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Month: September 2024

GBIG NEWS | 85 Stories and Links on the Internet 9/11/2024

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GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news sponsors. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 85 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

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Events

Featured Stories

Manufacturing

Packaging

Paper

China

Education

Phillips

Sponsors

VPI Inc. Hosts NBT Inclusion Manufacturing Camp

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VPI, Inc. prepares to graduate 16 students from inclusive manufacturing summer camp with visit from funders

APPLETON, WI – On Friday, VPI, Inc. will graduate 16 students from NBT Inclusion Manufacturing Camp. The 4-week inclusive manufacturing summer camp, in partnership with Nuts, Bolts, & Thingamajigs Foundation (NBT), is designed to help train and prepare young adults with disabilities for employment in manufacturing, while also showing local employers that this group of individuals is a viable option to meet their workforce demands.

As employers look to be more creative with ways to fill their workforce needs and close skills gaps, training individuals with disabilities to do these jobs is a viable option. During the camp, VPI staff facilitated interactive activities designed to improve “soft” skills, help individuals gain confidence in their abilities, and explore careers in various manufacturing environments.

Campers participated in paid work experiences on a variety of VPI production lines to develop the “hard” skills needed for these manufacturing jobs and toured local manufacturing facilities including J.J. Keller, Pierce Manufacturing, Great Northern Corporation, and 4imprint to learn about the wide variety of industries and jobs in manufacturing.

“Some campers now feel empowered to look people in eye, advocate for themselves, or know how to articulate their concerns at work. They feel confident that they can do a job and do it well. For others, it might spark a passion in manufacturing and completely change their perspective on future careers and goals” said Kaitlin Gassner, VPI, Inc. education programs coordinator.

As they prepare for graduation, students will have the opportunity to meet staff from NBT, camp funders, during a visit on Wednesday.

VPI invites the media to interview the camp funders (NBT), VPI employees, and the campers on 8/21 at 9:30, and to graduation on 8/23 at 11:00 a.m., both at VPI’s Kensington Production Facility, located at 110 N Kensington Dr. Appleton, WI 54915.

Please contact Allie Lucht at (920) 312-3180 for more information.

VPI’s mission is to promote the dignity and worth of individuals who have disabilities or are disadvantaged and to assist them in developing their optimum level of social, vocational, and economic independence in the community.

VPI, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides a variety of community programs and services – including education, early intervention, employment, mental health, and social and recreational services, and packaging solutions to the Fox Cities and surrounding areas. By providing efficient contract packaging and production services to private industry with an integrated workforce, VPI has been able to deliver community programming and services to support the changing needs of community members with disabilities or disadvantages.

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Eagle Launches Sustainability Initiative With Convergen Energy Reducing Plastic Waste

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Eagle Launches Sustainability Initiative

We are excited to announce a significant step towards sustainability at Eagle Performance Plastics! Starting in August 2024, we have begun making deliveries of waste to Convergen Energy. This marks the beginning of a new waste stream initiative that will divert the bulk of our waste from landfills by repurposing it into fuel pellets and eventually electricity.

Eagle building

Convergen Energy

For years, we have been searching for a solution to manage the plastic shavings generated from machining customer parts. Due to the mixed materials of these shavings, traditional recyclers won’t accept them. As a manufacturer working with various plastic materials, sorting the shavings by type is impractical. You can see the wide range of plastics we handle on our website’s Material Catalog.

In 2023, we found our breakthrough after participating in events hosted by the Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG). Through GBIG, we connected with Convergen Energy, who converts mixed waste into fuel pellets, using uncontaminated paper materials and plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Fuel Pellets

Fuel pellets
Fuel Pellets

These fuel pellets, produced by Convergen Energy, are incinerated in industrial boilers at much higher temperatures than what could be achieved in uncontrolled home burning. The incinerators also incorporate advanced technologies, including Dry Sorbent Injection, to clean up emissions. This results in a cleaner and more efficient burn, ensuring that emissions are fully compliant with EPA regulations.
After touring the Convergen facility and understanding the process, we quickly recognized that they offered the environmentally responsible solution we had been searching for to repurpose our plastic waste and keep it out of the landfill.

Implementation
Convergen Waste
Convergen Waste

Following extensive planning and discussions, both internally and externally, we implemented a new system on-site. We installed a trash compactor to compact the plastic shavings we generate for shipment to Convergen. Additionally, we added more trashcans, which we color-coded to differentiate between waste types. One color indicates waste suitable for Convergen Energy, while another is for landfill-bound waste.

