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GBIG NEWS | 92 Stories and Links on the Internet 11/05/2025

GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. 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 92 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

Featured Stories

NEW Manufacturing Alliance: 14th Annual Excellence in Manufacturing /K-12 Partnerships Awards

New Manufacturing Alliance logo

This year marks the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s 14th annual Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards. The Alliance works collectively to attract, develop, and retain the highly-skilled workforce critical to the manufacturing industry in northeast Wisconsin. Since its inception in 2006, the Alliance has grown to over 300 members, manufacturers partnering with educational institutions, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, economic developers, and nonprofit agencies.

The Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnerships Awards celebrates industry and education partnerships in the region. Over the past 14 years, over 475 schools, manufacturers, and community partnerships have been nominated. This is just a small snapshot of examples that exemplify the strong partnerships between manufacturers and education.

The Awards program was first envisioned by John West, president of Fox Valley Metal Tech and NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s (NEWMA) Board member. In 2012, he presented to the Board the idea of having an Awards program. He thought the Alliance could bring attention to the best-in-class collaborations; others would then learn how to replicate it in their business or school. Also, an Awards dinner would create a venue where people that normally do not meet would have the chance to connect. Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) has sponsored the event each year. A special thank you to WEDC and A to Z Machine. A to Z Machine has made the awards given to the winners, with the assistance of high school students. This is another great example of manufacturers working with schools!

The Fall 2025 Awards dinner was held on October 28th at the Resch Expo. In an effort to continue with the tradition of spotlighting best practices, this Excellence Awards publication was created. Proceeds from the sponsorships will be directed to the NEW Manufacturing Alliance’s Scholarship Fund, Inc. In total, the Alliance has given over $500,000 in college scholarships.

Congratulations to all of the award winners and nominees!

Special thanks to NorthCoast Media Group for filming the Excellence Awards video.

Read Full Description Here

UW Steven’s Point: Forestry Week

Why Wisconsin’s Forests Matter

Wisconsin Forest Products Week kicked off at the State Capitol with leaders discussing why
forestry is essential to our state’s economy, environment, and communities.

A Story of Recovery

Wisconsin’s forestry journey is remarkable. By 1915, only 500,000 acres of forest remained after early settlers cleared land for farming. Thanks to dedicated leaders who championed fire control, reforestation, and programs like County Forests and School Forests, Wisconsin now has nearly 17 million acres of healthy forest.

Panel at UW Stevens Point Forestry week event

Economic Impact

The forest products industry supports thousands of family-sustaining jobs across rural Wisconsin through papermaking, logging, and manufacturing. Wisconsin leads the nation in paper production, contributing billions of dollars annually to our economy. But keeping this industry strong requires investment in infrastructure, technology, and skilled workers.

The Workforce Challenge

With many experienced foresters and mill workers nearing retirement, attracting young people to forestry careers is critical. Programs at UW-Stevens Point, technical colleges, Trees for Tomorrow, and LEAF Education are helping, but need expanded funding and support.

Setting the Record Straight

Many people misunderstand forestry, confusing sustainable forest management with deforestation. Wisconsin wood products—from paper to flooring to building materials—are renewable, recyclable, and carbon-friendly. Leaders called for better public education about forestry’s benefits, especially for residents in southern Wisconsin who may not experience forests firsthand.

Innovation and the Future

Wisconsin is pioneering new wood-fiber technologies, including cross-laminated timber, biodegradable packaging, and carbon-capturing building materials. Research at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory and state universities is expanding wood’s role in sustainable manufacturing.

Moving Forward Together

To stay competitive, Wisconsin needs policy reforms to streamline permitting, improve truck weight limits, and restore rail service. A new statewide strategic forest-industry plan, led by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry, aims to unite industry, educators, landowners, and policymakers around a shared vision.

The bottom line: Wisconsin’s forests underpin our economy, environment, and quality of life. Sustaining this legacy requires continued investment in people, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring the next century of Wisconsin forestry is even stronger than the last.

EDL Celebrates Grand Opening of New Facility with Ribbon Cutting and OpenHouse

De Pere, WI – October 23, 2025 – EDL celebrated the successful grand opening of their new 45,000-
square-foot facility located on a serene, natural 5.33 acres in De Pere, Wisconsin. The private event,
held at 2PM on Wednesday, October 22nd, was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, and refreshments.

