Supplier NewsSupplier News

JUNE 4, 2009

Schawk wins awards for packaging premedia work at 2009 FTA Excellence in Flexography CompetitionSchawk, Inc. a provider of brand point management services enabling companies of all sizes to connect their brands with consumers to create deeper brand affinity, announced today that it has been recognized by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) with two Best in Show and Gold Awards for its packaging premedia work in the Wide Web Process Film Category and the Folding Carton Process Category at the 2009 Excellence in Flexography Awards.In the Wide Web Process Film Category, Schawk was recognized for its premedia work on the packaging of Proctor & Gamble's (P&G) Eukanuba Naturally Wild North Atlantic Salmon and Rice Dog Food 9.5-lb. wrap, printed by Exopack. Judges commented, "The design was very challenging to reproduce, considering the need for excellent registration and the customer's desire that all flavors and sizes bear very strong resemblances to each other."In the Folding Carton Process Category, Schawk was recognized for its premedia work on the packaging of Becel Buttery Light Carton 1.5-lb., printed by Cascades Boxboard. Judges commented, "The packaging had extreme tight register along with a combination of process and line work. Metallic ink with fine lines that trap on top of four-color process colors increased the challenge."In addition, Schawk was honored with a Bronze Award in the Wide Web Process Film Category for P&G's Eukanuba Naturally Wild Turkey Multigrain Dog Food 30-lb. wrap. www.schawk.com 

Fortune Plastics, Inc. hires Michael Middendorf as Western Regional Sales ManagerFortune Plastics, Inc., a manufacturer of flexible packaging in the United States is please to announce the appointment of Michael Middendorf as Western Regional Sales Manager. Michael joined Fortune’s sales team in May 2009.In his role, Michael will be responsible for developing and maintaining excellent relations with all existing west coast customers as well as provide continued enhancements of our sales and marketing programs. Michael brings a rich background and a deep level of experience within our industry. He has worked with similarly sized companies to expand their presence in the market through the establishment of professionally designed and executed marketing programsMr. Middendorf has over 10 years of industry experience. Most recently, Michael was employed as an Account Executive in the PVC division of a global plastics manufacturer developing their foodservice business. Before that, he worked as a District Sales Manager with Dot Foods, Inc. www.fortuneplastics.com
JUNE 3, 2009Bemis Company acquires South American
rigid packaging operations from HuhtamakiBemis Company, Inc. today announced that it has acquired the South American rigid packaging operations of Huhtamaki Oyj, a global manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging. This rigid packaging business, which includes three facilities in Brazil and one facility in Argentina, recorded annual net sales of approximately US$85.8 million in 2008, primarily to dairy and food service markets.In this transaction, Bemis acquired the common stock of Huhtamaki Plásticos Rígidos Brasil Ltda and Huhtamaki Argentina S.A. for a total purchase price of approximately US$43 million. The purchase price was paid with a combination of the equivalent of US$32.3 million cash on hand, US$1.9 million of debt assumed, and a US$8.8 million note payable to the seller due May 31, 2010.“This acquisition supports Bemis’ growth strategy to expand in South American markets that fit our strengths and capabilities,” said Henry Theisen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bemis Company, Inc. “Huhtamaki’s rigid packaging operations are well-managed, state-of-the art facilities. This business will complement our existing South American operations. We expect this acquisition to be modestly accretive to earnings per share in 2009.” www.bemis.com 


American Packaging Corporation achieves 
OSHA VPP STAR status at all facilitiesAmerican Packaging Corporation earned STAR designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as part of the agency's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) at all three of its facilities. The VPP program recognizes businesses and its employees that demonstrate excellence in occupational safety and health.STAR status is the highest VPP designation awarded by OSHA and indicates a facility has achieved injury and illness rates below its industry national average, and demonstrated to OSHA that its safety and health management systems are exemplary. STAR participants commit to a process of continuous safety improvements that will lead to an even safer work environment.American Packaging’s Rochester, NY facility was the first to receive STAR status in 2003 and recertification in late 2006. The Story City, IA and Columbus, WI facilities earned their STAR Status in 2009. The VPP evaluation team gave special recognition for use of: (1) in-house video training for site specific operations; (2) incident investigations of near miss, first-aid and recordable incidents using Technique of Operations Review (TOR) system; and (3) employees involvement in establishing an overall excellent safety culture.“With only a small number of manufacturing facilities across the nation achieving VPP STAR status, it is a great accomplishment to have all our facilities STAR certified” said Dennis Couture, VP of Operations at a recent awards ceremony. “This would not be possible without the efforts of each and every employee being the best. We continue to improve each year in safety, quality and productivity due to the dedication and commitment of our employees.” www.ampkcorp.com 

