Read the April 23rd, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
April 23rd, 2025 Newsletter
Category: General
April 16th, 2025 Newsletter
Read the April 16th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
GBIG NEWS | 96 Stories and Links on the Internet 04/16/2025
GBIG News
Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news sponsors. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.
Read the latest 96 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Featured Stories
- Service Plus what does the term consumer tissue refer to?
- Sanica Group to build corrugated plant in Indiana.
- Jennifer Fietz – Embracing a New Era in Manufacturing
- George Huber UW Madison report Strap Process.
- Georgia-Pacific recognized for excellence in innovation
- Quad announces move into promotional products space
- Crestview acquires Smyth Companies a leading provider of labels and custom packaging solutions
- Balcan Plastics plans expansion in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
- Sofidel Advances in the North America tissue market with a billion dollar acquisition.
- Infinity Machine & Engineering: Sustainable tissue packaging
- Former Georgetown Paper mill to turn into biomass plant
- Trump’s tariffs threatens toilet paper production in the USA
- New North, Inc. celebrates 20 years. New North has become a beacon of economic success.
- Kimberly-Clark may expand operations with a $400 million investment in South Carolina.
- Poll of Scientists says large majority weighing leaving USA with cuts to education.
- Coca-Cola will surpass 9 billion pounds of plastic
- Printing Outlook for 2025.
- Recycled Paper Packaging Market Global Forecast
- Wisconsin based Nosco expands RFID offerings.
- Ahlstrom drive growth with Stevens Point Acquisition from Pixelle
- Ahlstrom acquires.Pixelle Paper mill in Stevens Point
- Meta developer in Beaver Dam $1 billion dollar data center.
- Sustainability legislation drives packaging innovation for recycling
- Hayes Graphics relocates to De Pere at Indepent Printing and Packaging
Wisconsin
- 17 Stunnings Photos From Wisconsin That Prove Oceans Have Nothing On The Great lakes
- Wausau Coated announces appointment of Pat Reif Regional Manager Distribution Channel
- Rockline Industries releases 2024 sustainability report
- American Packaging achieves pet sustainability coalition accreditation
- LL Bean hits Wisconsin based 4imprint with trademark lawsuit.
Packaging
- Inclusive packaging design opportunity create better expectations
- Kleenex renews packaging design with Hulsbosch design with new visual identity
- The Rise in Flexible Packaging with tremendous growth potential
- The importance of Barrier Coatings in Packaging
- High end tobacco packaging market poised for significant growth
- Smithers forecasts 5% rise in demand for retail ready packaging
- Packaging Design portfolio recycle compostable – Amcor
- Litho laminated packaging market to reach $16.3 billion by 2035 at 4.8% cagr
- Packaging rules are changing and is your business ready?
Education
- UW Madison researchers develop a heat resistant alloy a major Breakthrough.
- UW Madison to Focus on Founders in Entrepreneurship push to support business.
- UW Madison ranked 38th worldwide in academic reputation
- UW Stevens Point recognized nationally for research efforts
- Michigan Tech University research in sustainability
- UW Milwaukee Kohler Trust gives $2.5 million for Great Lakes water research
- UW Madison: AAAS members elect UW researchers new fellows
- UW Stevens Point announces leadership changes.
Sponsors
- Norkol has grown from a single warehouse to one of the largest Converters in the USA
- Baum Machine launches new website
- Catbridge the Swiss army knife of Converting Machine
- Massman Companies acquires ADCO Manufacturing
- Precision Roll Solutions unlocking precision and safety
- Chase: Credit card processing guide
- Lamatek productivity with Catbridge
- EDL machine tight wrapper double tight wrap
- Bayside Machine: Making a World of Difference
- First Business Bank: The Wisconsin Manufacturing Report
Swing Big With GBIG Golf Outing on June 19, 2025
Register today for Swing Big With GBIG, a golf outing sponsored by the Green Bay Innovation Group and First Business Bank.
