American Packaging Corp. Completes Expansion

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—American Packaging Corporation recently completed its $17.5 million plant expansion at its Rotogravure Printing and Laminating facility in Columbus, Wis. The project included the purchase of several new pieces of equipment and facility upgrades, as well as 100,000 square feet of additional operating space.

New state-of-the-art equipment includes: a 10-color Comexi rotogravure press with in-line lamination; a third cylinder storage retrieval system; modernized ink department with two ink dispensing units; laser scoring equipment, a Catbridge turreted simplex slitter, and a fully robotic material handling system. The expansion resulted in hiring 15 additional full-time positions. A sustainable focus was maintained throughout the expansion process, including installation of skylights and windows to provide natural lighting, as well as the installation of a state-of-the-art regenerative thermal oxidizer. During the construction, 100 percent of the demolition materials were separated and recycled, including wood, steel, glass, and brick.

“The owners are impressed by the commitment this facility has shown, and believe that through strategic investment in our facilities and most importantly attracting and retaining the best people in the industry, we will continue to thrive as a company,” says American Packaging President and CEO Peter Schottland.

The continued investment by American Packaging demonstrates its confidence in its business and desire to grow with its customers. This expansion follows a $12.7 million expansion at its Extrusion Laminating and Coating facility in Rochester, N.Y. completed in 2009 and a $16.5 million expansion at its Flexographic Printing and Laminating operation in Story City, Iowa in 2010.