M&G Group extends the defense of its intellectual property to ItalyThe M&G Group, a major producer of PET for packaging and a technological leader in the polyester market, is making a another statement to the plastics industry by confirming that it is pushing ahead with patent infringement proceedings in Italy.The proceedings, initiated by COBARR, S.p.A and M&G Polimeri, S.p.A, companies of The M&G Group, are against Acqua Minerale San Benedetto S.p.A., Iper Montebello S.p.A., and Pepsico Beverages Italy Srl. The suit claims that packaging materials used to market the 7UP brand infringe the claims of EP 0 964 031 B1 with the corresponding Italian Patent No. 99109316.2.Last year, the M&G Group took similar action in Germany against Red Bull Deutschland GmbH and Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co. KG.According to Dario Giordano, Global Director Corporate Research & Development, the Italian action filed in April 2009 is consistent with the action taken in Germany and was taken to ensure that the M&G Group’s Intellectual Property is respected:“Fundamentally, M&G believes that licensing is the most efficient way to respect another’s intellectual property and I remain hopeful that in the future, those who operate, or want to operate, within the claims of EP 0 964 031 B1 or any other M&G patent will seek a proper license.” www.gruppomg.com 


JohnsonDiversey Suma® OptifillTM/MC 
cleaning system wins IoPP awardJohnsonDiversey announced today its Suma® OptifillTM/MC cleaning system for manual warewashing has received an Ameristar Packaging Award. Presented annually by the Institute of Packaging Professionals, the Ameristar awards recognize achievements across six areas, including innovation, sustainability, economics, product protection, package performance and marketing.Unlike wall-mounted systems, JohnsonDiversey’s Optifill system is ready to use out of the box, without complicated installation or training instructions. The Optifill system uses volumetric technology to dispense the precise amount of detergent or sanitizer, resulting in consistent cleaning results. Once empty, the Optifill package, which is manufactured from 25 percent post-consumer recycled materials, is fully recyclable.“We liked [Optifill] because it was very green,” said James Freund, CPP, an Ameristar judge and engineering manager, process development, for Hollister Incorporated. “It allows for use of concentrated chemicals and it ensured proper dispensing. Therefore, customer overuse was eliminated.”Designed for multi-compartment sinks, staff simply place the Optifill system on the sink divider, align the faucet and turn on the water. The water flow activates the system’s unique patented pumping system which initiates the dispensing of chemical. Volumetric technology accurately dispenses detergent or sanitizer based on flow of water. www.johnsondiversey.com
JUNE 2, 2009 


TricorBraun Opens First Office In MexicoTricorBraun, the leading distributor of rigid packaging in North America, has opened a branch in Mexico City, the company’s 34th office. 

“The focus of TricorBraun’s newest office is the design, development and distribution of rigid packaging for markets in Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean.“We are confident that it will provide growth for TricorBraun and our North American supplier partners. This is consistent with our strategy to expand our business model beyond North America and Asia,” said Keith J. Strope, TricorBraun chief executive officer.TricorBraun’s first facility in Mexico includes an office and warehouse. It is led by Peter Retos, TricorBraun senior vice president for global strategies, and Carlos Acedo-Moreno, who is the general manager.“We expect continued growth opportunities to exist throughout Latin America, and we view Mexico as a first step in further expansion in this market,” said Mr. Retos.Before joining TricorBraun, Mr. Acedo-Moreno worked with Rexam Pavisa S.A. de C.V.; Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V., one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers; and with Booz Allen Hamilton, an international management consulting firm.Mr. Acedo-Moreno received his master’s degree in business administration from the IESE Business School at the University of Navarra, Barcelona, Spain, in 1988, and earned a degree in industrial engineering from the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico in 1985. He also completed the Advance Management Program at Harvard University in 2000.   www.tricorbraun.com 

Alcan Packaging receives 18 awards for outstanding achievements in printing and graphicsAlcan Packaging, a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan, has been recognized for outstanding achievements in printing and graphics by both the Packaging and Label Gravure Association Global (PLGA) and the Packaging Association of Canada (PAC)."Alcan Packaging's creative and dedicated technical experts continue to deliver valuable services to our customers, and to offer bright, original and attractive packaging," said Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, President and CEO, Alcan Packaging. "These prestigious awards from the PAC and the PLGA are much-appreciated recognition of our ongoing efforts to provide innovative packaging solutions."At the 2009 PLGA Global Print Quality Awards, Alcan Packaging's Food and Global Tobacco sectors received 14 awards in areas such as folding cartons, flexible packaging and label printing. Alcan Packaging facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom were recognized for printing excellence in lamination, paperboard, sleeves and tubes, non-PSA labels and wraps, as well as for their innovation, specialty packaging, and technical achievements.The PAC presented Alcan Packaging with four awards for excellence in marketing and packaging products. The Canadian Packaging Consumers' Voice Award and a gold award in the Brand Marketing - Rejuvenation category were presented for the Mars Petcare U.S. Inc. Whole Meals petfood bags. Silver awards in the Flexible Packaging category were presented for the Rothman's Benson & Hedges Gauloises carton and Dannon Light & Fit yoghurt lidding. www.alcanpackaging.com 