We anticipate this initiative will reduce our landfill waste by approximately 80% to start—nearly 200 tons of waste kept out of the landfill annually! As we refine our processes, we hope to increase this reduction even further.

This change is not without challenges and costs, but it is a step we are proud to take in our commitment to doing better for our environment and community.

Eagle Performance Plastics, Inc. is a leading supplier of custom-machined and fabricated parts, serving OEMs nationally and internationally. Utilizing the latest technologies, we manufacture plastic components for various industries, including packaging, food processing, conveyors, and special machinery. Since our founding in 1971, we have continuously improved our service, quality, and responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our steady investment in technology, equipment, and people has expanded our capabilities, allowing us to manufacture virtually any type of plastic part you can design.

Our capabilities include:

  • Design and engineering assistance
  • Machining
  • Fabrication

We aim to create value for you by demonstrating our responsiveness and reliability.

Quad Plus: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Workplace Safety

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Workplace-related injuries cost employers billions of dollars annually, and there’s no price tag on low morale and worker confidence following an injury. However, the investment in technology for workplace safety can significantly reduce these costs and effects. It’s easy to see why manufacturers continually work towards safer environments, and technology provides many new opportunities for them to improve.

Reduced Proximity to Danger

One of the most immediate benefits of technology in terms of safety has been the steady decrease in human interaction necessary for production processes. Automated processes and robotic solutions also prevent people from interacting with hazardous products and dangerous procedures.

Along with the ability to work much faster than humans, automated processes also help reduce human error. For example, a machine can execute repetitive tasks safely and with precision, while people must take great care to avoid injury when performing repetitive tasks. A small error in movement can lead to a significant injury.

Engineered safety solutions are also preferred over those that require workers to follow complex safety procedures whenever possible. Our team encountered this when helping a customer in the consumer goods industry improve the safety of a procedure following an injury. The original method relied on a tedious, manual “lockout/tag out” process. The engineered solution used an area scanner and light curtain to drastically reduce the possibility of human error.

Monitoring and Analysis

Person working with machinery

As manufacturers integrate more monitoring devices and systems, they can more accurately track and analyze safety data. For example, the status of machines and equipment can be monitored, including data points such as pressure and temperature. Digital video surveillance provides even more data points.

The latest technology often enables real-time analysis of this data. Manufacturers can now predict and prevent malfunctions and adverse conditions that could lead to hazardous situations. Should conditions arise that pose a threat to workers, operators can be alerted and action taken more quickly than ever before.

Wearable Devices

Wearable devices allow workers to be monitored and their biometric data tracked. One way this data can be used is to identify fatigue and remind workers to take breaks when necessary. Movements that could lead to injuries can also be detected, and the worker alerted. Working conditions can be monitored to reduce or avoid risks, such as extended exposure to dangerous temperatures.

Workers can also be notified through wearables to use protective equipment and be reminded of safety procedures when entering hazardous areas. For example, if they are entering an area where noise levels are dangerously high, they can receive an alert to use an ear protection device.

Sensors interacting with machinery and wearables can also provide alerts and warning systems to help people avoid collisions, falls, or moving too close to dangerous moving parts.

Training and Education

Understanding proper procedures and techniques is critical to improving workplace safety, and technology allows for more comprehensive and engaging training materials. For example, interactive simulations allow workers to practice their knowledge in various situations and may be more engaging than books and lectures.

Training for hazardous situations using virtual reality technology is another way to prepare workers for potentially dangerous situations safely. For example, workers can practice safety procedures and emergency protocols for a variety of dangerous scenarios in a controlled environment. That way, they are better prepared to execute safety processes.

Preparing for the Future

For most manufacturers, maintaining a strong bottom line means implementing safety technology by integrating it with existing machinery whenever possible rather than replacing old systems entirely.

Quad Plus puts its industry experience to work every day to integrate new technologies and retrofit equipment in every industry. When you’re ready to boost the safety of your operations with a price tag that makes sense, contact Jim Woulf at jwoulf@quadplus.com or call (920) 515-4155.

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“Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund” Awards Its First Scholarship

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Wisconsin Paper Council logo

August 26, 2024 – Kaukauna, WI: The Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund awarded a $1,000 scholarship to its first high school recipient at an award ceremony at Ahlstrom’s Central Office in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

The Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female graduating seniors in Wisconsin who are pursuing a career in the forest products industry or a related field, as well as develops women currently in the forest products field as future leaders.

