- A Baysek C170 has been a die cutting workhorse that has been on Vineland Packaging’s production floor for years.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
MESIROW INVESTMENT BANKING
Over 200 packaging transactions completed, including:
Leading M&A advisor to the corrugated industry
Learn more at mesirow.com/packaging
As of 5.1.2024 | Mesirow Financial, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC
22
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
SHINKO SUPER ALPHA
MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.
SHINKO Super Alpha High Speed Quick Set Flexo Folder Gluer
• Fast 2 minute set up • Fast run speeds up to 450 SPM • Fixed frame architecture • Fully servo driven • Set-up while running • Extremely accurate registration • Energy efficient Sizes Available: 23” X 71” to 47” X 106” Available for immediate shipment.
1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com
SINCE 1955
Vineland Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
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.
ly turned into production space, so Vineland Packaging acquired an off-site, 30,000-square-foot facility, where it does its warehousing and partition work. In 2021, Vineland began a second expansion that in- cluded the purchase of a new 66-inch by 125-inch, 4-col- or Apstar HG2 1632 Rotary Die Cutter from Haire Group. “When we purchased the Apstar, we decided to add two JB Machinery ColorDry XL 3000 dryer units to enhance our printing capabilities as well as maximize throughput and increase run speeds,” says Mike. “ColorDry provided exactly what we were looking for. It also provided the extra capability to print on Kemi, which allowed us to bring in some projects that were just out of our reach before.”
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
Vineland Packaging added JB ColorDry dryer units (above) and JB KleenPlate 3.0 (below) to its Apstar Rotary Die Cutter.
SPECIALTY FOLDER GLUERS • Operator Training • Rebuilds and Relocations • Reconditioning in Racine • Parts & Machine Reviews • GUARANTEED IMPROVEMENT TOROSIAN TECH SERVICES INC. Training and Reconditioning Center 930 Tenth Street • Racine, WI 53403 (800) 555-5876 (U.S. only) Phone: (262) 633-5133 • Fax: (262) 633-5176
A year after the installation of the Apstar, the company added two KleenPlate 3.0 units to the press. “We were constantly stopping to clean the print plates,” says Antho- ny D’Alessandro, Operations Manager. “You lose signif- icant production if you’re frequently stopping to remove even the smallest piece of dust.” Anthony says that the combination of ColorDry and KleenPlate helped Vineland greatly enhance their workflow and their overall printing capabilities. Vineland added a brand new Baysek die cutter in 2019 to replace a pre-owned T-series that was installed in 2009. The 2021 expansion also saw the addition of a Bobst of 820 Flexo Folder Gluer. “We were fortunate because we had the machine installed before lead times got crazy,” remembers Mike. “Again, it just came down to continually
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
24
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
MEET THE NEW LINEUP!
BOOTH # 915
PLUS THE BEST SERVICE AND SUPPORT IN THE BUSINESS. SAFETY EFFICIENCY UPTIME PLUS THE BEST SERVICE AND SUPPORT IN THE BUSINESS. SAFETY EFFICIENCY UPTIME
GET MORE OUT OF YOUR PRODUCTION. REACH OUT TODAY! hairegroup.com GET MORE OUT OF YOUR PRODUCTION. REACH OUT TODAY! hairegroup.com
26
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Vineland Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
which gave us the opportunity to show a lot more people the high level of service and quality we could provide.” Vineland Packaging does not have a corrugator, nor is it affiliated with a sheet feeder; the company has rela- tionships with both independents and integrateds for its containerboard. 65 employees work two shifts. In addition to ecommerce, pharma, and food service, many of its cus- tomers are in the glass industry, which is still prevalent in southern New Jersey. “You name it and we probably do it,” says Mike. “I see Vineland Packaging as your typical industrial mix sheet plant.” He also knows his company’s “lane” when he says, “We’re not going to do anything in bulk and we’ve never had a flexo larger than 50-inches, so we’re not going to need a jumbo. We have three 4-color machines but we don’t feel that that puts us in the POP space. I just think that in today’s corrugated market you have to walk that fine line of POP and brown box because everything is kind of blurred from the standpoint of display ready shippers.” Growth In Sales Force Expansion and new machinery investments also meant growth in Vineland’s sales staff. To help manage that criti- cal task, Mike D’Alessandro turned to Mark Neely of Mark Neely Seminars, a consulting organization dedicated to designing and presenting sales skills training to compa- nies of all sizes. “I attended a Sales Manager’s Conference at an AICC
investing in our operations. It was really the only way we were going to grow.” The Covid Spike Like other corrugated and sheet plants across the country, Vineland Packaging saw a spike during Covid, which included a lot of new ecommerce work for integrat- ed companies. “We went into it clear-eyed and took on
a lot of new business we knew wasn’t going to be here forever,” says Mike. “We knew that some of this business was going to go away but were fortunate in that a lot of it ended up sticking. Then new business began to trickle in from independent corrugators and other sheet plants, AG Stacker machinery occupies a prominent place in one of Vineland Packaging’s converting lines.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Mark Neely Training and Consulting Services Over 20 years experience delivering Sales & Negotiation Training to the Corrugated Industry
Training Topics Include: • Prospecting • Trust Building and Differentiation • Sales Process Accountability • Negotiating Skills
Consulting Services Include: • Outsourced Sales Management • Building Cooperative and
Collaborative Teams • On-boarding of New Sales Reps
markneely5476@gmail.com 310-346-5476 www.markneelyseminars.com
28
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Process Automation for Optimized Performance & Profitability
®
JB MACHINERY
Each JB product optimizes the performance of your operation. But when combined they maximize the performance and profitability of the entire process!
