We are very excited about filling the needs of the N.E.W. and greater Wisconsin markets with our metal fabrication and machine assembly capabilities.
Kono Kogs now offers custom metal fabrication and machine assembly in addition to our main line of air pollution control equipment. The decades of expertise KKI has developed addressing their own in-house needs is now being rolled out to N.E.W. and the greater Wisconsin area. Click here to see our capabilities.
Structural steel and sheet metal design, fabrication and painting
Machine assembly – design, wiring, piping, tubing
PLC control design, programming and cabinet building
About Kono Kogs
Kono Kogs, Inc. is the world’s largest supplier of used thermal oxidizer systems for air pollution control. We have been buying, refurbishing and selling used thermal oxidizers for over 26 years and have over 500 equipment installations worldwide.
Significant investments into new equipment often come with a long payback period rendering them less cost-effective during their first several years in operation. Instead, manufacturers can consider an extended life for their existing machines. Strategic integration of upgrades and new technologies into older machines can be a cost-effective way to delay the need for new equipment without harming production rates. These updates will make the machines more energy-efficient, simpler and safer to run, and deliver better productivity.
In terms of manufacturing equipment that can cost upwards of several hundred thousand dollars, industrial manufacturing retrofits are the way to gain new features and extend the operational life of an old machine.
Industrial Manufacturing Retrofits
The purpose of a strategic retrofit is to integrate new features or technologies while retaining most of the original structure of the equipment. For example, a common retrofit opportunity involves implementing automation technology to streamline inefficient processes such as changeovers. One way to accomplish this is using sensors that are IoT-enabled. These devices allow machines to transfer data back and forth while automating certain functions, but they were still in development just ten years ago. In a move to avoid heavy dependence on manual processes, industrial manufacturers are implementing IoT enabled sensors that will streamline entire production lines through efficient automated processes. By implementing automation technologies, manufacturers can eliminate or reduce the reliance on workers who must access individual sections to make adjustments manually. Other common retrofit opportunities include legacy motor systems and manual profile monitoring.
Control Retrofits: What You Need to Know
One of the primary benefits of choosing industrial retrofits is the lower investment cost. This is possible because only those components that require updating are replaced while the rest of the machine remains intact.
Many industrial manufacturers seek specific outcomes for improvements such as increasing equipment uptime, boosting performance, reducing energy usage, incorporating digital technologies, and making equipment easier to use. Targeted retrofits are recommended in these situations to avoid replacing entire machines.
Still, manufacturers must accept that even highly targeted retrofits cannot avoid all instances of downtime as the individual sections that require new components often need to be taken offline to perform the updates. Depending on the project, most service providers can minimize the downtime necessary using modeling. It is also critical for manufacturers to avoid reactionary plans to current or short-term fluctuations and consider their future needs when contemplating retrofits.
Minimize Downtime With Phased Retrofits
Approaching a project in phases so only the individual sections being worked on must be stopped will reduce shutdowns. One service provider recently worked with an industrial manufacturer to develop a retrofit solution that would make their equipment safer and more reliable. The manufacturer’s current system was utilizing outdated controls that could not be replaced and, facing the possibility of a catastrophic breakdown, updates were necessary.
The service provider began with an analysis of the system. Then, the motor system was upgraded, and remote monitoring equipment incorporated. The last step was to perform an in-depth machine safety study with the goal of identifying where the work environment for production and maintenance staff needed to be improved. These improvements were then laid out in a carefully-planned timeline to keep downtime to a minimum for the manufacturer.
Choosing an integrator with extensive experience incorporating components and optimizing system performance will be highly beneficial when implementing retrofits. Otherwise, an improvement in one section could lead to unintentional slowdowns or bottlenecks in other areas resulting in missing the goal of improving productivity rates.
No Two Retrofits are the Same
Most people in the industrial manufacturing sector know that no two shops are the same. Every layout and configuration of equipment will be different, and the demands of production lines depend heavily on the industry, the application, and the specific manufacturer. In other words, the timelines and budgets that one manufacturer worked with will not work with another. Whom you choose to evaluate your equipment and integrate new technology is critical, if an accurate assessment is to be performed, a practical plan developed, and a successful outcome achieved. Quad Plus has extensive experience with the various processes, hardware assortments, and legacy equipment programming specifics across many industries. If you’d like additional information on strategic integration of upgrade options for your machine or if you’d like assistance developing a practical migration plan, please contact Jim Woulf at (920) 515-4155 or via email at jwoulf@quadplus.com.
