Precision Roll Solutions will host factory tours in support of Converter’s Expo in Green Bay, WI. Customers and OEMs are invited to visit two plants that support greater efficiency in the packaging, printing and paper industries with process rolls, print sleeves, and machinery.
The factories will be open for tours from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Process Rolls and Print Sleeves 1281 Parkview Road, Green Bay, WI
Products: precision rollers, such as heat transfer rolls, idler rolls, vacuum rolls, anilox sleeves and engraved cylinders.
Point of Contacts: Pete Eggen – Product Manager Rolls Tom Kawula – Mechanical Engraving & Roll Applications Jamie Morales – Sleeve Manager & Technical Support Greg Jacobs – Gears Karen Mattson – Technical Sales Rolls
Machinery Center of Excellence 1260 Ashwaubenon Street, Green Bay, WI
Point of Contacts: Jeff Taylor – VP Converting Equipment 920.712.0025. Jeff can coordinate respective tours with larger teams. Kent Kohls – Engineering Mgr
For more information or a factory tour outside of this event, contact Corey Lemke, Business Development: 920.445.9089
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 83 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Julie Eckberg and Hilarie Rath are not exactly kids. We are old enough, however, to know a good thing when we see one. That is why we jumped at the chance to buy some beautiful papermaking equipment at an auction in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. We couldn’t even see the condition of the equipment before we purchased it in June of 2023, except for some online pictures. But something told Hilarie and Julie to jump with both feet. With the help of the Arnold Grummer family, a David Reina paper beater and a Howard Clark 20-ton press were purchased. With the help of Hilarie’s husband, Gary, and a number of volunteers at Hands on Deck, where we house our equipment, we now have a dry box as well. Together, these three pieces of equipment work together to create a fully functioning papermaking studio. With the help of a design award from Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, we were also able to purchase a speed dryer which will enable students to go home with paper they make the same day the paper is formed.
At the time of the auction, Hilarie already had a teaching schedule in place for paper arts classes, so while she was roving all over NE Wisconsin, Julie stayed back at the ranch, reading, learning and experimenting at our sweet little spot at 101 Bay Beach Road. We received support from awesome friends next door at Hands on Deck, Green Bay’s only non-profit woodworking and boat building school for all ages. How convenient it was when the belt broke on our beater to have someone right there who knew just how to fix it! We were also fortunate to have the support of the folks at Paradise North, the distillery next door. If there is one thing papermakers and master distillers have in common, it’s an appreciation for great drains!
Hilarie and Julie got to know each other in two ways. We are both members of a group called The Paper Year, started by internationally renowned hand papermaker, Helen Hiebert. Hilarie brought experience working with mostly recycled paper to the group. Like Julie, she was smitten with the idea of using plant material and recycled cloth to make paper. Only after Julie attended a class of Hilarie’s at the Green Bay Botanical Garden, did they realize that they lived just a few blocks from each other. Which is really quite amazing because The Paper Year group is organized from the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in a place near Vail, Colorado!
Julie and Hilarie have been most fortunate to have met wonderful people to help them on their journey. Green Bay Packaging was kind enough to donate bi-wall corrugated board for the dry box. We were highly encouraged to start a Facebook group, which we did in August. You can find us under groups at Handmade Papermakers of Green Bay and Beyond. In order to get some on site guidance, Sarah Ann Austin, of Raleigh, NC, flew up to help us learn the finer points of making pulp, forming sheets and pressing paper. When she came up, we did not yet have drying equipment, but the windows of the Paradise North Distillery did the trick until we were able to develop all the needed pieces.
Our next step was to get involved in the community. Hilarie maintained her teaching schedule at The Clearing in Ellison Bay, the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Swanstone Gardens and The Art Garage. We also began to have events at Hands on Deck. Our first event was a posthumous celebration of Arnold Grummer’s 100th birthday. Our beater now has a plaque in his memory. We then hosted a Pals event with young people in September, making paper with pumpkins from Hilarie’s backyard! We hosted a variety of events in fall, including an event raising funds for those experiencing breast cancer. We hosted a studio tour for students in the NWTC Business of Art class. Receiving an award from Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport was helpful for us. This led to an event at the Holiday Art Market at Lambeau Field. We began to receive publicity from local news organizations. HPGGB became part of the first Maker Space at the Resch Expo Center for the Home and Lifestyles Show in February. We hope this is just the start of bringing about greater awareness to the role of papermaking in the Green Bay area.
