WOW Logistics is gearing up to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary next year, and a recent tour of their Little Chute facility makes it easy to see why they remain a leader and have been around so long in this brutal industry. Boasting a nationwide footprint of food-grade, temperature-controlled storage space, the company has become a valued partner for the food, beverage, and manufacturing industries.
Walking through their 350,000-square-foot facility offers a stunning look at modern supply chain agility in action. The sheer variety of inventory coexisting under one roof is remarkable. On any given aisle, you might find everything from dairy and food products to packaging and machinery. The staggering volume of product safely housed, meticulously inventoried, and seamlessly mobilized for nationwide distribution is phenomenal.
Beyond the impressive physical scale, WOW Logistics stands out through its technology infrastructure. Their advanced operating system serves as a digital lifeline for customers, offering live, real-time inventory tracking and the flexibility to route materials wherever market demands dictate at a moment’s notice. When observing the precision of the entire operation, it comes as no surprise that the company has earned the trust of its customers and maintained partnerships that span decades.
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 96 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
On July 25, during Forest Fest, Trees For Tomorrow proudly celebrated the dedication of the John & Melissa Besse Outdoor Learning Center, marking the completion of a project that will serve students, educators, and community members for years to come.
The open house and dedication brought together supporters, friends, and partners to recognize the vision, generosity, and collaboration that made this space possible. Cheryl Brunzo, Trees For Tomorrow’s Executive Director, recently stated, “We are especially grateful to the John and Melissa Besse Foundation, whose leadership gift earned the naming sponsorship and helped turn this dream into a reality.”
Designed as a flexible outdoor gathering space, the John & Melissa Besse Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) is already enhancing TFT programs by providing a welcoming environment for environmental education, demonstrations, and group activities. The facility is also available for rental and can accommodate meetings, community events, celebrations, and other gatherings.
More than a structure, the OLC represents the power of investing in places that bring people together. Thanks to the generosity of so many donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, we now have a space where learning, connection, and memories will continue to grow.
The youngest generation of the Besse Family participated in
the dedication with a log cutting ceremony.
The legacy of John and Mellisa Besse is carried on through Greg
and Diane Besse and their family. Greg and Diane and their children Cain and
Gabrielle gathered with their families to dedicate the OLC that bears their family name.
Matt Carothers speaks on behalf of the Besse family,
reflecting on their shared commitment with TFT to outdoor education and
inspiring the next generation.
Executive Director Cheryl Brunzo welcomes guests and reflects
on the vision, partnerships, and generosity that brought the Outdoor Learning
Center to life.
TFT Vice President Tim Nordin from Billerud shares remarks
About Trees For Tomorrow
Trees For Tomorrow’s campus, located in Eagle River, Wisconsin, includes National Forest property under permit from the USDA Forest Service. Private property owned by Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and Tara Lila LLC are also utilized for education and outreach purposes. TFT is an accredited nonprofit environmental center specializing in overnight environmental education programs for K-12 school groups with facilities that include dormitories, a full-service dining hall, and classrooms. Trees for Tomorrow annually serves 14,000 youth and adults with the mission to promote sustainable management of our natural resources through transformative educational experiences.
For a fourth year in a row, GBIG co-sponsored the annual Tossing for Inclusion Bag Toss Tournament and Fundraiser. Tossing for Inclusion benefits VARC, a Fox Valley organization that supports and empowers children and adults with disabilities and other life barriers to build greater independence and community inclusion.
The event, held on Aug. 19 in Appleton, brought together community members, sponsors, and bag-toss teams for a day of fun, friendly competition, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive community.
GBIG Executive Director Marty Ochs spoke at the event’s opening ceremony, recognizing VARC for the packaging and production services it provides to the 5P Industries. Two teams represented GBIG at Tossing for Inclusion. Caity Wilhelm, GBIG Membership and Events Director, Joan Koehne, GBIG Board Secretary, and their bag toss partners competed in the casual bracket of the tournament.
We want to thank Jeff Lindsay of Planet Lindsay, Pat Chen, and Brit Swisher of Midland Paper Company for an outstanding presentation on Asia Pulp and Paper.
Brit Swisher’s presentation was an overview of the US and Asian Paper Market
The advantage is shifting from tons to knowledge.
What executives should be watching?
Operational Impact on Production
US Paper Manufacturing is focusing on Profitability not Tons.
The impact of EPR – Extended Producers Responsibility
Current Challenges and Opportunities
Process Improvement
Sustainability
R & D Trends shaping the next product generation of paper products
Strategies for the Market – What is Happening
Offshore imports on All Printing Grades and current updates on the US Producers
Tarriff & Duties, the current and future policies
Paper and Pulp Mill closures in the USA and China
How Global manufacturers shape the US Market
The U.S. Paper Industry at an Inflection Point
Jeff Lindsay focused on the history of China and its evolution moving from agriculture to an industrial manufacturing powerhouse. Pat Chen focused on the technology and investments that have and will continue to being made by China’s Paper and Pulp Manufacturers!