Worzalla Spells Out L-O-V-E for Reading by Supporting Adult Literacy
Stevens Point book printer raises takes first place in donations to Portage County Literacy Council’s and Annual Words & Friends for Literacy
Stevens Point, Wisconsin (May 12, 2022) – Worzalla, an employee-owned printing company specializing in high-quality children’s books and cookbooks, was a sponsor of this year’s Words & Friends for Literacy event hosted and organized by the Portage County Literacy Council. After taking a pause in 2020 and a remote event in 2021 due to the pandemic, this year’s event was a success in helping raise more than $20,000. The funds Worzalla raised and all donations from other participants will support the Portage County Literacy Council’s community-based literacy programs.
“Worzalla associates were excited to participate in the Portage County Literacy Council’s annual fundraising and support a cause we’re so closely connected to,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Vice President of Human Resources at Worzalla. “Reading is a wonderful way to find escape and learn about new ideas and PCLC understands that literacy is possible at any stage in life. As book printers, we’re proud to contribute to their programming to make literacy possible for adults in our community.”
The Words & Friends for Literacy fundraising event invited members of the community to form teams of four or more people and host a House Party for Literacy. Teams completed challenges and raised funds during Apr. 27, 28 and/or 29. Worzalla’s team, The Jefferson Street Girls, comprised of associates Sparky Musolf, Deb Clark, Brenda Betro, Sarah Zuehlke, Sheila Jasenovsky (Team Capitan), Kim Mains, Cathy Davis, Jennifer Heisler and Shasta Grosbier, took first place in collecting a total of $2,331.00 in pledges from friends, family and fellow Worzalla associates.
“Support from Worzalla, as well as other community members and sponsors, helps us continue to provide adult literacy services in Portage County,” said Kristy SeBlonka, Co-Director at Portage County Literacy Council. “We’re thrilled to see our community’s enthusiasm and rally behind our mission of helping adults achieve their literacy goals.”
Worzalla has an extended history of supporting literacy for all ages in Wisconsin. Most recently, Worzalla hosted its own fundraiser for PCLC with the “Reel It In For Reading” Ice Fishing Competition and plans year-round community involvement activities for local elementary schools. To learn more visit www.worzalla.com.
About Worzalla
Worzalla is an employee-owned printing company headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Founded in 1892, Worzalla has 130 years of experience in creating high-quality custom products for its customers. Worzalla specializes in the production of cookbooks, children’s and lifestyle books, and is dedicated to exceeding expectations for quality, service, and delivery. From small to large publishers, Worzalla is the printer the industry turns to for manufacturing high profile projects and award-winning books. With numerous industry awards for safety and workplace culture, Worzalla is consistently ranked as one of the top places to work in central Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.worzalla.com.
The Green Bay Innovation Group hosted an outstanding group of speakers to address the Paper, Pulp, etc. supply chain issues impacting their businesses and we want to thank them for their participation. We had a great turnout with a lot of interest in the subject. The speakers included:
Timothy Nordin: Brand Manager at Billerud
Pixelle Specialty Paper: Brad Shockey Vice President of Supply Chain Management
Dennis Tegrootenhuis: President of Small Quantity Boxes
Outlook Graphics: Blain Ott Director of Supply Change Management
Brit Swisher – Vice President of the North Region at Midland
Nick Mares – President of Viridiam
We will see a continuation of the printing paper shortages for the balance of the year with rising costs, allotments and disruptions in the supply chain. However, we should see some improvement for the balance of 2022. The key is to plan with your paper suppliers and customers. We will be announcing some new added capacity for the Paper Industry. GBIG will be engaging further with Billerud and others to continue to support the printing paper and packaging markets. We ALL recognize the importance of the Paper Industry impact on the 5P, Converting and Supporting Manufacturing Industries.
The Green Bay Innovation Group will be putting together a group of industry professionals to reignite the paper industry in Wisconsin. We need to bring to the attention the importance of the Paper Industry and its impact on the Paper, Converting and supporting industries! Simply, the paper industry has been off the radar screen and simply neglected. GBIG wants to thank WEDC and New North for their participation in the event. GBIG is a business to business industry association supporting the 5P and Converting Industries.