Swing Big with GBIG is a 4-person scramble on Thursday, June 19, at Mid Vallee Golf Course, 3850 Mid Valley Drive, De Pere, Wisconsin. The golf outing starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends with a FREE NETWORKING event at 4:00 p.m. Join us for a day of golf and camaraderie for a worthy cause. The golf outing raises money to support local food pantries and nonprofit organizations.
In addition to golf, we will have raffles and contests on the course. Try your luck at sinking a hole-in-one to win $10,000 from contest sponsor Packerland Websites.
Swing Big with GBIG offers opportunities to promote your organization by sponsoring a hole ($300) or donating raffle items. Hole sponsors can register at the GBIG Events webpage. Email a high-resolution logo to Steve Van Dyke at Steve@greenbayinnovationgroup.com or Marty Ochs at martinpochs@gmail.com to make signs for you!
Golf Outing Schedule for June 19
- 8:30 a.m. Registration
- 9:15 a.m. Instructions
- 9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
- 4 p.m. Awards and socializing
Registration Information
Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, two drink tickets, and lunch on the course.
- Single player: $150
- Foursome: $600
- Hole Sponsor: $300
Do not miss out! The registration deadline is May 31 for the June 19 outing. We have room for 216 golfers, and we had a waiting list last year. Let us make this golf outing a tremendous success. GBIG is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, and all of the profit goes right back to the community to support local charities. Sign up today as a golfer or hole sponsor.
For more information, contact Steve Van Dyke at 608-451-2554 or Steve@greenbayinnovationgroup.com or martinpochs@gmail.com or call at (608) 698-3333.
De Pere Tour Wrap Up
The De Pere Tour on April 10th was an outstanding success with over one hundred people signing up for it. We want to thank the host companies for supporting GBIG and 5P Industries by providing a great educational opportunity. We appreciate your time, your generousity and partnership with all the attendees. We want to thank DIS Solutions for providing lunch.
- DIS Solutions
- Metal Storm
- Caliber Manufacturing
- Bayside Machine Corporation
- Independent Printing & Packaging
- Seaway Printing Company
- Neway Packaging
DIS Solutions
Independent Printing & Packaging
Metal Storm
Neway Packaging
Seaway Printing
Hurckman Mechanical announces President and COO named to Insight’s 40 Under 40 list
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Key Highlights:
- Two top leaders at Hurckman Mechanical—President Jake Warden and COO Jake Liebers—were named to Insight’s 40 Under 40 list for their impact on business and community in Northeast Wisconsin.
- Warden is the first non-family president in the company’s 70-year history and helped expand Hurckman into the region’s first full-service MEP contractor.
- Liebers started in the trades at age 18 and rose to COO by 30, helping lead a major company expansion while keeping a strong focus on mentoring others.
Green Bay, WI – April 11, 2025—Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc. in Green Bay is pleased to announce that Jake Warden, President, and Jake Liebers, Chief Operating Officer, have been recognized as Insight’s 40 Under 40 honorees for 2025. This prestigious list highlights the most innovative and influential young professionals under the age of 40 who are having an impact in their respective industries and communities within Northeast Wisconsin.
“Out of nearly 150 nominations, these 40 individuals were chosen by our selection committee for their impressive accomplishments and leadership,” says Angela O’Kray, Insight’s general manager. “It was a really competitive selection process, which just solidifies the fact that our region has an abundance of young talent.”
Warden and Liebers join an esteemed group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. The Insight 40 Under 40 recognition is a testament to Hurckman Mechanical’s commitment to fostering talent and supporting the professional growth of its team members.
As President, Jake Warden has played a transformational role at HMI, becoming the first non-family member to lead the company in its 70-year history. Under his leadership, HMI has expanded its regional presence, increased its service offerings by acquiring Van Den Heuvel Electric, and established itself as the first full-service MEP contractor in Northeast Wisconsin. Warden’s leadership philosophy emphasizes personal connection, innovation, and long-term strategic growth—earning the respect of both veteran and new team members alike.