China’s paper industry is one of the clearest examples of a shift from a rural, agricultural economy to a highly industrialized manufacturing powerhouse. This story is especially relevant to Wisconsin and the broader U.S. paper and pulp industries. China did more than increase paper production; it rebuilt the entire industrial ecosystem around paper, pulp, packaging, machinery, planning, recycling, chemicals, energy, and technology. Before economic reforms began in 1978, China’s paper industry was small, fragmented, and technologically outdated, with companies relying on non-wood fibers. Those reforms dramatically changed the business environment by encouraging rural enterprises, private businesses, foreign investment, industrial development, and export-oriented manufacturing. The critical shift from small mills to large, modern mills transformed the structure of the industry.
A 2007 national paper-industry policy called for China to move from being a minor paper-producing country toward becoming a paper-manufacturing powerhouse, emphasizing larger-scale companies, better technology, improved environment performance, resource efficiency and the integration of forestry and paper making.
The Government policy + private capital + foreign technology + enormous domestic demand + export opportunities lead to rapid industrial modernization. We see Asian Pulp and Paper establishing plantations in China to support the production of pulp with less dependence on foreign pulp suppliers.
China produced approximately:
136.25 million tons of paper and paperboard
94.54 million tons of pulp
65.14 million tons of paper products
The broader pulp, paper, and paper-products sector produced 296 million tons and generated approximately 1.46 trillion yuan in revenue.
August 4, 2026 – APPLETON, Wis. – CMD is pleased to announce that Jeff Moore has joined the company as Regional Sales Manager. He will partner with customers throughout the western United States to identify opportunities and deliver tailored converting solutions that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance. In addition, Moore will play a key role in expanding CMD’s DAC web inspection and Hagihara slitting and rewinding solutions across North America.
Moore brings more than 15 years of experience spanning technical sales, territory management, manufacturing operations, and business leadership. Most recently, he served in a technical sales role with Precision Roll Solutions, partnering with manufacturers to deliver engineered solutions and build long-term customer relationships. Prior to that, he served as Western Territory Manager for AXI International, driving sales growth and customer success across the western United States.
With a diverse background in technical sales, manufacturing leadership, and business management, Moore brings extensive experience helping manufacturers improve performance and achieve their business objectives. He has led cross-functional teams, strengthened customer relationships, and implemented initiatives that enhance safety, quality, operational efficiency, and profitability. He earned a Master of Business Administration from North Carolina State University with a concentration in Finance and Innovation.
“We’re excited to welcome Jeff to the CMD team,” said Tim Lewis, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Jeff brings a unique combination of technical expertise, manufacturing leadership, and a customer-first mindset that aligns well with our approach. His experience helping manufacturers solve complex challenges will be a tremendous asset to our customers and our organization. We’re confident he’ll play an important role in strengthening our presence in the western region while accelerating the growth of the DAC and Hagihara product lines.”
ABOUT CMD
CMD Corporation is a global provider of advanced manufacturing solutions serving the converting, packaging, automation, alternative energy, and industrial manufacturing markets. For more than 45 years, CMD has helped manufacturers improve productivity, quality, and profitability through innovative equipment, integrated technologies, and world-class customer support.
Today, CMD’s portfolio brings together industry-leading technologies and specialized expertise across multiple businesses. Through CMD, FAS Converting, and strategic partnerships with DAC for web inspection and Hagihara for slitting and rewinding solutions, the company delivers comprehensive solutions for flexible packaging and film converting—including bag and pouch making, web inspection, slitting and rewinding, automation, aftermarket support, and engineering services.
Beyond converting, CMD Alternative Energy Solutions designs and supports advanced CNG and RNG fueling systems with 24/7 remote monitoring and technical service, while CMD Manufacturing Solutions provides engineering, fabrication, machining, assembly, finishing, and contract manufacturing services for OEMs and industrial manufacturers.
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, CMD serves customers worldwide with engineering, installation, training, field service, replacement parts, upgrades, and lifecycle support. By combining innovative technologies, trusted partnerships, and decades of manufacturing expertise, CMD helps customers optimize performance, improve quality, and build more competitive operations. Learn more at www.cmd-corp.com.
Combined Locks, WI — Keller, Inc., a trusted Wisconsin-based design-build partner, has been selected to complete a series of interior remodels for McKinley Paper & Packaging Company at their Combined Locks facility.
The remodel includes updates to three important spaces within the facility:
The McKinley Paper History Wall, a signature storytelling feature that highlights the company’s legacy and evolution.