The recipient, Carissa Ashman, will attend the University of Green Bay and pursue a major in environmental engineering. Carissa wrote in her scholarship application that her grandparents’ careers at Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) exposed her to the forest products industry. “While it may not have been my own job, I look up to them greatly, from their stories of work with the forest products that are produced right here in my hometown, where we have many paper mills along the Fox River. These paper mills have also been a staple in my life.”

Carissa was also recognized with a Certificate of Achievement from the Office of Governor Tony Evers for being the first recipient of this scholarship award. The forest products industry is a key economic driver of Wisconsin and the industry employs over 57,000 people in the state. Michele Carter, Administrator of the Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Employment and Training, presented the certificate at the event.

The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) founded the scholarship in coordination with Ahlstrom, a fiber-based specialty materials company with mills in Wisconsin. Ahlstrom provided $20,000 seed money to the fund.

“Ahlstrom recognizes the need to have more women in the paper industry and this scholarship is designed to encourage women to enter fields in the paper and forest products industries, and to encourage women already in the field to grow their leadership skills through education,” said Don Guay, Head of Technology, Engineering and Reliability for Ahlstrom, and Chairman of the WPC Board of Directors. “The forest products industry is an innovative and strong industry, and we need to empower our diverse voices and encourage unique talent to join us.”

“The Wisconsin Paper Council has been advocating for Wisconsin’s paper, pulp, and forestry industries for more than 50 years,” commented Mykaela Chaffin, WPC Communications & Development Analyst.
“This scholarship program will help contribute to the sustainability of our industry and will benefit current and future women innovators and papermakers.”

The scholarship fund plans to award deserving applicants annually and continue to encourage women of all ages and backgrounds to join this key industry in Wisconsin.

“Empowering women in the forest products industry is not just about equality; it’s about harnessing diverse perspectives to nurture innovation and sustainability,” said Dustin Delsman, Business Representative for Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 400 and Chairman of the WPC Workforce Relations Committee. “This scholarship is a testament to the strength and vision that women bring to the field, paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future.”

“I hope that I will be able to show younger girls that women can go into any field of work they want, no matter what others say,” said Carissa. “This scholarship money will help me to be able to show other females the obstacles I have and will continue to overcome as a woman in STEM, more specifically in a male-dominated field of work.”

The scholarship fund is housed with the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. which continues to be a valued partner to ensure the success of this first-of-its-kind scholarship collaboration.

For More Information Contact:

WPC Contact: Mykaela Chaffin | chaffin@wipaper.org | 608.733.0188

Ahlstrom Contact: Tricia Schwartz | tricia.schwartz@ahlstrom.com | 920.634.6089

About The Wisconsin Paper Council

The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is the premier trade association which advocates for Wisconsin’s paper, pulp and forestry industries before state and federal elected officials and regulators. The WPC also works to educate the general public and the media about the importance of paper, pulp and forestry production in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. Learn more at www.wipaper.org.

About Ahlstrom

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. We serve five growing and distinctive end markets, which form the basis for our five divisions: Filtration, Food & Consumer Packaging, Healthcare, Building Materials, and Technical Materials. Our net sales in 2022 for continuing operations amounted to EUR 3.3 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com.

About The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.

The Women’s Fund directs its resources and leadership on creating, strengthening, and accelerating economic opportunities that enable women and girls to achieve their full potential. Knowing that education is a pathway to economic security and financial stability, the Women’s Fund supports programs and initiatives to empower women to pursue and achieve their post-secondary educational goals.

New Manufacturing 13th annual Excellence in Manufacturing

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New Manufacturing Alliance logo

The NEW Manufacturing Alliance is pleased to announce the 13th annual Excellence in Mfg./K-12 Partnership Award winners. This year’s Awards dinner will be held on October 29 at the Resch Expo in Green Bay. The Awards dinner also serves as the second largest fundraiser for the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s Scholarship fund.

I am requesting your company invest in the Awards dinner in which the proceeds fund college scholarships. This year, the organization will fund $65,000 in college scholarships and in total there has been over $500,000 given.