Guest speakers at the event included De Pere City Manager Kim Flom, De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce CEO David Vander Bloomen, and Vice President and GM of EDL, Kathryn Rowen.

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Rowen. “This facility represents not only our growth, but our commitment to our employees, customers, and the De Pere community. It’s a space that reflects who we are—innovative, people-centered, and passionate about American manufacturing.”

Operational since June 1, 2025, EDL’s new De Pere facility was purposefully designed to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and wellbeing. The design includes 17 assembly bays, a fully climate-controlled shop floor, a new powder coat facility, and two spacious conference rooms – including the Main Customer Conference Room that features a handcrafted live-edge wood table identical to the one found in EDL’s home office Massman Companies location in Alexandria, MN.

“Every detail of this building was designed with people in mind,” said Hohn. “The familiar Massman touches, from our mission wall to our Massman color pallet serves as a tribute and connection to our Massman Companies values, brand, employees and customers.”

Employees enjoy abundant natural light, gracious communal areas, and modern amenities including a wellbeing and mothers’ room, fresh food vending, and an on-site chiropractor available three times a week at no charge. The thoughtful design emphasizes health, safety, community and collaboration while creating consistency across Massman sites.

“When customers visit EDL, they immediately feel the same warmth and precision we’ve experienced for decades,” Rowen explained. “The new space is incredible—it reflects the company’s professionalism and pride in their work, and it’s clear they’ve invested in both people and performance.”

“In closing, we want to thank the City of De Pere for welcoming us to the community and our employees for enabling this new facility by building the best running machines in our customer’s factories each and every day,” said Rowen. “A great big thank you to Massman Companies for supporting us on this growth journey.”

About EDL

EDL offers flexible secondary packaging equipment designed to achieve reliable, high-performance production. With a strong focus on designing safe, efficient, high-quality machinery, our equipment is built to bundle consumer and industrial products for shipment in Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) film. Our core products include Shrink Wrappers, Shrink Bundlers, Roll Wrappers, Automatic Flight Bar Wrappers, Forming Shoe Wrappers, Tray Formers, and Loaders. Offering both standard and custom-engineered solutions allows us to serve a wide range of customers across the Pet Food, Building Materials, Food, Beverage, Personal Care, Carpet and Underlayment, and Grain industries, to name a few. Leveraging over six decades of experience, EDL produces the most reliable equipment in the shrink wrapping and multi-packing industry.

About Massman Companies

Massman Companies is a dedicated automated packaging company, driven by a mission to provide customers the BEST RUNNING MACHINES IN THE FACTORY. Our brands provide innovative equipment for a wide variety of industries and an even broader array of applications, spanning the beginning to the end of your production line and everything in between. Specializing in delivering best-in-class packaging machinery, Massman Companies offers Unscramblers, Liquid Fillers, Pouch Fillers, Cappers, Lidders, Cartoners, Case Packers, Shrink Wrappers, Shrink Bundlers, Palletizers, and more. Our experienced brands include Massman Automation, EDL, Ideal Pase, DTM Packaging, New England Machinery, and ADCO Manufacturing. Together, we have the unique capability of offering a single agreement for all the machines needed on your production line. We streamline our operations for you, to make working with us simple.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ross Gencheff
(608) 695-6770
ross.gencheff@massman.com

Alliance Construction & Design: Locally Built, Customer-Focused Manufacturing

Overview

Alliance Plastics is a stretch film manufacturing facility that started in Rock Hill, SC, in 2002. It was founded with the mission of creating the most advanced stretch film for optimal performance, while also developing sustainable options.

Alliance Construction building

Since then, the company has expanded to Las Vegas, NV; Dallas, TX; and most recently, to Wrightstown, WI. The Wisconsin location marked the launch of Alliance Films, a new division under Alliance Plastics led by President Troy Wolf. After graduating from St. Norbert College, Troy immediately got into packaging sales and later worked for two stretch film companies before leading the charge of starting Alliance Films. While Alliance Plastics is known for its high-quality stretch film, what truly sets it apart is its customer-focused approach.

“The industry we’re in is dominated by a handful of large companies,” Troy says. “There are six major producers in the United States. I felt there was a lack of smaller companies that were truly focused on the customer. The distributor partners we sell to often struggle because the larger companies have lost sight of customer care and providing real solutions. That was the tipping point for us: we saw a huge gap as the industry grew and consolidated, leaving smaller customers behind. Our focus is filling that gap, offering the service levels and products that our bigger competitors aren’t interested in providing.”