The Onboarding Conference Room, designed to welcome new employees with a modern, engaging environment.
The Operations Conference Room, refreshed to support collaboration, daily coordination, and strategic planning.
These improvements focus on cosmetic upgrades that reinforce McKinley Paper & Packaging Company’s commitment to investing in their facilities and enhancing the employee experience. Updated finishes, improved lighting, and modern design elements will bring a cohesive, refreshed look to each space.
Construction is underway, with project completion anticipated in Fall 2027.
For more information on Keller, Inc., Top Metal Builder in the Nation as reported by “Metal Construction News”, visit www.kellerbuilds.com .
For many commercial and industrial facilities, electricity costs depend on more than how much energy is consumed. Utilities may also assess a demand charge based on the facility’s highest level of electricity use during a specific billing period.
That means even a relatively short spike in demand can have an outsized effect on the monthly electric bill. Effective demand charge management focuses on identifying when those peaks occur and finding practical ways to keep them under control.
Understand When and Why Peak Demand Occurs
Peak demand often happens when multiple energy-intensive systems operate at the same time. Motors, HVAC equipment, production machinery, compressors, and other large electrical loads can combine to create a significant demand spike.
Understanding the facility’s load profile is an important first step toward peak demand reduction. Reviewing interval data, production schedules, and equipment operating patterns can help identify when peaks occur and which loads contribute to them.
Once those patterns are understood, businesses can consider energy management strategies such as:
Staggering the startup of large motors and equipment
Scheduling energy-intensive processes during off-peak periods
Adjusting HVAC schedules where operations allow
Avoiding unnecessary simultaneous loads
Monitoring demand in real time to identify developing peaks
These changes can help reduce energy costs by changing when electricity is used rather than simply limiting production.
Take a More Active Approach to Demand Charge Management
Operational changes are useful, but facilities do not always have the flexibility to manually coordinate electrical loads throughout the day. Automated controls and energy-efficient technologies can help facilities manage these peaks more effectively.
Demand charge limiters can monitor facility demand and automatically control selected loads before electricity use exceeds a predetermined threshold. This gives businesses a way to respond to changing conditions in real time instead of discovering a costly demand spike after it has already occurred.
Facilities may also benefit from utility demand response programs. These programs encourage participating customers to decrease or shift electrical consumption during periods when demand on the grid is especially high. Program structures vary by utility, so businesses should evaluate the requirements and determine whether participation makes sense for their operations.
Build a Strategy Around Your Facility’s Actual Energy Use
There is no single approach to managing electricity demand charges. The right strategy depends on the facility’s equipment, production requirements, utility rate structure, and ability to shift or control loads.
Combining better energy-use data with operational changes and automated demand management can help businesses limit costly peaks while maintaining the power needed for production. A well-planned approach also makes it easier to identify where future efficiency improvements could provide the greatest value.
For help evaluating demand management solutions for your facility, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.
NEENAH, Wis. — August 21, 2026 — Menasha Corporation today announced a commitment of $1 million over the next two years to support recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that impacted communities across the Fox Valley region.
As an initial step, Menasha Corporation will contribute $250,000 to the Community Response Fund, a collaborative effort supporting both immediate assistance and long-term recovery for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations affected by the storm. The Community Response Fund is administered through a partnership of local philanthropic organizations dedicated to coordinating community recovery efforts.
The remaining commitment will be distributed over the next two years to support ongoing recovery, rebuilding, and community resilience initiatives across the region.
“Menasha Corporation has called the Fox Valley home for nearly 180 years, and our connection to this community runs deep,” said Chris Drees, President and Chief Executive Officer of Menasha Corporation. “The recent tornado left a lasting impact on many of our neighbors, friends, employees, and local businesses. While the immediate response has been inspiring, we recognize that recovery will take time. We are committed to standing alongside our community, helping address urgent needs today while supporting the long-term rebuilding efforts that will be required in the months and years ahead.”
Drees added, “Throughout our history, Menasha Corporation has been strengthened by the communities we serve. This commitment reflects our belief that when our community faces challenges, we have a responsibility to come together, support one another, and help build a stronger future.”
Menasha Corporation’s contribution is part of the company’s broader commitment to supporting the wellbeing and resilience of the communities where its employees live and work.
About Menasha Corporation
Menasha Corporation is one of America’s oldest privately held manufacturing companies. Founded in 1849, the company is a leading provider of packaging and supply chain solutions through its businesses, Menasha Packaging Company and ORBIS Corporation. Headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, Menasha Corporation serves leading global consumer packaged goods companies and industrial customers throughout North America and beyond. For more information, visit menashacorporation.com.
Attend WPC’s Golf Outing to network with industry leaders while enjoying a day golfing riverside with fast greens and lush fairways. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with key players in the paper industry.
Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.