I have some thoughts to share due to the global realignment of the Supply Chain.
1. Supply Chains will remain under constant treat and disruptions especially with Russia and China. Europe and Asia will not be the answer for the USA. China with a lockdown will be limited to supply printing papers at this time. However, China is investing in new modern printing paper machines and closing down old and inefficient mills. China will continue to invest and purchase USA companies for All paper production! Simply, this is a great opportunity to reinvest in the USA paper industry especially in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Government and Wisconsin industry has to develop a plan to reinvest in the paper industry.
2. Supply Chain technologies and paper manufacturing suppliers will become big winners due to investments in automation. Wisconsin has a tremendous manufacturing base supporting the paper industry. It is anticipated with upgrades of the paper machines at Billerud and others, it will be a big win for the Wisconsin Manufacturers supporting the paper industry!
3. Right now the USA is getting outcompeted by China and Europe. We will need the Wisconsin Congressional leadership and the business community to address the issue putting aside All partisan differences to pass a bill and a plan to support the paper and pulp industries. Simply, Wisconsin has ALL of the ADVANTAGES for the production of paper and pulp!
In a world faced with the prospect of tight supplies, higher energy costs and strained transportation networks, Wisconsin has a great opportunity to re-build that paper industry.
The Green Bay Innovation Group is a business-to-business consortium of enterprises working in the paper, pulp, printing, plastics, packaging, converting and supporting industries. GBIG members collaborate to drive the industry forward and advance the region as the world’s heart of innovation.
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 71 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Fresh out of college, Sue Wiggins started her career at Domtar, a paper, pulp and packaging company based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. After 21 years working in a variety of roles, Sue was promoted to Production Manager in January 2022 at the Washington Courthouse, OH Plant. For two decades, she helped hire employees based on the 15dots® Selection Process. It’s the only hiring process she ever used, and for good reason. The system works. In this article, she shares the reasons why a Structured Board Interview (SBI) is so effective. First, some explanations about the structured interview process.
What is a Structured Board Interview?
A SBI is an employee selection process in which a panel of four team members interview job applicants. Essentially, the SBI replaces one-on-one interviews performed by a single HR professional.
A structured board interview:
Follows a pre-established, structured sequence of specific questions
Is conducted by people who are trained in interviewing
Takes place in a highly organized setting
Is an exact, standard process, not a freewheeling, off-the-cuff or arbitrary activity
Is conducted after applicants are tested and tour the facility to experience the work environment, thus giving them an opportunity to opt out before the interview
Interview & Pre-employment Testing
A SBI occurs after applicants complete pre-employment tests. However, applicants don’t have to score above a threshold in order to be interviewed. That’s an advantage of this process. The test and the interview scores are combined for an overall score. Those on the panel never know a test score before the interview, so they go into an interview as unbiased as possible. The 15dots process takes into account that not everyone does well at testing and not everyone is comfortable in a group interview setting. Thus, it gives both types of individuals a chance to be hired, instead of knocking them out of the process halfway through.
Hiring Quality vs. Quantity Candidates
Like other 5P industries, Domtar is struggling with manpower. Unlike 10 years ago, the company doesn’t have a readily available pool of candidates. Yet Domtar remains true to the structured board interview process. Because the plant is already short-staffed, it may seem counterproductive to pull four people from their work to conduct job interviews. Although it takes more time and effort, the SBI absolutely yields better results. If companies do the process correctly, the quality of candidates is better – and quality trumps quantity.
Learning the Art of Interviewing
Because they’ll be working shoulder-to-shoulder with the new hires, the existing employees get a say in the selection process. Domtar trains both hourly and salary employees as interviewers, to achieve a well-rounded board. By conducting SBIs, employees gain a better understanding of the hiring process. They are far less likely to say, “HR can’t get us people” or “HR doesn’t know what we’re looking for.”