A Local Build

When it came time to build the Wrightstown facility, Troy and his team wanted a partner who could come alongside them for the project. They purchased the land but needed a contractor who could help design and build the right facility.

“When we were looking at contractors, Alliance Construction & Design stood out because they were focused on building what we needed, you know, not trying to over-engineer a building that we didn’t need,” Troy says. “More importantly, actually building the building we did need.”

Just as necessary was their local presence in Wrightstown.

“Their local presence and ability to service us, be on site, and present during the building process took a lot of the worry off me,” he says. “It gave me a lot of peace of mind just knowing they were so close and that if any issues came up, they were right there to take care of them.”

Continued Partnership

Alliance Construction & Design built Alliance Film’s first facility. They were also brought in for three expansions, each of which required very specific designs and builds to fit within Alliance Film’s unique needs. For example, they receive all of their raw materials by rail, so one of the locations in the building needed to be strategically placed to have rail access.

That consistent ability to problem solve has made Alliance Films hopeful for a continued partnership into the future.

Value
Alliance Construction building face

One of Alliance Construction & Design’s most outstanding values comes from the way they
conduct business.

“I think Alliance provides a small builder mentality, but having big building capabilities,” Troy says.

Working with Alliance won’t feel like working with a big contractor; instead, it will feel like a true partnership with the benefits of a big contractor.

“Everything they have done has been very good, from all the people they have assigned to
us and their project managers to their attention to detail and their follow-up,” he says. “They’ve made sure we not only have a quality build but that our timelines are maintained. We gave them specific dates when we needed occupancy, and they’ve been able to meet those every time.”

Conclusion

As Alliance Plastics continues to grow and expand, they know their Wrightstown partner is there to support them along the way.

“We’re looking to continually expand and grow our presence, which will most likely be in other geographies,” Troy says. “We have plans to build facilities on the East Coast and on the West Coast to service customers. Those are our long-term plans.”

This growth is fueled not just by business opportunities but also by a true passion for the product itself.

“I love stretch film and the purpose it serves,” Troy says. “I have a real passion for making the absolute best product we can make, not making just good enough products. That’s where I really feel our competitors have faltered; they are making products that are just good enough and that are lower in cost. What I love about doing this is making products that outperform what our competitors are making.”

GBIG: 5P Showcase Expo 2026 update

5P Showcase Expo 2026

The 5P Showcase Expo is on February 24, 2026, at the Onedia Hotel and Conference Center in Green
Bay, WI. We have already sold 60% of our booths, with 40% still available. To reserve your spot, SIGN UP
NOW TO EXHIBIT or ATTEND. The Exhibit Hall is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This popular event features the best in the Packaging, Paper, Printing, Plastics, Pulp, Converting, Food & Food Packaging. The event and location is in the Heart of the nation’s Converting Corridor!

The cost of exhibiting is: $1,000 for an 8’ x 10’ draped booth with table, chairs, and power. The 5P Expo is one of the least expensive expos in the industry! The cost includes morning beverages, box lunch, and FREE Beverages & hors d’oeuvres served in the Exhibition Hall from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

For easy sign up, go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – 5P Showcase Expo.

Please contact Marty Ochs – Executive Director of the Green Bay Innovation Group 608-698-3333 or martinpochs@gmail.com for any questions, etc.

View the Full Information

Wisconsin Paper Council: 2025 WPC/NCASI REGULATORY & TECHNICAL WORKSHOP

ABOUT OUR WORKSHOP

Wisconsin Paper Council logo

The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) and NCASI will host a one-day in-person Technical and Regulatory Workshop on December 4, 2025, for employees of companies that are members of WPC and/or NCASI. Cost: $75 per person

DECEMBER 4TH, 2025

Miron Construction Corporate Headquarters
1471 McMahon Drive, Neenah, WI

Why Attend

  • Learn from experts on environmental regulations and technical topics
  • Explore industry challenges and solutions
  • Network with peers and professionals
  • Continuing education credit
Register Now

QC Electronics Unveils New Adhesion Science Platform

PORTAGE, WI (Oct. 17, 2025) – QC Electronics, a U.S. manufacturer of corona treatment systems, has unveiled a new lab line designed to bring scientific precision and data transparency to corona treatment.

