Printer News - January 2012

Menasha Earns Four PPC Awards

NEENAH, Wis.—Menasha Packaging's Folding Carton Group received four awards at the 68th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The contest, coordinated by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), is a leading competition for carton manufacturers involved in the concept, design, print, performance, and shelf appeal of paperboard packaging.

Menasha won awards in the general category, which were judged on overall package development and design; the package's impact on production, manufacturing, storage, and warehousing; economics; brand enhancement and marketing; and impact on the retail store shelf.

Menasha's winning designs included:

• Gold Award—Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Mix for customer Williams-Sonoma. Rather than a traditional square carton, the unique shape of this package adds character and selling power. High-quality graphics compliment the carton design.
• Excellence Award—Stella Artois 6-pack/1 Glass Gift Pack for customer Anheuser-Busch. This package features a rectangular design and sturdy handles. The product is visible through cutouts in the package, and the white carton helps the package pop off the shelf.
• Excellence Award—FULL Fast Appetite Control for customer Medestea. This carton uses a unique substrate, along with distinctive embossing and graphics to draw the consumer to the package.
• Excellence Award—Golfers' Ultimate 6-Pack for customer Anheuser-Busch. An attractive and unique package along with a familiar beverage and game gives this retail gift pack a winning edge.

CCL Industries Appoints License Holder in Turkey

TORONTO, Ontario—CCL Industries Inc. has appointed a new license holder for shrink sleeve labels in Turkey. Dekopak Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Tic. A.S. (Dekopak) started business in 2005 and is headed by Peter Zegir. The company is based in Istanbul and manufactures sleeve labels for multinational customers in the region.

The license agreement is effective January 1, 2012 and provides for the transfer of CCL technologies and the cooperation of both companies to leverage supplier and customer relationships. Dekopak will change its trading name to CCL-Dekopak and will operate under CCL Label's corporate identity system. CCL-Dekopak will complement CCL's existing European sleeve label operations in Austria, France, and the UK.

Geoffrey T. Martin, president and chief executive officer, commented, "We have known and admired Peter's business for some time and are very pleased we have finally been able to cement this new relationship."

Graphic Packaging Expands Packaging Segments

MARIETTA, Ga.—Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced the combination of its multi-wall bag and specialty plastics packaging businesses with the kraft paper and multi-wall bag businesses of Delta Natural Kraft, LLC (DNK) and Mid-America Packaging, LLC (MAP), both wholly owned subsidiaries of Capital Five Investments, LLC (CVI).

"We are excited about combining our multi-wall bag and specialty plastics packaging assets with those of Delta Natural Kraft and Mid-America Packaging," said David Scheible, Graphic Packaging's president and chief executive officer. "The combined entity further strengthens our position as a provider of these products, while vertically integrating our converting assets with the kraft paper production capacity of Delta Natural Kraft. The combination will allow us to better serve our customers through the expanded operations, yield numerous synergy opportunities, and position us well for a rebound of the end markets served by these products. We are also pleased to have Mark Van Dame, chief executive officer of Delta Natural Kraft and Mid-America Packaging, and his leadership team join the Graphic Packaging family."

Under the terms of the transaction, Graphic Packaging formed a new limited liability company and contributed the assets of its multi-wall bag and specialty plastics packaging businesses and CVI contributed its ownership interests in DNK and MAP to the newly formed company. After the combination, Graphic Packaging owns approximately 87 percent of the new company, with the remaining 13 percent owned by CVI.

Luminer acquires 
TAC Label Systems

LAKEWOOD, N.J.—Tom Spina, CEO of Luminer Converting Group, announced the acquisition of TAC Label Systems of Lake Ariel, Pa. The acquisition will give Luminer's Red Lion, Pa. facility added production capabilities including wider web printing and improved press efficiencies.

Tom Algar, owner of TAC Label, will join the Luminer Converting Group. He will be focusing his efforts on sales and marketing for Luminer in the Northeast. According to Spina, the acquisition is part of Luminer's short- and long-term goals for business development through organic growth and outside strategic acquisitions.

American Packaging Completes Expansion

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—American Packaging Corporation recently completed a $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 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; a regenerative thermal oxidizer; and a fully robotic material handling system. The expansion resulted in hiring 15 additional full-time positions.

Bellwyck Packaging Solutions Acquires 
Ace Packaging

TORONTO, Ontario—Bellwyck Packaging Solutions announced the acquisition of Ace Packaging Limited. Ace specializes in secondary packaging of pharmaceuticals and health and beauty products, with a 30,000-square-foot facility in Mississauga, Ontario.

Bellwyck's Healthcare Division currently operates a contract packaging facility located in Mississauga, which specializes in solid dose primary and secondary packaging of pharmaceuticals. The company's Healthcare Division also operates a pharmaceutical folding carton facility in Owen Sound, Ontario and a label facility in Langley, British Columbia.

Jeff Sziklai, CEO of Bellwyck, commented, "The acquisition of Ace is a great addition to Bellwyck. We will now be able to offer the current customers of both Bellwyck and Ace a broader suite of products and services and continue to expand Bellwycks' one-stop fulfillment concept. We are pleased that Judy Ingram, owner and president of Ace, will continue to be involved with Ace in the future."

PEOPLE

TORONTO, Ontario—CCL Industries Inc. announced the appointment of two of its executives to newly created global business president roles reporting to CEO Geoffrey Martin. Ben Rubino is appointed president, home & personal care worldwide and will lead CCL's Label and Tube activities in this customer sector. Guenther Birkner is president, food & beverage worldwide and will lead the pressure sensitive label and sleeve businesses that sell into these markets.

PLANO, Texas—McDowell Label & Screen Printing has appointed Bryan Cook to the position of sales manager. Cook previously served as a category brand manager in the distilled spirits industry for more than 15 years and will focus on enhancing the shelf-appeal and overall brand packaging for company clients.

MERCED, Calif.—Label Technology, Inc. announced that it has named David Bankson as its new president. Bankson, previously VP of research and development, will succeed his father John Bankson, who will remain as CEO and chairman of the board.

CHICAGO—Knight Packaging Group, Inc. has announced the appointment of Andrew Field as president. In this role, he will be responsible for all aspects of the company's operations. pP