Reducing Bias with a Board Interview
An individual interviewer may think he or she is unbiased, making hiring decisions based on facts, but that isn’t necessarily true. Sue firmly believes that HR officers hire applicants who are like themselves. They select applicants they “like.” However, that doesn’t mean the applicant is a good fit for the job. That’s the beauty of the board interview – four decision-makers instead of one. The board discusses each candidate and reaches a consensus regarding how the candidate fits the jobs.
Asking Behavioral-based Questions
The behavioral-based questions in a SBI are so important. History is the best predictor of how a candidate will perform in the future. Therefore, if candidates have good examples of how they used their skills in the past, that’s assurance they can do so in the future. An applicant can tell a panel what they would do in a given situation, because they know what interviewers want to hear. However, interviewers need to find out what candidates actually have done in the past, backed by specific examples.
Hiring Employees with Ability & Motivation
When Domtar is hiring, the company looks beyond entry-level positions. Domtar promotes from within its facility, looking for applicants capable of entry-level roles and the next jobs down the road. Some HR professionals just want someone in the door because they need people on the floor. This solves the entry-level staffing problem, but it isn’t a long-term solution. Employers also want hires equipped with the ability and motivation to move up in the company and make a lasting impact.
Conducting Structured Board Interviews
Domtar uses the SBI process, and Production Manager Sue Wiggins fully believes in its effectiveness. Although structured board interviews may take longer to complete than a one-on-one interview, the results are far better and more reliable. The ability to conduct effective, standardized interviews is a teachable skill. Thus, 15dots offers expert-led Virtual Structured Board Interview training sessions in which participants gain the confidence and learn the techniques necessary to be effective interviewers. Contact 15dots to register or to learn more.
The 15th annual Converters Expo had a record breaking year with 169 companies represented on a sold out exhibit floor and over 935 registered attendees. Participants were there to find solutions to their converting needs in the areas of Machinery & Equipment, Materials. Materials, Services and more. A complete list of exhibiting companies can be found at ConvertersExpo.com.
This year’s attendees were able to learn from exhibitors sharing their expertise in our new Vendor Education Sessions that debuted at the 2021 event. For those unable to attend this year’s event, the programs can be found under the Agenda section of the website.
The Converters Expo team would like to thank Gold Sponsors Charter Next Generation and Midwest Engineered Systems, Silver Sponsors Bobst, Precision Roll Solutions, and Rol-Tec, Bronze Sponsors BST, Coast Contols, Motion Control Robotics, Preco and Valley Grinding & Manufacturing, and our supporting organizations GBIG and New North.
Paper shortages and rising distribution costs are challenging today’s papermaking and print industries. The industry is experiencing major disruptions in the packaging industries for food, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, etc., and print industries for periodicals, catalogs and direct mail. To address these challenges and offer potential solutions, Green Bay Innovation Group will host a roundtable discussion featuring six leaders in Wisconsin’s paper, pulp, and print industries.
Presenters include Aaron Haas, vice president at BillerudKorsnas; Brad Shockey, vice president of supply chain at Pixelle Specialty Paper; Dennis Tegrootenhuis, president of Small Quantity Boxes; Blaine Ott, director of Supply Chain at Outlook Group; Brit Swisher, vice president of the North Region at Midland, and Nick Mares, president of Viridian.
The in-person event takes place from 2-4:30pm Tuesday, May 24, at Urban Hub, 340 N. Broadway St. Ste. 200, Green Bay. The cost is $25.
Papermaking in Wisconsin is an $18 billion industry that employs more than 30,000 people. A fluid supply chain keeps people working and products moving. Anyone interested in learning about the paper supply chain shortage is invited to attend the roundtable event, sponsored by Green Bay Innovation Group.
Modern facility will be hub for latest flexographic print and package converting technologies
GREEN BAY, Wis. — May 5, 2022 — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), part of Barry-Wehmiller, welcomed 70-plus customers, suppliers and area supporters to its new Packaging Innovation Center on April 26 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tour and overview presentation.
Located at PCMC’s headquarters in Green Bay, this state-of-the-art facility—focused on the printing and packaging industries—will serve as a resource for training, demonstrations and industry trials, along with research and development opportunities. The new center features the latest equipment for plate mounting, anilox roll laser cleaning, and central impression and inline flexographic printing.
