Packaging Briefs 1635

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 


TPC Partners Acquires Tray-Pak

TPC Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Archbrook Capital Management, LLC today announced it had acquired a majority interest in Tray-Pak Corporation, one of the leading manufacturers of custom thermoformed plastic packaging products. Tray-Pak serves a national customer base and employs 275 people. The acquisition marks the first major ownership transition of the company since David M. Bestwick founded it in 1975.In addition, Tray-Pak announced that Scott Myers has joined the company as chief executive officer. Mr. Myers comes to Tray-Pak from WinCup, Inc., a leading manufacturer of disposable cups, bowls, containers and lids, where he was executive vice president. Previously, Mr. Myers was president and chief executive officer of Superior Tube Company in Collegeville, Pa. and held a number leadership positions in general management, marketing and manufacturing at Carpenter Technology Corporation in Reading, Pa.
World Wide Packaging wins 2009 HBA 
International Package Design AwardWorld Wide Packaging, LLC (WWP) a leading provider of cosmetic packaging solutions, was named the winner in the “Skin Care Mass” category of the International Package Design Awards at the 2009 HBA Show on September 15th. The winning design was for WWP’s innovative packaging of Avon’s ANEW Clinical – Crow’s Feet Corrector.Throughout the process that began in late 2007, WWP worked extensively with many different cross-functional departments in Avon Global to bring this product to market. The Avon ANEW Clinical - Crow’s Feet Corrector launched in Europe in January 2009, in Japan in February 2009, and in the U.S. in May 2009.
A. Schulman names Todd Nichols Sales Manager for 
Engineered Plastics, North America Business UnitA. Schulman, Inc. announced that Todd Nichols has been named Sales Manager - Engineered Plastics, North America, effective October 1, 2009.Nichols joined A. Schulman in 1986 and has held a variety of product, account and market development positions during his career with the Company. He has been responsible for developing and marketing a number of products including reinforced and flame-retardant compounds. Most recently, he was a Key Account Manager for Engineered Plastics, North America, responsible for developing and managing key accounts to meet business unit objectives.Nichols attended the University of Akron, majoring in business management. He also has a certification from the Owen Graduate School of Management Program at Vanderbilt University.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009
Schawk names Scott Strong Senior Vice President and 
Managing Director of its Digital Solutions BusinessSchawk, Inc., has appointed Scott Strong as senior vice president and managing director of Schawk Digital Solutions. Strong has global P&L (Profit and Loss) responsibility for Schawk Digital Solutions and is charged with managing all facets of the business, including the development of its software products and services, management of Schawk's current technology product clients, expansion into new markets and growth of its Digital Solutions' client base.Scott was most recently a senior business development executive for Schawk Digital Solutions. His 20 year background includes key new business and consulting roles at global technology companies specializing in solutions that deliver enhanced business performance. These companies include Accenture, MSC Software, and EDS.
AltUse.com launches packaging contest with cash prizeAltUse.com is challenging its users to submit alternative uses for packaging, from September 21st - October 2nd. The contest includes all types of packaging materials: e.g. boxes, plastic bottles, glass, etc.The user who submits the most innovative packaging AltUse will win $250 and will appear on the Home Page The user who submits the most packaging AltUses will receive $100.www.altuse.com
WAGO Corporation Celebrates 30th AnniversaryWAGO Corporation is marking 30 years of innovation in North America this September. Established 1979 in a small suburban Milwaukee office by one employee, WAGO operates out of a 75,000 sq. ft manufacturing complex in Germantown, WI. Now, 143 employees serve industrial and electrical professionals with 17,000+ interconnect, electronic interface and automation solutions.Recent innovations include: SPEEDWAY 767-I/O-SYSTEM; POWER CAGE CLAMP® for terminating conductors up to 4/0; 873 Series LUMI-NUTS™ luminaire disconnect; and solutions developed for both infrastructure and emerging sectors such as solar power.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Newsweek ranks Sonoco one of the 100 greenest 
large American companiesSonoco has been ranked as one of the 100 greenest large companies in the United States in Newsweek’s inaugural Green Rankings, which evaluated the country’s 500 largest companies on their environmental performance, green policies and reputation. Sonoco was listed 94th in the rankings.Leading environmental researchers KLD Research & Analytics, Trucost, and CorporateRegister.com worked with Newsweek for more than a year to develop the list and rankings. To help level the playing field for companies in carbon-intensive businesses, more than half of each company’s Green Score was based on its environmental policies and reputation. The 500 companies included in the rankings are the largest U.S. companies as measured by revenue, market capitalization and number of employees. 
GPI Recognizes seven “Friends of Glass” 
for recycling achievementsThis year, GPI recognizes seven “Friends of Glass” in five categories, honoring those companies, organizations, and persons making significant and innovative efforts to promote or participate in glass container recycling for bottle-to-bottle use. “Friends of Glass” are being recognized during Recycle Glass Week, September 21 – 27, to create awareness for and encourage glass container recycling.The 2009 “Friends of Glass” honorees include: Earth911.com (website); the Hyatt Regency Atlanta (hospitality industry); the City of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Natural Resource Department (community); Representative Jay Inslee (legislator); and “Best Friends of Glass,” including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company; McIlhenny Company, makers of TABASCO® Brand Products; and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

