Blogosphere abuzz about Windows 8 packaging
The world doesn't know much about what's in store for the latest version of Microsoft's PC operating system (scheduled to be released to the computing world in October), but the company has released photos of the proposed packaging to various technology bloggers, such as Mashable.com. Previously, the company had stated it would not provide retailers with boxes of the OS, save for upgrade DVDs; the new packaging indicates a possible reversal of that decision.

Tetra Pak acquires Brazilian industrial control systems specialist
Tetra Pak has acquired Genius Automação de Sistemas Ltda., a São Paulo, Brazil-based specialist in industrial control systems. According to company representatives, the purchase is aimed to strengthen resources and competences in automation for Tetra Pak's processing and packaging solutions, particularly in the area of Manufacturing Execution Systems, control systems which manage and monitor work-in-process on a factory floor. According to the terms of the agreement between the companies, , 41 employees will be transferred to a new automation unit focusing on Manufacturing Execution Systems, to be based in São Paulo. The unit will serve customers both in Latin America and around the world.

Cascades Enviropac HPM to expand Mich. packaging plant
Cascades, a company that specializes in recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue paper products, is expanding and adding new equipment at its Cascades Enviropac HPM, LLC plant, located in Grand Rapids, MI. By the end of 2012 and beginning 2013, new equipment will be added to modernize the plant and optimize its overall efficiency, according to company representatives, and the investments will enable the firm to retain jobs in the plant and its offices. The facility reportedly will help Cascades strengthen its position in the central/midwest U.S., and increase its range of sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging products.

Sev-Rend grows its packaging sales staff, distribution centers
Sev-Rend, a Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging firm, has added two distribution centers, expanded its sales staff and installed a new printing press. The new distribution centers are in Bakersfield, CA, and Vidalia, GA. To augment an existing sales staffer in the home office, Sev-Rend has added positions in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas and Los Angeles. The Philadelphia representative also will serve eastern Canada, and the Los Angeles position also will call on western Canada. In addition, the position in Atlanta will serve Mexico and Latin America. The firm also has invested in an 8-color central impression press that will allow it to print up to 52-inch-wide film for wraps on mesh bags as well as flexible packaging.

RBL expands custom foam packaging capabilities at Maryland facility
RBL Industries, a packaging manufacturer based in Halethorpe, MD, is expanding its offering of custom foam packaging for a range of businesses. The firm designs and engineers tailored foam packaging in polyethylene, polyurethane and other materials. The company serves industrial, medical, aerospace, military and other clients.

Sigma Packaging expands Indiana facilities
Sigma Packaging, an Evansville, IN-based international broker of pre-owned packaging and processing equipment, has purchased a second building in the city. The new facilityincludes 76,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and ready-to-use office areas, with space for a machine shop for equipment repair and refurbishment. In 2010, the company purchased its current 130,000-sq.-ft. 0.5 mile away from the new building.
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