Julie brings to HPGBB many years of experience as a teacher of children and adults, a business owner and an artist. Hilarie has a lifetime of experience in elementary and secondary education. She is also an Arnold Grummer Certified Educator who has also taught people from age 3 to 93 how to make paper. We have both been involved in continuing our education through taking business classes and visiting places like the Minneapolis Center for Book Arts. What we have in common is a true love of experimentation with the cellulose fiber that can be used to make many beautiful and useful products. We also see the potential of having a complete handmade paper studio right here in Green Bay that can be a resource for children and adults alike. We are in the process of developing a media presence, so in the future, people will be able to find us more easily.
Despite the closures of many paper mills throughout the state and country, Green Bay continues to invest in paper with job opportunities and so much more, making NE Wisconsin a really special place to live. Green Bay is now the heartland of papermaking in the state. Those in the paper industry continue to give back to the community, witnessed in countless ways. It is our hope that Handmade Papermakers of Green Bay and Beyond will join manufacturers on a quest to learn about papermaking as a well-rounded STEAM activity, involving many aspects of science, technology, engineering, art and math. Experimenting with pulp is interesting, challenging and just plain fun. Julie and Hilarie like to share the hydrogen bonding magic with others! As Arnold Grummer would say, anyone can be successful in making paper on their very first try. For those that want to experiment with pulp, the sky is the limit. That’s why young and old alike enjoy making paper. We hope to share our enthusiasm and ideas with others.
Now that you, the rockers of the paper world know who we are, it’s time for us to meet in person! We’re partnering up with an organization that is enriching the lives of our youth in countless ways, The Children’s Museum of Green Bay. They are now located at 1230 Bay Beach Road. On Saturday, April 13, we’re teaming up with the Women in 5P, along with the Green Bay Innovation Group, to create a playful, educational event for children and their families. All Women in 5P, along with our GBIG partners, will have the opportunity to hang out with each other before the museum opens to the public. Better yet, this event is FREE to these members! HPGBB will stay and make paper during the morning because we want every child to have fun exploring paper as well as the rest of the museum. Put this date on your calendar and sign up on the GBIG website. Looking forward to meeting you!
Industrial manufacturing companies often find themselves at a fork in the road when making decisions about aging machinery. Traditionally, replacing outdated equipment with the latest models was the norm. However, this was, and still is, a costly and time-consuming undertaking. Retrofitting legacy equipment is a viable alternative that combines tradition and innovation. The benefits of modernizing existing machinery with new controls and automation, enables businesses to stay competitive in a swiftly evolving landscape.
The Problem with Outdated Equipment
Many industrial facilities operate with equipment that has served them faithfully for decades. Though these machines are reliable, their obsolete controls and lack of automation can hinder efficiency, productivity, and safety.
Retrofitting is a Solid Alternative to Replacement
Retrofitting offers an optimal solution to replacement by enhancing the performance and capabilities of existing machinery. It allows companies to maintain the familiarity of their legacy equipment while incorporating the latest technological advancements.
Here are some key benefits:
Retrofitting is often more cost-effective than completely replacing old machinery. This decreases capital expenditures while still reaping the benefits of modern technology.
The minimal downtime in retrofitting means that businesses can continue their operations without significant interruptions.
Upgrading controls and automation can extend the lifespan of legacy equipment. This is particularly important for companies that have made substantial investments in machinery and want to maximize their return on investment.
Modern controls and automation systems can significantly improve the efficiency of industrial processes. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
Outdated machinery may lack the safety features that are standard with newer models. Integrating these advanced safety measures through retrofitting will ensure a safer working environment.
The Strategic Approach to Modernization
To successfully retrofit, facilities need to follow a well-thought-out strategy. The following advice may help:
Take a thorough assessment of the existing machinery to identify the specific components that need upgrading. This includes evaluating the compatibility of the equipment with modern control systems.
Create clear objectives for the retrofitting project. Is your primary goal to improve efficiency? Reducing energy consumption? Enhancing safety? Well-defined targets are key.
Choose control systems and automation technology that align with the specific needs of your processes. Consider scalable solutions that can accommodate future upgrades.
Develop a detailed integration plan to ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new. This may involve training personnel, updating documentation, and addressing any potential compatibility issues.
Conduct rigorous testing to ensure the effectiveness of the retrofitting. This includes functional testing, performance testing, and making sure safety features operate as they should.