Sonoco launches its True Blue™ sustainability brandSonoco this week is introducing True Blue, a new umbrella brand for packaging solutions and recycling services that have met stringent sustainability requirements. The Company is officially launching this new sustainable brand at the Sustainable Packaging Forum in Atlanta, GA.To qualify for the Sonoco True Blue program, a package must clearly offer an advantage over the package it is intended to replace, either through the use of more sustainable materials or source reduction. A package may also qualify if during the production process it uses less energy, water or raw material, or results in fewer carbon emissions. Any of these improvements should be verifiable via a life-cycle assessment, by third-party certification or through recognition from an independent industry organization. 
A. Schulman Announces Expansion of Capacity 
at San Luis Potosi, Mexico PlantA. Schulman, Inc. announced that it is expanding capacity for engineered plastics at its San Luis Potosi, Mexico facility.The expansion will enable A. Schulman to more effectively serve its customers in Mexico, Latin America and throughout North America, and to deliver innovations from the Company's new product development efforts. The new capacity will be focused on specialty engineered nylons, polyesters, and high-performance alloys.The added capacity, which will be approximately 5 million pounds, is expected to come on line during the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
 Mead Johnson announces powder packaging expansionMead Johnson & Company announced that it has selected Evansville as the site of a $32.8 million powder blending and packaging facility. The new facility will enhance the company’s ability to respond to the growing consumer preference for powdered infant formula products.The new production facility, which will create approximately 35 new positions, will be housed in buildings located on the Mead Johnson Evansville campus. Existing space will be renovated and new manufacturing equipment will be installed to accommodate production needs. Construction on the 32,000 square foot facility is scheduled to begin in late 2009 and production is expected to begin in late 2010. 
Varicon™ Launches Website with Enhanced FeaturesVaricon, a leading provider of industrial container solutions, announces the launch of its new website, www.variconsolutions.com.The new website features detailed product information, video of the Varicon manufacturing process, and customer resources, like the easy-to-use container retrieval request form. Through the online container retrieval form, you can easily submit a request for free pick up of empty industrial containers, including IBCs, totes and all-plastic drums. Varicon accepts requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will process them Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm EST.While requests can be submitted online, Varicon still offers a toll-free number for retrieval services. After the request is made, either online or by phone, empty containers will be collected within 48 hours at no charge. In addition to retrieval, Varicon offers a variety of container management services, such as serial tracking and asset reconditioning. The Varicon asset tracking system can help manage a variety of critical information, including return rates, container turns, inventory velocity, number of trips, and age of container. 
Pearson Packaging Systems offers end-of-arm tooling rebuilds

Pearson Packaging Systems is expanding its current service offerings to include the support of existing Gantry and Articulated Arm Robots. This new service includes everything from providing spare parts, to designing, manufacturing and installing a new end-of-armtool for an existing Articulated Arm Robot or Gantry Robot for secondary packaging applications. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 


Sonoco selected to join Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

Sonoco announced that it has been selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), effective. DJSI World comprises the leading global companies in terms of economic performance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.Only seven companies from the United States were added to DJSI World in 2009 including Sonoco, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Genzyme, Pacific Gas & Electric and El Paso Corporation. Of approximately 2,500 companies that were invited to participate in the program, only about 10 percent were selected for DJSI World inclusion.In addition to its inclusion in DJSI World, Sonoco was recognized by Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens in 2009. The Company has achieved certifications for responsible and sustainable forestry management practices by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as well as “chain-of-custody” certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council and Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification for responsible fiber-sourcing practices at its U.S. and Canada recycled paperboard mills. 
Pearson Packaging Systems Launches PearsonPartner(sm) ProgramPearson Packaging Systems, a leading manufacturer of secondary packaging equipment, announces the commencement of the PearsonPartner Program, a new service that helps customers maximize efficiencies and lower costs associated with maintaining their secondary packaging equipment.The PearsonPartner Program allows customers to manage the ongoing maintenance of their equipment and systems, including performing machine audits, receiving ongoing operator and maintenance training, and planning visits from Pearson Service Technicians. Pearson’s goal is to work proactively with customers in order to ensure that their machines and systems are running at the highest possible levels, according to the company.The PearsonPartner Program is free to join and provides customers with financial incentives on scheduled service visits and parts orders with Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels.
W. Amsler sells filling lines to bottled water producers 
in Newfoundland and WisconsinW. Amsler Equipment Inc. recently sold two of its rotary monoblock water filling lines to bottled water suppliers in Newfoundland, Canada, and Wisconsin. Berg Water, Mt. Pearl, Newfoundland, purchased a unit for its PET and glass-bottled premium iceberg water while Langlade Springs, Polar, Wis., bought a filler for its PET-bottled custom label and private label spring water products. 
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