“We’re launching this unique experience center with flexographic central impression and inline printing capabilities, and will soon be adding digital printing, lamination, and bag and pouch converting equipment,” said Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s Director of Sales–Printing, Coating and Laminating. “We’re very grateful to our industry partners for contributing their equipment, knowledge and experience, so we can share the latest innovations in flexographic printing and bag converting.”
PCMC’s current partners at the center include 3M, All Printing Resources Inc., AV Flexologic, Clean Planet, Fox Valley Flexo Services, Harper Corporation of America, Interflex Laser Engravers, INX International Ink Co., Miraclon, Rossini s.p.a., Sandon Global, tesa SE, Wikoff Color Corporation and XSYS, in addition to Hudson-Sharp, which is part of PCMC. In the future, PCMC will seek to expand the center’s capabilities by collaborating with additional innovative companies serving the flexographic printing industry.
“PCMC has always been focused on providing high-quality, innovative machinery, along with excellence in customer support,” said Stan Blakney, BW Converting Solutions’ Group President. “It’s gratifying to offer a state-of-the-art facility where our customers can get hands-on training and learn more about the latest technologies that PCMC and our partners have to offer.”
As part of the center’s educational focus, a three-day flexographic training seminar will be held there from June 21 to 23. Additional events are expected to be announced.
If you’re in the food or pharmaceutical packaging trade, according to Smithers, in a recent article, (4 trends that will change, 2018) “Four key trends that will shape the future of packaging to 2028”, the demand for packaged goods is increasing dramatically. As a company in this growing industry, there are four important things to consider when choosing the right flexographic equipment manufacturer. Here is what you need to know to be successful in 2022 and beyond.
First, make sure your equipment manufacturer is working toward sustainable packaging. As manufacturers continually work toward the growing consumer demand for these sustainable products, you need an equipment manufacturer that is on the same level playing field, and understands that consumers are pushing the needle on sustainability. “As sustainability has become a key motivator for consumers, brands are increasingly keen for packaging materials and designs that demonstrably show their commitment to the environment.” (4 trends that will change, 2018) Minimizing food waste is another goal of policymakers, noting 40% of food produced worldwide is not eaten. In agreement with this sustainability trend, Anderson Vreeland, notes that solvent-free plate cleaners and supplies are expected to make a huge impact in 2022. (4 trends, flexographic printing, 2022)
A second point when determining which equipment manufacturing company to take into consideration is the company’s perspective on technology, and how they keep up to date on the latest in technology. Digital printing needs to be taken into consideration when building printing equipment. The use of thermal ink jet printing is not going away anytime soon. This technology provides low maintenance, has fewer chemicals, and is great for short production runs. It is definitely something that flexographic equipment manufacturers need to be aware of and learn how to integrate it into their process if it is a good fit. With QR Codes gaining ground, according to www.tcbmag.com, (Veritiv Corporation, June 03 et al., 2021) digital printing technology allows manufacturers to print QR codes that are used to provide user experiences that help make brands top of mind for the consumer, allows the use of creativity in building brands.
Third, automation is another area that equipment manufacturers need to be well aware of, and know that it is vitally important to the packaging industry. With the upsurge in labor shortages, and an increased need for skilled labor, higher levels of automation are on the horizon. Anderson Vreeland Inc, a leader in the flexographic printing industry, believes that, “Advanced automation is an important step for the printing & packaging industry, and it should be adopted to stay on track with the industry’s trajectory.” Automation also helps reduce human error, and has proven a reduction in waste.
Finally, when researching an equipment manufacturer to partner with, a company needs to review the manufacturer’s experience in the industry. A leader in designing innovative solutions, Printco Industries, a company that has been around since 1983 and has a reputation for building solid flexographic printing equipment. According to Laurie Burkel, a key factor to choosing a partner in the flexographic printing industry is “knowledge and experience”. Burkel’s company has worked with OEM’s worldwide since 1983, and their troubleshooting capabilities are a true testament to building a list of satisfied customers.
In summary, when choosing the right flexographic printing manufacturer to work with, the determining factors are 1) High outlook on sustainability. This must be in the equation based on consumer demand. 2) The company must be able to keep pace with technology. 3) Automation must be an integral part of their design process, and 4) industry experience must be a crucial element in choosing the right flexographic partner. Keeping these four factors in mind when you choose a partner, will ensure your success in the packaging industry, hands down.
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.