Establish a system for continuous improvement for the future. Regularly assess the performance of the retrofitted equipment and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
A Harmonious Balance for Modern Times
Retrofitting legacy equipment enables companies to breathe new life into their existing machinery, harnessing the power of modern controls and automation without the need for a complete replacement. By embracing retrofitting, industrial industries can stay competitive, boost efficiency, and adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape.
For inquiries about retrofitting solutions tailored to your industrial needs, please contact Jim at jwoulf@quadplus.com or call (920) 515-4155.
Quad Plus 1266 Home Ave Menasha WI 54952 www.quadplus.com Sales Contact Jim Woulf (920) 515-4155 jwoulf@quadplus.com
Location: Miron Construction 1471 McMahon Dr. Neenah, WI 54956
SCHEDULE:
Check-in: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Speakers – 8:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Lunch – 12: 00 – 1:00 p.m
Networking – 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
SPEAKERS:
Paper Converting Machine Company – Rodney Pennings
Procon – Kelly Helein
Pixelle Specialty Solutions – Dave Magda
Hoffmaster – Mark Hunter
Charter Next Generation – John Garnett
Miron Construction – Dan Goyermac and Blake Titus
Cargill – Dave Garlie
The Wisconsin Converting Industry has the of the largest concentrations of Converters & Packaging Companies in the United States. Our speakers represent varies companies in converting, coating, laminating, film, flexo printing, packaging, paper, food and water.
In late 2023, GBIG cited sources as having 8,244 employed in Wisconsin’s pulp and paper industries. Some in those industries have certain in-house converting capabilities. However, a considerable number of paper mills outsource their converting needs by providing mill rolls to independent converting companies.
Converting Background
The converting industry is typically underrated because its statistics are often wrapped into paper industry data; but that also does not recognize segment like film/plastics and nonwovens. Converters are frequently contract manufacturers, so it is not generally known how many products and brands are made for large consumer marketers. Private ownership and numbers of small business sizes add to the unrealized details. One recent study, in our opinion, left out at least half of the data.
The “Converting CorridorTM” from Green Bay to Milwaukee boasts logistics support, from inventory assistance to management of shipment schedules. Experience by nearby software, engineering, parts, and machining companies keeps the industry moving. These local suppliers understand industry; after all, Wisconsin is second only to Indiana as a manufacturing state. What affects converting, affects all these associated companies in the “corridor” and converting throughout the state.
The Converters:
Cut and slit rolls at the paper mill’s request
Manufacture for their own sales offerings and brands
Conduct value-added steps for contracted customers
Based upon a recent report, paper converters employ approximately 19,265 people in Wisconsin. After reviewing the report, our analysis shows a substantial number of companies are not really converters for inclusion among paper products listings as direct converting “partners.” The report was based upon NAICS statistics which included everyone involved in converting, even if they merely buy mill rolls or often use other substrates such as plastics and nonwovens. Additionally, label companies were included because they may have converting capabilities. Arguably, label companies’ capabilities include converting and other processes.
If we simply identify paper converters that support the paper industry taking jumbo rolls to slit, rewind, provide sheeted products, and carry out other related services, we find fewer than 20. Part of the difference in estimates is due to varying definitions.
Our research has identified a much larger number of independent converters that provide value-added materials: A. As outsourced by paper companies; or B. As value-added steps by converters for their customers; or C. They convert final finished products.
Wisconsin has many converters who work with substrates including films/plastics, nonwovens, labeling materials, and other non-paper or laminated substrates that are not naturally part of paper and pulp statistics.
We have defined converting as receiving raw materials on mill rolls and transforming them into value-added or finished products. Some examples of how the converting process may include a single or multiple manufacturers are shown below.
Food for thought
Wisconsin has been known as resource rich: As the top papermaking state; as a powerhouse in flexographic and other printing; having a strong presence in nonwovens with wipes producers and related supplies—the state has been strong in terms of meeting market demands.
During the pandemic we saw delays in certain materials, which presented supply problems. For example, mask components. Because of this, the industry began rethinking its sources of supply and has made more of its own investments to manufacture a wider array and expanded output of parts, materials, and finished products.
Wisconsin is no longer a major player supplying printing papers, with no production of coated groundwood papers, coated free sheets, and the state is a minor player in uncoated free sheets. Printers, converters, and packagers are buying most of their papers outside of Wisconsin and turning to Europe, Asia, Indonesia, and South America.
With the paper industry becoming weaker in terms of Wisconsin strength and with non-local ownership continuing to erode Wisconsin and U.S. industry leadership, this also impacts the converting industry.