Fully automated drying and power management
2023 FEFCO Silver Award/Best Innovation energy savings and resource optimization
Fully automated ink management with temperature, pH & viscosity control
Fully automated plate washing system
2021 AICC Innovator of the Year
Combine for maximized benefit!
Productivity — Quality — Profitability
JB Machinery Inc. | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com
Vineland Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
national meeting in 2011 and Mark Neely was one of the instructors,” says Mike. “I really enjoyed his program and had read his articles in Board Converting News, all of which helped me realize that we had to have a clear-eyed understanding of what our shortcomings were, what our strengths were and what are weaknesses were with ev- erything involved in hiring new salespeople.” Mike felt that by not bringing in a professional like Neely to help with advertising, interviewing, onboarding and training, he was
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
The Apstar’s extended and print feed sections. Inline sheet cleaning and chamber ink metering with twin ink pumps has allowed Vineland Packaging to grow its marketing opportuni- ties.
setting Vineland Packaging up for failure. “I had to realize that I couldn’t do everything. I’ve had success as a sales- person but that didn’t mean I was a good sales trainer,” he says. In 2017, D’Alessandro reached out to Neely, who asked about Vineland Packaging’s goals and what he could offer the company. After agreeing on a business relationship, Vineland Packaging published an ad for a sales position. “As applicants came in, I would look at the resumes and if they looked interesting, I’d shoot them over to Mark to take a look,” says D’Alessandro. “Most of the time we agreed on an applicant, but in some cases, Mark would ask ‘have you considered this?’ or ‘have you noticed that?’, which forced me to rethink my decision. It was great to have that second set of professional eyes on this and Mark’s perspective was very helpful.” From the first round of recruiting came three candi- dates and D’Alessandro hired all three. Neely then trav- CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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.
30
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
LIGHTER STRONGER SUSTAINABLE Refibreing the corrugated structure™
LINERBOARD A LIGHTWEIGHT SO POWERFUL, YOU’D THINK IT WAS A HEAVYWEIGHT
containerboard.kruger.com
FSC | ISO 14001 | SFI | ISO 9001 | FDA Compliant | C-TPAT Certified
Vineland Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 30)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
eled from his headquarters in Texas to Vineland, New Jer- sey, to conduct onboarding and sales training. As it turned out, one of the new hires didn’t make it through the first week. Neely continued working with the remaining two – neither of whom had sales experience or corrugated industry experience – on how to generate leads, how to use LinkedIn to develop business relationships and add- ed some “Corrugated 101” classes. The second hire lasted a couple of months when Neely and D’Alessandro deter- mined he wasn’t really working hard enough to be the suc- cess he needed to be. The third candidate has performed extremely well and seven years later, in 2024, continues to be a valuable and productive member of Vineland Pack- aging’s sales team.
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.
AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net
AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.
The SQ4 can strap and bundle up to 24 units per minute.
Earlier this year, one of the company’s existing salesper- sons retired and another one was in his 70s and “knocking on the retirement door.” D’Alessandro decided it was time to hire two new salepersons, which meant another call to Mark Neely. “We had a great experience the first time around so I said, ‘let’s do this again,’” says D'Alessandro. “Mark visited to help train and onboard them and got them up to speed as quickly and as efficiently as possible.” This is, in fact, Neely’s primary goal. “Building success early helps to develop a confident and productive sales professional,” he says. “For a newly hired sales rep, get- ting started on the right foot and then getting comfortable enough to move forward quickly through the early stages of a new job can be challenging. It’s a big investment for both the new hire and the employer. Increasing the likeli- hood of success through immediate and comprehensive training helps to ensure that both parties succeed in their goals.” Both salespersons, who became Vineland Packaging employees in May of this year, are still with the company, are enjoying their jobs and starting to build strong sales numbers. “I understand it’s only been a few months and it’s going to take time, but I have a very good feeling about both of them,” says D’Alessandro. “And I know Mark is just a phone call away to help with anything I need.”
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
32
www.boardconvertingnews.com
August 19, 2024
Macarbox manufactures technologically advanced and high performance converting machinery for corrugated board. We are honored to present our wide product range to the US market: and Digital Printing machines. The biggest international groups from the corrugated industry work with us and conceive Macarbox as THE “alternative” : European technology, high performance and excellent cost- performance ratio! THE High Performance Alternative Flexo Folder Gluers, Rotary Die Cutters, Corrugators, Laser Cutting
European Located in Bilbao (Spain), Macarbox o ers 100% European designed and manufactured solutions.
Manufacturer 87% of the machine’s
Innovative More than 10 patented solutions, FEFCO Golden Award
Reliable Our customers repeat
and there are no 2 nd hand Macarbox machines on the market.
components are produced by our group companies, a few miles away from our HQ.
for best innovation and in house R&D department.
For more details please contact Sales Manager USA Irina Strugova istrugova@macarbox.com T. (502) 921 - 3323
www.macarbox.com
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 Ebook Creator