B&R sponsors future packaging workforce
B&R Industrial Automation backed the future of the packaging industry by sponsoring the Education Pavilion and the Student Design Contest at PACK EXPO 2011. The pavilion provided a place for students, recent graduates, educators and hiring managers to congregate; a human resources kiosk educated visitors about automation career opportunities.

MICA marks 40-year anniversary
MICA Corp., a company that provides a range of products to the converting industry, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The firm was founded by the late Daniel Siegel in 1971 in Shelton, CT, starting off as a provider of primers, coatings and adhesives. MICA now serves approximately 250 clients in more than 30 countries.

Ball expands its Graphics Center of Excellence
Ball Corp. has opened an expansion at its Graphics center of Excellence in Westminster, CO. The center showcases the company's metal packaging and brand-building experience, and its printing/packaging technology, in a facility designed to give customers one-stop design-to-printed-can service. It features a pilot line for both graphic testing and color standards, and it includes a variety of package printing capabilities.

AEP acquires Webster Industries
Plastic packaging firm AEP Industries Inc. has completed acquisition of Webster Industries, a company that makes and distributes private-label food and trash bags, in a cash transaction estimated at $25.9 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment. Webster's product lines include high value-added food contact products (which consist of food storage and freezer bags with a resealable zipper, bags with a slider close, fold top and twist tie food storage and sandwich bags), and conventional trash bag products.

Pharma Pavilion's PACK EXPO debut a success
The debut at PACK EXPO 2011 of the Pharmaceutical Pavilion attracted a large number of attendees to a wide range of displayed pharmaceutical and medical device packaging products. The focused exhibit area brought together approximately 50 manufacturers; in addition, the Innovation Stage hosted pharma-specific conference programs, and a networking lounge provided a gathering place for pharma-interested attendees. Show producer PMMI plans to offer an expanded pavilion at PACK EXPO 2012, scheduled Oct. 28-31 in Chicago.

Heat and Control buys Spray Dynamics
Heat and Control Inc. Has purchased Spray Dynamics, a company that manufactures machines for controlled application of liquid and dry ingredients. According to Heat and Control, the goal in purchasing the company (which specializes in systems for the snack food industry) is to give customers a wider choice of coating equipment, and to enhance the versatility of Heat and Control's seasoning applicator offerings.

Cascades continues consolidation, closure
Cascades Inc.--a firm that recovers recyclable materials, and manufacturers green packaging and tissue paper products-is moving ahead with consolidation of its Norampac Div.'s corrugated products converting operations in Québec. The consolidation will result in the closure of the Norampac plant located in Le Gardeur; corrugated production at that plant will be redirected to other Norampac facilities.

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