One of the benefits of investing in the scholarship program is your company is featured in the Excellence in Mfg./K-12 Partnerships Awards magazine. The electronic publication will be distributed to every northeast Wisconsin public/private middle and high school administrator, tech ed teacher, and school counselor; plus the Alliance’s entire membership. In total there will be over 5,000 people that will receive the magazine. It will also be featured on the Alliance’s home page, along with numerous social media posts on Twitter, Linked In, Instagram and Facebook. To see last year’s Awards magazine: https://newmfgalliance.org/3d-flip-book/2023-excellence-in-manufacturing-k-12-partnerships-awards/

There are 2 different tax deductible sponsorship levels to have your company featured in the magazine, along with receiving additional benefits at the Awards dinner:

  • $1,000 sponsorship: full page ad in the Excellence magazine and 2 free tickets to the Awards dinner.
  • $250 sponsorship: your company logo is included in the Excellence Awards magazine.

Please contact Ann Franz, Executive Director (920-606-7691) if you are interested in being a sponsor by 9/20/2024.

This year’s Excellence in Mfg./K-12 Partnership Award winners:

2024 EDUCATION AWARD WINNERS

  • Brighter Image – Oconto Falls High School
  • Career Pathmaker – Administrator – Dirk Ribbens, Ashwaubenon High School
  • Career Pathmaker – Educator – David Gordon, CESA 7
  • Career Pathmaker – Tech Ed Teacher – Jeremy Hodkiewicz, Shawano School District
  • Education Innovation – Wrightstown Community School District

2024 MANUFACTURER AWARD WINNERS

  • Brighter Image – Pierce Manufacturing
  • Educational Partnership – Gulfstream
  • Leadership – The Village Companies
  • Visionary – Jake Schulz, Therma-Tron-X, Inc.
  • Youth Apprenticeship – Sargento Foods

2024 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WINNER

Community Partnership – MFG 4.0 Business Education Partnership and Collaboration (Sargento Foods, Masters Gallery Foods, Amerequip Krier Foods, Kiel, Elkhart Lake, Random Lake and Oostburg High Schools).

We will also be recognizing the 2024 All Stars at the event. Companies that have an employee being recognized are: Fiberglass Solutions, Fincantieri Ace Marine, Georgia-Pacific, Hart Design & Mfg., KI, Marion Body Works, Nature’s Way, Nicolet Plastics and Nueske Applewood Smoked Meats.

To purchase tickets to the Awards dinner: https://NEWMA2024AWARDS.eventbrite.com

Tickets are $65 each and need to be purchased by October 10, 2024.

View Full Gala Flyer

Joe Kiedlinger – Dignify: Why You Need Active Listening

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Joe Kiedinger (Founder and CEO of Dignify)
By: Joe Kiedinger(Founder and CEO of Dignify)

Active listening and the nature of leadership

The first step on your way to becoming a great leader in any industry is to become a great listener. You need to practice active listening. Don’t listen to respond, or to argue, or just to forget the next day. Listen to understand.

Active listening specifically refers to listening attentively to the speaker, making a deliberate effort to understand their perspective, and retaining what they’ve said. In other words, it means to understand the other person’s point without the intent of responding with your own perspective. This skill is a must-have in any leader’s toolbox.

This is something you need to perform well as a leader. An effective leader works to meet their people’s needs, helps them achieve their performance goals as individuals and provides them with the guidance that they need to be the best contributor they can for their team and company. All of that requires a lot of active listening. Outcomes are never guaranteed, but you can always control the actions you take in an effort to make the best outcomes more likely.

How and why to apply active listening

Now that we’ve established the importance of active listening, let’s go through how you can apply it. The best way to go about active listening is to think of it as much more than just the act of receiving information. It’s a series of actions that you take while someone is speaking to you in order to understand and retain everything they are saying to you. Here are the five basic steps provided by Michigan State University that you can use to correctly apply active listening with anyone:

  1. Pay attention
    Pay close attention to the speaker and what they are conveying to you. Don’t let yourself be distracted with other work tasks, your electronics, another conversation, or anything else that might divide your attention away from the speaker. Your goal here is to gain their perspective, and nothing more.
  2. Use non-verbal cues
    Use your body language or cues to show that you are invested in what the speaker is saying. Simple head nods, expressions, and appropriate eye contact will let the speakers know that you are listening to them with an intent to understand.
  1. Gain clarity
    Respond to the speaker by paraphrasing their points to show that you understand. If there is some confusion on your end, ask them a question to get clarification on what exactly they mean. By showing your understanding and asking questions when you are confused, you show the speaker that you are listening in good faith and truly trying to take in what they’re saying.
  2. Avoid judgment
    Allow the speaker to fully express their idea(s) before jumping in with a contribution. Don’t interrupt them with a hasty judgment, and don’t respond until they are fully done with the idea that they are expressing. Interruptions or quick judgments can and often do lead to continued misunderstanding, frustration, and an inability to continue the conversation productively.
  3. Respond appropriately
    Having taken in everything the speaker has said to you, respond with candor in a way that shows that you’ve understood their point of view to the best of your ability, and with dignity so that you can honor and respect them as a person.