Jake Liebers, Chief Operating Officer, represents the next generation of trades-based leadership. Starting his career at HMI as a pre-apprentice sheet metal worker at just 18 years old, Liebers rose through the ranks to COO by age 30. He brings a unique combination of field knowledge, project management experience, and executive insight. His leadership helped guide the company’s recent headquarters expansion and streamline operations following the Van Den Heuvel Electric acquisition—all while maintaining a people-first approach grounded in mentorship and collaboration.
“Insight’s Portraits of Success: 40 Under 40” will feature profiles and portraits of each honoree in the June issue of Insight on Business. A public art exhibit of the portraits will also be displayed at The Art Garage in Green Bay from May 30 to June 1, free and open to all.
This year’s 40 Under 40 Awards are presented by Insight Publications and made possible by sponsors, including The Art Garage, Image Studios, and Legacy Private Trust Company.
About Hurckman Mechanical Industries
Founded in 1953, Hurckman Mechanical Industries (HMI) has grown into one of Wisconsin’s premier providers of industrial and commercial mechanical systems. As the first full-service MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) contractor in Northeastern Wisconsin, HMI delivers complete mechanical solutions through a unified team. With specialties in HVAC, plumbing, design/build, fabrication, insulation, piping, refrigeration, and electrical, Hurckman simplifies complex projects with expert coordination and craftsmanship. The company continues to lead the industry through its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.hurckman.com.
About Insight
Insight Publications offers dynamic, creative platforms for sharing business news and information in Northeast Wisconsin — from magazines and events to digital messaging and marketing partnerships.
Insight Publications, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc., produces 12 issues of Insight on Business and six issues of Insight on Manufacturing annually. Events include Women of Influence in the New North Region, 40 Under 40 Awards, Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, among others.
CONTACT: Peyton Daul, Marketing Coordinator
OFFICE: 920-764-2624
E-MAIL: PeytonDaul@hurckman.com
EDANA Statement on Potential EU Countermeasures to US Tariffs
Press Release – EDANA Statement on Potential EU Countermeasures to US Tariffs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 21/03/2025 – Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, 21st of March 2025 – EDANA, the leading global association representing the nonwovens and related industries, acknowledges the European Commission’s potential decision to implement countermeasures in response to the recently imposed US tariffs
on EU steel, aluminium, and certain derived products. As the voice of over 250 companies in the nonwovens supply chain, we are closely monitoring the implications of these measures and their potential impact on our members.
Nonwovens are innovative, high-tech, engineered fabrics made from fibres. They are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products either in combination with other materials or alone. They provide essential materials for hygiene products, medical applications, filtration, construction, and automotive industries. They are critical in ensuring public health, safety, and industrial efficiency, with applications ranging from surgical masks and wound dressings to baby diapers, disinfectant wipes, and high-performance insulation.
While we welcome the intention to safeguard the interests of EU industries affected by the US tariffs, EDANA joins those already raising significant concerns about the potential unintended consequences of these countermeasures on our sector.
The EU’s relationship with the US is of critical importance, and we believe the primary focus should be on negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. It is essential to avoid escalating trade tensions that could result in long-term harm to industries on both sides of the Atlantic.
Negative effect on key raw materials
A particular area of concern is the potential effect of these countermeasures on critical raw materials, such as fluff pulp. Fluff pulp, or pulp-based fibres, are a natural raw material used in the absorbent core of absorbent hygiene products, this is due to their high absorbency rate. Baby nappies, menstrual products, and incontinence products all rely on fluff pulp to absorb and retain human fluids. In 2024, the US provided more than 80% of the fluff pulp imported into the European Union1.
This is just one example of the broader impact these countermeasures could have on the industry. These measures could lead to increased production costs, higher finished product prices, supply chain disruptions, and a competitive disadvantage for European nonwoven manufacturers in global markets.
Conclusion
It is important to highlight that these proposed measures risk being unfair, as they will disproportionately impact the more vulnerable members of our society, including the elderly, hospitalised individuals, young families with children, and women. Any regulatory changes should carefully consider their social implications to avoid exacerbating inequalities.