Carl Klein and Alyxandria Klein
Carl Klein and Alyxandria Klein

Built on a Coast Controls unwind/rewind, the system unites QC’s two flagship technologies – the Advantage bare roll and TNT covered roll – into a single, modular platform. Every process variable can be isolated and tuned, including air gap, watt density, frequency, electrode configuration, tension, line speed, and more. This level of control allows QC to quantify the relationships between treatment parameters, surface chemistry, and ultimate bond performance – a capability currently unmatched in the industry.

“This isn’t just a test lab – it’s a scientific instrument. There’s a clear gap in the market between surface physics and process control in bonding,” said Alyxandria Klein, technical sales director at QC Electronics, “We’re positioning ourselves to close that gap.”

Lab Line Technical Drawing

Science-first engineering

Developed by Carl Klein, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer at QC Electronics, the line embodies decades of applied corona expertise combined with a new emphasis on quantifiable surface science. Through internal research and external collaboration, QC aims to simplify surface energy measurement, expand the understanding of reactive site stability, and publish data-driven insights that drive the industry toward verified, repeatable adhesion. While others are focused on demos and experience, QC focuses on measurement, verification, and reliability – the conditions necessary to achieve true process control.

Expanding industry capabilities

In addition to internal R&D, QC Electronics is offering contract corona treatment and collaborative testing services to converters, material scientists, and OEMs seeking to develop or validate new materials and coatings. The line’s capabilities include bare roll or covered roll treatment, single or double-sided configuration, treatment widths up to 60 inches, and roll diameters up to 24 inches – accommodating a broad spectrum of substrates.

About QC Electronics

QC Electronics manufactures high-performance corona treatment systems used to prepare surfaces for bonding. Based in Portage, Wisconsin, the company provides customizable, data-driven solutions to manufacturers worldwide.

Media contact:

Alyxandria Klein
QC Electronics, Inc.
Website: www.qcelectronics.com
Email: sales@qcelectronics.com
Phone: +1 (608) 742-1661

EDANA calls for clarity and consistency on the EUDeforestation Regulation (EUDR)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23/10/2025

Brussels, Belgium, 23 October 2025 – EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, considers the European Commission’s recent U-turn on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) a missed opportunity to deliver a clear and effective framework to help effectively fight global deforestation.

The recent announcement adds unnecessary complexity where simplification was needed. Instead of offering certainty, it introduces confusion amongst operators, disrupts already intricate supply chains, and risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness.

Our members are committed to supporting global efforts to prevent deforestation, however, the Regulation in its current format – supported by an IT system still unfit for purpose – presents fundamental challenges, including issues around polygon geolocation and excessive due diligence requirements that remain unresolved.

EDANA emphasizes that the Regulation must not be pushed through prematurely. The European Commission should maintain its original proposal to the European Parliament and delay implementation by 12 months. Such a step would allow sufficient time to ensure the system is workable and fair for all operators.

Frequent changes in direction erode business confidence and create uncertainty across global markets. The latest developments have already led to confusion on both sides of the Atlantic, with some countries calling for an accelerated timeline while others urge delay.

image of forest

For more information:

About EDANA

Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the international association advocating for the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also
organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events.

For further information, please contact:

Felipe Cossio Cuartero
Mobile: +32 499 689 249
E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org
Website: www.edana.org

Sign Up Now to Exhibit or Attend the February 24, 2026 5p Showcase Expo

This popular event features the best in the paper, printing, packaging, and converting
industries. Whether you use these substrates or produce them, you will want to see
and hear about the latest developments and trends. Consult with exhibitors and listen
to speaker experts. Cost to exhibit: $1,000, and to attend: $50. The day begins at 7:30 am
check-in. Speakers begin at 9:00 am-10:00 am and in the afternoon: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm.
Attendees will have lunch and networking opportunities.

The Oneida Hotel Convention Center features:

  • Networking with FREE Beverages and Hors d’Oeuvres: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
  • Proximity to Austin Straube! Airport, with free shuttle service and parking.
  • Full service Hotel and Exhibit Halls, with coffee shop, bar, & casino.
  • All day exhibits, representing the SP industries.
  • Introductions to exhibitors from 8:00-9:00 am, hosted by AJ Buran.
  • The event is in the heart of the “Converting Corridor.”

For easy sign-up, go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/Events.

Green Bay Innovation Group

Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.

Contact Information

Phone: 608-698-3333 
martinpochs@gmail.com
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