CorrExpo Micro Site LaunchedA special event micro site has been developed by TAPPI at www.correxpo.org to showcase the activities and opportunities available at CorrExpo taking place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Sept 1 - 2, 2009.“The micro site will be updated frequently with current exhibitors and new program content,” said Kristi Ledbetter, TAPPI Converting Division Manager. “This will be an easy way for industry professionals to always have the most current information on the events surrounding the conference and exhibit.”Users of www.correxpo.org can register for the conference and exhibit, find the latest schedule of events and locate exhibitors who will participate in the trade fair.This year, CorrExpo’s program has been expanded to reach an even broader audience with a management track, as well as several general sessions that will apply to any member of your box plant or converting facility. The popular small group technical track will also be repeated this year.“The program committee continues to add expert speakers and we are also encouraged by the enthusiasm of our supplier community,” said Ledbetter. www.correxpo.org   www.tappi.org  


JUNE 1, 2009
Constar International Inc. completes financial restructuring, 
and emerges from Chapter 11Constar International Inc., a leading global producer of PET plastic containers for food and beverages, announced that the Company and its affiliated debtors completed their financial restructuring and successfully emerged from Chapter 11 on Friday, May 29, 2009. The reorganization was completed approximately five months from the filing of their Chapter 11 petitions on December 30, 2008. In conjunction with its emergence from Chapter 11, Constar also announced that it had converted its debtor-in-possession financing into an exit facility to provide the Company with ongoing liquidity.Michael Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Constar, commented, “On behalf of our Board and the management team, I want to thank our unsecured bond holders for their support and their willingness to restructure our debt. At the same time I want to express my appreciation to our loyal customers, committed suppliers and dedicated employees who have supported us and encouraged us throughout the process. We emerge a revitalized company with an improved balance sheet. Combining our improved financial condition with our strong technologies, we are better positioned than ever to provide our customers with the product quality, innovation and service they have come to expect from Constar.”As required by the Plan approved by the Bankruptcy Court, Constar’s old common stock (which has recently traded with the symbol CNSTQ) was cancelled in connection with the emergence from Chapter 11. Holders of the old common stock will not receive a distribution of any kind and no further transfers will be recorded on the Company's books. www.constar.net 

Catalent Pharma Solutions appoints new 
Senior Vice President of Global OperationsCatalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. announced the appointment of Steve Leonard as Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Mr. Leonard will be located at Catalent’s corporate headquarters in Somerset, NJ.Mr. Leonard joins Catalent after having been General Manager of Global Operations for GE Healthcare’s Medical Diagnostics business, responsible for more than ten sites in Europe, Asia and the Americas. In his twenty-two year tenure at GE, Mr. Leonard held a variety of leadership roles, with responsibility for areas such as plant management, global sourcing and supply chain, and global operations. Mr. Leonard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University.John Chiminski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalent, said, “Steve is a proven leader who brings to Catalent not only operational expertise, but a strong focus on customers. I am pleased to welcome Steve to the Catalent executive team and am confident that he can take Catalent’s operational excellence to the next level.” www.catalent.com 


Graham Packaging finalizes previously announced 
extension of credit agreementGraham Packaging Holdings Company today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Graham Packaging Company, L.P. ("Graham" or the "Company"), has executed an amendment to its Credit Agreement with certain of its lenders to extend the maturity of $1.2 billion of its $1.8 billion in term loans from October 7, 2011, to April 5, 2014. Graham's borrowing costs on the extended term loans will be 4.25% margin over LIBOR, and a "LIBOR floor" of 2.50% will apply to the extended term loans. The maturity date and interest margins with respect to those term loans held by lenders that did not consent to extend the maturity of their term loans will remain unchanged.Mark Burgess, CEO of Graham, commented on the credit agreement extension, "I am pleased that we have been able to take advantage of our continued strong operational performance to extend our credit agreement. We received excellent support with over 75% of existing lenders participating in the extension. We felt it was in the best interest of our company to limit the risk of future refinancing, and this extension pushes out the maturity of approximately 64% of our debt until 2014." www.grahampackaging.com 

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