You can use the principles of active listening to anything you do in your role that involves other people. You can apply it within your team to get a better understanding of what they need from you and provide clear guidance and solutions on tasks, projects, or concerns. You can actively listen to your peers, those leading other teams, to understand what they need from your team and how you can create wider efficiencies. When you actively listen to your own leaders, you can gather a lot of value and lessons from any conversation with them, which you can then turn around and apply amongst your team and peers.

When you put it into practice, you will see that active listening is more than just a “soft skill,” it’s a superpower. It has a ton of tangible benefits, including, but not limited to: • An increase in psychological safety, one of the most important things you can have in your workplace

  • A superior ability to guide others in the right direction as a coach or a leader • An increased ability to facilitate understanding between people and teams

The bottom line

In leadership roles, listening is a massive part of your job. You need to listen to your team to understand what they need to succeed, listen to your peers to know what they need from you and your team, and listen to your own leaders to understand what exactly you need to do to forward the bottom line. By going into each of these conversations applying the principles of active listening, you can get a lot more value from engaging in it and create more positive outcomes for your organization and those within it.

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5P Showcase Expo at Fox Cities Exposition Center

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5P Showcase logo

For immediate release. For more information, contact Marty Ochs, 608-698-3333 martinpochs@gmail.com; Steve Van Dyke, 608-451-2554 Steve@greenbayinnovationgroup.com; or AJ Buran 262-370-9563 AJBuran@outlook.com

Discover the Future of Packaging at the 5P Showcase Expo

GREEN BAY WI Sept. 1, 2024: Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) and International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) will partner for a premier Packaging Showcase Expo. This event is set to take place February 25-26, 2025, at the Fox Cities Exposition Center, formerly known as The Paper Valley Hotel, 355 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, Wisconsin. The expo promises to unveil the latest innovations in packaging technology, focusing on sustainability and high-tech solutions tailored for the food, dairy, deli, bakery, and retail markets.

“This expo is a must-attend for anyone involved in the food packaging industry who wants to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market,” said Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director.

IDDBA Vice President Jeremy Johnson agreed.

“We are excited to showcase revolutionary technologies and materials that not only meet the needs of modern food processors,” Johnson said. “Co-fillers and brand owners, but also address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of cutting-edge materials and technologies, including recyclable films, sustainable packaging materials, advanced printing capabilities, and the latest in converting technologies. The expo will feature interactive exhibits and demonstrations, providing an in-depth look at the newest trends and developments in food packaging for retail.

Highlights of the Packaging Showcase Expo include:

  • Recyclable and Sustainable Materials: Discover new ways to enhance environmental sustainability through innovative packaging solutions like biodegradable films and compostable containers.
  • Advanced Printing and Converting Technologies: See how updated printing techniques and converting technologies are creating more efficient and flexible packaging options, reducing waste and energy usage.
  • 2D Barcodes and RFID Technology: Learn about the latest trends in 2D barcodes and RFID technology that enhance tracking, inventory management, and consumer engagement.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers with keynote presentations and panel discussions led by experts in the packaging industry.
  • Trending Packaging Products: Experience the latest trending packaging products that are setting new standards for quality and innovation in the food and retail sectors.

The cost to attend the two-day event is $60.00, which includes lunch and refreshments. The cost to exhibit is $1,500, which includes 2 FREE tickets for exhibitors for an 8’W x 10’D booth. Corner exhibits are available for $1,700. (Set-up is on February 24). The Expo hours: Tuesday, 2/25 – 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. followed by networking. The Expo hours Wednesday, 2-26 – 9:00a.m. to 3: 00p.m. followed by networking.

SPECIAL SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Register at www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – 5P Showcase Expo. Hotel rooms are available at a discount for early sign-up.

The event host is Green Bay Innovation Group, which provides news, events, and collaboration opportunities for the paper, packaging, printing, pulp, plastics and converting industries.

The co-host is the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, a nonprofit trade association for food retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals.

Investing in Manufacturing in Wisconsin

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The Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) is a business-to-business consortium that opens the door to mutually beneficial collaboration between diverse companies. GBIG is a professional organization connecting Wisconsin and U.S. leaders in the 5P Industries (Paper, Pulp, Plastics, Printing, Packaging) and converting. The key to GBIG’s success is the ability to highlight the innovations of world-class Manufacturing in the region. GBIG is a champion of the 5P and Converting industries, promoting collaboration, innovation, and investment.