Converters are making choices that were not required in years past. They include:
Seeking new sources of supply nationally & internationally
Changing some materials due to short supplies and supply chain issues
Realizing price increases due to reduced production of key materials
GBIG has identified converting factories in these areas:
Independent Converting – 69 Companies
Cartoning with in-house Converting –16 Companies
Nonwovens Converting – 13 Companies
Corrugated Converting – 41 Companies
Envelopes Converters – 2 Companies
Flexible Packaging Converting – 38 Companies
Label Printers & Converters – 69 Companies
Paper Mills Converting in-house – 13 Mills
Total: 261 for Converting in Wisconsin
Commercial Printers Converters – 30 estimated
Packaging Converting – 53 Companies
Total of Both: 344
Also: Based upon our industry experience, we would estimate that Commerical Printers with in-house Converting Capabilities: 30 to 50 plus companies.
Several companies convert a mix of cartons, corrugated, flexible packaging, and labels!
State and national policy in recent years has focused on strengthening our manufacturing sector and bringing back good-paying jobs for Americans.
Scott Suder
But this effort is being undermined as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently passed incredibly stringent air quality regulations. The new rule will have significant and adverse impacts on manufacturing, including Wisconsin’s paper industry, a major driver of the local economy.
The EPA has lowered the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter). But the agency’s new rule does little to address some of the largest sources of particulate matter, and it fails to acknowledge a decades-long trend of declining ambient air levels of fine particulate matter.
The regulation is unlikely to meaningfully impact the amount of particulate matter in the air. But it will undoubtedly undermine efforts to grow and bring back American manufacturing jobs from overseas. That’s bad news for our country, and even worse for Wisconsin, whose manufacturing sector accounts for 18.6% of the state’s total economic output, including the forest products industry.
It’s important the EPA craft sustainable regulations that not only protect public health and our environment, but also create opportunities for job growth and economic development. But the EPA’s rule does neither.
To start, fine particulate matter is emitted by a variety of sources. Major emitters include wildfires, road dust and exhaust fumes. These sources account for nearly 84% of all emissions of fine particulate matter. Yet the EPA’s rule does not account for these sources, nor their public health impact.
Instead, this shortsighted rule incorrectly takes aim at industry partners such as the forest products industry, which is helping to grow domestic manufacturing jobs and deliver lasting, meaningful sustainability. By setting the new limit near background levels, the forest products industry will not be able to get necessary permits to further curb emissions, expand operations or, in some cases, even operate in the country.
Wisconsin will swiftly feel the impact of the EPA’s decision. The forest products industry employs over 50,000 residents, contributing to over $21 billion in annual economic output and an estimated $226 million in state and local taxes. Paper product manufacturing in Wisconsin has been growing fast in recent years — but the EPA’s proposal will severely imperil this progress.
It’s hard to understand why the EPA would create such misguided regulations and undermine President Joe Biden’s promise to grow and bring back American manufacturing jobs. It’s even more confusing when you consider the forest products industry’s critical role in addressing America’s affordable housing shortage and producing sustainable paper-based packaging.
The Wisconsin Paper Council and the American Forest and Paper Association have worked together to share these concerns with both the EPA and The White House. We continue to work with both democrat and republican policymakers from throughout the country, including Governors from Wisconsin, Kentucky and Kansas who have questioned the logic of this rule and are asking why EPA has not proposed an implementation plan for its new rule. We also continue to request realistic modeling and permitting tools, grounded by sound scientific data, to allow important industry projects to proceed.
It will take the EPA working with states and industry at least three years to develop and execute a workable plan. This should include modernization projects that help our industry curb emissions and improve efficiency, although the rule does not currently include such a plan.
We are not alone in expressing concern over the EPA’s proposal. Unions and trade groups from the forest products industry have also called on the administration to support practical regulations that protect our health and environment while promoting economic growth and development.
The EPA’s rule for fine particulate matter directly threatens America’s manufacturing. This is a bad policy that will curtail production and lead to the loss of good paying jobs — many in rural areas — without having a meaningful impact toward improving public health.
The Biden administration should ensure that our manufacturing sector and the hardworking Americans supporting it stay strong in the long term.
We urge policymakers to do everything in their power to curb the harmful impacts of these new regulations.
For more information about the new EPA rule, call the Wisconsin Paper Council at 608-467-6025 or email them at suder@wipaper.org.
Scott Suder is President of the Wisconsin Paper Council and is a former Wisconsin State Legislator
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 PFAS Stories and Links on the Internet below.
“Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances” (“PFAS”) are a group of approximately 15,000 chemicals found in thousands of products ranging from consumer products like food packaging, non-stick cooking materials, and cosmetics to commercial firefighting foams. PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the human body and can exist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Aaron Benz
Companies began the widespread use of PFAS in various products in the late 1940s. Since then, research on the adverse effects of PFAS exposure has continued to advance. This research has linked PFAS exposure to adverse health effects including, cancers, fertility issues, diabetes, developmental issues, and immune disorders.
PFAS Litigation
Early PFAS litigation was focused on contamination of the environment surrounding major PFAS manufacturing locations. Major manufacturers faced thousands of lawsuits over the past several decades related to their products contaminating the water supply and allegedly harming residents in the surrounding areas.
Since 2020, there has been a significant rise in PFAS litigation. There are several factors driving this increase. As more time has passed since the widespread use of PFAS, researchers have been able to complete more studies on the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure. As such, there is now more data to directly connect PFAS exposure to adverse health effects. This is a critical component to any personal injury case because without medical studies, causation is nearly impossible to prove.
The increased awareness of the risks and adverse health effects of PFAS exposure has also led to increased governmental intervention to curb the use of PFAS. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) rolled out a “Strategic Roadmap” that set future timelines for additional regulations on PFAS in drinking water and reporting requirements on PFAS. On a state level, legislatures are passing laws to regarding PFAS use and many state attorneys general are bringing lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers to protect the public from PFAS exposure.
Further, there have recently been several multibillion dollar settlements reached in PFAS litigation. Any time plaintiffs are seeing substantial settlements like this, the likelihood of similar lawsuits increases.
Recently, Kimberly-Clark has been the target of a proposed class action PFAS lawsuit. That suit, filed in Connecticut federal court, accuses Kimberly-Clark of negligence for failing to warn near its Kleenex facility that the facility’s smokestacks were emitting PFAS. Kimberly-Clark has denied that it uses PFAS in its U.S. consumer products.
Protect Your Business
Historically, PFAS litigation has been focused on the manufacturers of PFAS products. Recently, however, companies further down the chain of commerce have been targeted. Companies who have PFAS in their finished products- including food packaging, personal hygiene products, and clothing – are now becoming the targets of regulations and litigation.
In anticipation of new regulations and potential litigation, prudent businesses will want to consult counsel regarding new laws and regulations unique to their business and state to ensure their compliance, and may consider hiring outside consultants to audit their business to determine whether PFAS are used in their manufacturing process and/or the materials received from suppliers.
Aaron Benz is an attorney in Amundsen Davis’s Business Litigation Service Group where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation matters. Contact: abenz@amundsendavislaw.com
The Green Bay Innovation Group has put together an outstanding group of speakers on March 20, 2024, at Butte Morts Country Club in Appleton from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To register go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events. The cost is: $50.00 per person which includes a buffet lunch. Our Featured speaker is Tom Lee a Partner at Bryan, Cave, Leighton, Paisner LLP. Tom, an industry expert, will speak on PFAS in Food Packaging: State by State Regulations. In the absence of comprehensive federal regulations of PFAS in food packaging, states are dishing out their own laws. These laws are intended to address concerns that storing food in Food Packaging which contain PFAS Compounds may result in increased ingestion of those PFAS compounds. Historically, Food Packaging contained PFAS which include some grease-resistant paper, food fast containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, candy wrappers, plastics, and a host of other substrates.
Other Speakers Include:
Martin Shafer PhD. Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and Water. He is a Research Scientist Geo/Environmental Chemistry. His PFAS projects primarily address atmospheric cycling (e.g., PFAS levels/deposition in precipitation) and cycling of PFAS in wastewater treatment facilities.
Dr. Marissia Jablonski PhD. – Executive Director of the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. She is an accomplished Water Engineer, Environmental Advisor and Plastics-Reduction Expert who has worked in more than forty-five countries.
Kevin Nelson Senior Fellow at Amcor, AMIC Advisory Board and UW Madison College of Engineering alum. He will discuss the material science behind packaging and various challenges the industry faces.
Brad Hartong – Primient – Applications Development Scientist in the Chemical and Paper Industries working with barrier coatings trying to replace fluorochemicals in various products.
Betsy Metzger – Product Development Manager for Glenroy, Inc. Glenroy is a flexible packaging company specializing in Food Packaging.
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.