Considering these concerns, EDANA urges the European Commission to carefully assess the economic impact on downstream industries, ensuring that countermeasures do not disproportionately impact sectors dependent on essential imported raw materials. We
welcome the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing consultation process and strongly advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards European industry while maintaining fair and open trade relations with the US.
The European Commission has the opportunity to prevent a harmful cycle of retaliatory tariffs that could have a net negative effect on both economies.
For further information please contact:
Brian Chestler
Public Affairs Manager
trade@edana.org
+32 2 740 18 26
www.edana.org
Domino Launches High-Speed Productivity Mode for N730i Digital Label Press at Labelexpo Southeast Asia
High-speed print mode offers up to 28% productivity increase and reduced ink usage while retaining high-quality output
Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) is pleased to announce the launch of its new high speed productivity mode for the N730i digital label press. The new feature has been developed in response to customer and market demand for faster and more efficient label printing solutions to facilitate the uncompromised production of high-quality labels with a quicker return on investment.
An N730i digital label press featuring the new high-speed productivity mode will be on show at Labelexpo Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand from 8th–10th May 2025, with regular live demonstrations at Domino’s booth G36.
“Our customers asked for higher printing speeds that would enable them to maximize the number of labels produced on their Domino N730i digital label press,” says Michael Matthews, Global Product Manager – DP Color, Domino. “The high-speed productivity mode significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of the N730i press, allowing our customers to achieve up to a 28% increase in productivity.”
With the new maximum print speed of up to 90m/min, compared with the standard 70m/min, Domino’s N730i provides converters with significant efficiency gains, including up to 28% increase in label output, up to 22% reduction in production time, and an annual ink saving of up to 8%. These improvements can translate to over £5,000 in annual ink cost savings, making the N730i a highly cost-effective solution for label printing.
Through balancing process resolution and line speed, the high-speed print mode retains high-quality output with no perceptible difference in print quality compared with the standard operating mode.
“By reducing the cost per label and allowing converters to increase the number of jobs completed per shift, we are providing a solution that not only meets – but exceeds – the growing demands of the label printing industry,” continues Matthews. “We are thrilled to be able to demonstrate the new functionality at Labelexpo Southeast Asia and invite converters to join us at booth G36 for a live demonstration and to see the quality of the labels produced first-hand.”
Domino’s high-speed productivity mode will be available for new presses and as an upgrade for existing N730i customers. The simplicity of the upgrade makes it an attractive option for all businesses, current and new, looking to increase their output, achieve a competitive edge in the market, and maximize the return on their investment.
Alongside the new high-speed print mode, the N730i digital label press on show at booth G36 will also feature the Domino R-Scan monitoring and inspection system. The R-Scan provides peace of mind during unattended operation of the press by ensuring that, when a defect is detected, the press automatically comes to a stop, enabling the operator to remedy the error, reducing the number of labels rejected, and helping to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
A K300 monochrome printer will also be available for demonstrations as part of a hybrid press at the Nilpeter stand, F32. The printer will feature alongside vision inspection from Domino Group Company Lake Image Systems.
Mark Herrtage, Asia Business Development Director, Domino, adds: “Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve our products, so we can help our customers stay ahead in a competitive market. We are delighted to be able to demonstrate this commitment at Labelexpo Southeast Asia and look forward to meeting with converters across all stages of their digital printing journey to discuss how Domino’s expertise and solutions can help support them.”
Label printing companies and industry professionals interested in cost-effective, high speed label printing solutions are invited to visit Domino during the expo at booth G36 or watch the teaser video.
NEWMA: Data Analytics Training
May 6: 11th cohort of the NEWMA Data Analytics course. Over 600 people have already taken this highly rated training. The free training has 10 hours of training modules and 3 virtual Lunch & Learns with content experts.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/AnnFranz/newma-data-analytics-spring-2025
NEWMA: Future of Work Succession
May 2: Future of Work Summit on Succession Planning. The free event for dues paying members will be held on May 2 from 8 a.m. – noon at the Fox Valley Technical College’s DJ Bordini Center building at 5 Systems Way, Appleton.
To register: https://form.jotform.com/AnnFranz/future-of-work-2025
