Printer News - October 2012

Printpack Expands Retort Product Line
ATLANTA—Printpack has introduced a new family of flexible retort packaging products to the North American shelf-stable food market. The new products include a range of foil and non-foil pre-made retort pouches, along with easy-peel retort lidding that complement Printpack's existing line of retort cups, trays, and aseptic packaging.

"This expanded portfolio allows us to provide a broader range of complete packaging solutions to our customers," said Aaron Heyniger, business manager, shelf-stable, Printpack. "While product protection is the primary function, these new products can also provide differentiation on shelf to attract consumer attention during that critical stage in the purchase decision."

Although steel cans remain the most common retort package type in North America, flexible and rigid plastic packaging solutions continue to gain market share as consumers look for more convenient formats and better-tasting products. Printpack's expanded shelf-stable packaging portfolio now encompasses aseptic laminations, pre-made retort pouches, retort cups, trays, and lidding.

WS Packaging Acquisition Expands Booklet Portfolio

GREEN BAY, WIS.—WS Packaging Group has acquired Knoxville, Tenn.-based Business Graphics Printing, which specializes in offset printing of product booklets, a critical component in applications with strict regulatory requirements for product information, such as in the pharmaceutical industry.

"Under the leadership of Charles Gaut, president, and Randy England, vice president, Business Graphics Printing has established itself in a leadership position on the basis of its overall technical competence and capabilities in offset printing of booklets and multi-fold inserts," said Rex Lane, CEO of WS Packaging. "They have a partnership mentality that has allowed them to continue to grow and deliver expanded capabilities."

Business Graphics Printing has 22 employees and operates in a 13,500-sq.-ft. facility that opened in the fall of 2007. "Our lean manufacturing process fully complements the overall services offering of WS Packaging Group," said Gaut. "We've built Business Graphics Printing on meeting the specialized offset needs instructional booklets and pamphlets require. Adding these capabilities to the WS Packaging portfolio creates a broader opportunity to serve customers from a single-source platform."

PEOPLE

Exopack announced that Tammy Gianfortune joined the company in the role of chief marketing officer. Specific areas of focus will include both strategic and tactical marketing leadership, including market research, pricing, strategic planning, new business development, product development, and innovation.

Doug Peterson has been promoted to vice president of sales for JohnsByrne Company. He will lead the sales organization, focussing on business growth, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Multi-Color Corporation announced that Lorrence T. Kellar has resigned from his position of chairman of the Board of Directors. He will remain as a director on the company's Board. Robert R. Buck has been named as the new chairman.

Sealed Air Corp. announced that its CEO, William V. Hickey, has advised its Board of his intention to retire in March 2013. In connection with the transition, the Board of Directors has elected him chair of the Board effective September 1, 2012. He will continue to serve as CEO, but will no longer hold the title of president. The Board simultaneously elected Jerome A. Peribere as president and COO and appointed him as a director of the company effective September 1, 2012. pP