GBIG News banner

Investing in Wisconsin Manufacturing, including Paper and Pulp, presents the opportunity to generate consistent returns, support economic growth, foster innovation, and contribute to sustainability. GBIG is working to strengthen Wisconsin’s Manufacturing capabilities, especially in the Paper and Pulp industry. We encourage investors to consider the following benefits of investing in Wisconsin Manufacturing.
First, due to today’s focus on sustainable packaging, we have seen a push to decrease plastic in packaging and increase paper. Wisconsin excels at producing diversified paper products for a broad market. Wisconsin can rebuild its Paper and Pulp Manufacturing, supporting the large Printing, Packaging and Converting industries currently in place. Wisconsin leads the nation in the 5P and Converting Industries.
Second, Wisconsin has an advantage over other states due to its well-established infrastructure to support Manufacturing, including the Paper and Pulp industries. The state has short supply chains powered by strong networks of suppliers and a well-developed transportation system. Located in the Midwest, Wisconsin has strategic access to major markets throughout the U.S. and the world.
Third, Wisconsin has access to natural resources, including the forests and water necessary to make Pulp and Paper and support Manufacturing. A healthy Paper and Pulp industry will promote sustainable forestry management in the Forestry and Logging industries. It will support fresh water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and tourism, reduce carbon, and limit the risks of damaging forest fires.
Fourth, Wisconsin’s workforce is skilled in Manufacturing. Our state is home to 9,200 Manufacturing companies supporting 470,000 Manufacturing jobs. The state is No. 1 in the nation for Manufacturing employment concentration. (Source: Wisconsin Economic Development)
Lastly, Wisconsin has a pro-business and pro-manufacturing climate and a strong university system, including state-of-the-art research institutions. Manufacturers prosper here because of our innovative ideas, competitive tax rates, business incentives, and low cost of living. Manufacturers, including Paper and Pulp, also prosper because of the professional organizations supporting business growth – professional organizations like the Green Bay Innovation Group.
Please consider joining GBIG’s effort to strengthen Wisconsin’s Manufacturing Industry, especially Paper and Pulp.

Phillips, Wi Has an Impressive Manufacturing Base Second to None in the 5p and Converting Industries!

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As I travel across Wisconsin, I have witnessed remarkably interesting small towns with major manufacturers located in Northern Wisconsin. A notable example is Phillips, WI. The Population is 1,533. Phillips became the headquarters for supplying logging camps with supplies. Logging was the main stay of the town, and the inexhaustible forests did not last long. Agriculture was the home of the future and supplying the area paper and pulp mills with hardwood and softwood logs.

3 people touring in BW Converting factoring

Today, Phillips has developed a variety of recreational facilities with an impressive manufacturing base second to none. I had the opportunity to visit and tour some of the facilities.

  1. Phillips Plastics Corporation was founded by Robert Cervenka and Louie Cervenka as an injection molding company. Kohlberg & Company acquired Phillips Plastics Corporation. The company with the acquisition of Medisize, a contract manufacturer, and Phillips Plastic Corporation changed its name to Phillips-Medisize. Phillips-Medisize Corporation, headquartered in Hudson, WI with over 2,100 people and fourteen locations in Wisconsin. Phillips-Medisize has 6,000 employees worldwide, 29 Global Locations and annual revenue of $1.4 Billion. I would estimate the Phillips plant employes 350 people in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
  2. BW Papersystem, a division of Barry-Wehmiller with an estimated annual revenue of $4 billon has acquired more than eighty companies that Manufacturers equipment for a variety of industries: Packaging, Paper Converting, Sheeting, Corrugating, Engineering, and It Consulting. The Phillips Manufacturing Facility has over 400,000 square feet of production and four hundred employees in Phillips with state-of-the-art manufacturing.
  3. Phillips Plating is a Plastic Fabrication company with annual revenue estimated at $20 million with eighty-seven employees. It was founded in 1970. Phillips Plating provides exceptional plating-on-plastic in a variety of finishes allowing intriguing eye-catching designs. Phillips Plating services customers in the automotive field with products worldwide.
  • BW Papersystems facade
    BW Papersystems
  • Phillips Medisize
    Phillips Medisize
  • Phillips Plating warehouse
    Phillips Plating
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