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Appvion Announces Large Captial Investment in New Coating Equipment

Posted on May 16, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

Appleton, Wisconsin, May 12, 2022

Appvion Announces Large Captial Investment in New Coating Equipment. Appvion, LLC, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”) portfolio company, announced a significant investment in new equipment slated for delivery and installation in 2023.

“This is the largest single investment made in our Appleton plant for many years and marks the start of a new and exciting journey for the Appvion team,” said Laurie Andriate, CEO at Appvion. “The investment provides many benefits for Appvion and our customers, including elimination of “double-handling” of rolls to improve productivity as well as safety of our people.”

This new equipment will allow Appvion to make products more efficiently, allowing Appvion to optimize finished goods capacity and eliminating the need to secure pre-coated base in a consolidating white paper market.

“The capital investment demonstrates our commitment to Appvion. Continued investment in new technology fosters future growth in Appvion’s core business,” said Greg Gleason, Managing Partner at Wynnchurch.

The announcement comes just months after the company was purchased by Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., a private equity firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. Founded in 1999, with offices in California, New York, and a Canadian affiliate, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is partnering with middle-market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. The company’s focus is on leveraging business strengths and identifying new market opportunities to support management’s vision—with an unwavering commitment to sound business judgment, partnership, communication, and integrity.

About Appvion

Appvion Announces Large Captial Investment in New Coating Equipment

As a leading manufacturer in North America, Appvion develops innovative, water-based, and environmentally responsible coating solutions for consumers’ everyday life. Appvion utilizes its material science expertise to apply high-performance, functional coating solutions to various flexible substrates, including products from an FDA-compliant facility. Primary offerings include direct thermal paper and film products and renewable, fiber-based consumer and industrial packaging solutions. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion employs nearly 400 people. Connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.

GBIG SUPPLY CHAIN IN-PERSON SEMINAR

Posted on May 2, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

THE GREEN BAY INNOVATION GROUP SUPPLY CHAIN IN-PERSON SEMINAR

The Green Bay Innovation Group will be hosting an outstanding group of speakers to discuss the Paper, Pulp, etc. supply chain issues impacting their businesses.

DATE: May 24, 2022

TIME: 2:00 – 4:30 pm

PLACE: Urban Hub 340 N. Broadway St. Ste. 200 Green Bay, WI

REGISTRATION: Go to https://greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events/

COST: $25.00

The guests include:

Aaron Haas – Vice President at BillerudKorsnas
Brad Shockey – VP Supply Chain at Pixelle Specialty Paper
Dennis Tegrootenhuis – President of Small Quantity Boxes
Blaine Ott – The Director of Supply Chain at Outlook Group
Brit Swisher – Vice President of the North Region at Midland
Nick Mares – President of Viridian

We are seeing major supply issues with the paper industry having a huge impact on the Wisconsin Economy. We are seeing long lead times, allotments, NO paper availability and large price increases. The current USA suppliers are simply not able to keep up, and we have become dependent on overseas suppliers to fill the void.

The Wisconsin Printing Industry is a major supplier for commercial printing, publication, catalog and direct mail printing leading the nation. Wisconsin is a premier manufacturer of labels and packaging. Wisconsin is a major producer of corrugated products. Wisconsin is the leader in the Converting Industries.

We are seeing major disruptions for customers in the packaging industries like food, consumer goods, logistics pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc. because of the severe disruptions of the supply chains. We are seeing publications go digital with major supply issues with the catalog and direct mail industries. The paper shortage will have far-reaching consequences, especially for the Wisconsin economy! We will be addressing these issues to try to come up more questions and answers to the issues.

GBIG NEWS | 71 Stories and Links on the Internet 4/20/2022

Posted on April 18, 2022July 23, 2025 by admin

GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 71 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

Wisconsin

Industry

Converting

Member

Florence, WI: 17th Annual SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY CONFERENCE: Scott Bowe Professor of Wood Products Presentation.

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

The Green Bay Innovation Group attended the 17^th Annual Forestry Sustainable Conference in Florence, meeting up with Scott Bowe – UW Madison Wood Products.

Neway Packaging Corp. Continues its
Aggressive Growth and Expansion into New Markets

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

Solution-Oriented

The new De Pere, Wisconsin addition adds 28,000 square feet to the existing 8,000 square feet. This new space will allow for more customers to use the just-in-time delivery capabilities of Neway.

Neway Packaging prides themselves on being a solution-oriented partner. Whether you are starting a new business and need beautifully branded or stock packaging and low-cost equipment, to an established manufacturer looking to fully automate and re-brand your product, they have the expertise and experience to make their business partners goals a reality. Along with equipment specialists, they have a team of product and design consultants available to help you obtain the right packaging material at the right price for your application. The options in designing custom packaging is endless.

About Neway Packaging

Since 1977, Neway Packaging has been committed to partnering with our customers for mutual success and growth. We accomplish this by providing quality products, innovative solutions, excellent customer service, experienced equipment specialists, custom box and packaging solutions and a team of dedicated professionals.

MENASHA CORPORATION NAMES KIMBERLY UNDERHILL TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Kristine Pavletich | Director of Corporate Communications | 920-751-1015

kristine.pavletich@menasha.com

NEENAH, Wis. (April 6, 2022) – Menasha Corporation announces the appointment of Kimberly Underhill to its board effective May 1, 2022. Underhill brings a wealth of strategic leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry. She recently retired from Kimberly-Clark Corporation following a 32-year career that culminated in the role of Group President of its largest business unit, Kimberly-Clark North America. Earlier in her Kimberly-Clark career, Underhill held various marketing, supply chain, and research and engineering positions before progressing to executive leadership roles that included Global President of Kimberly-Clark’s business-to-business unit and President of its European consumer business.

Underhill works with the Boston Consulting Group and also serves on the boards of Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE:FL), and ThedaCare, a healthcare system headquartered in Neenah, Wis.

About Menasha Corporation Menasha Corporation is a leading corrugated and plastic packaging manufacturer and supply chain solutions provider specializing in retail merchandising packaging and displays, plastic reusable containers and pallets, protective packaging interiors, and packaging supply chain and fulfillment services. Menasha Corporation’s products and services are used by major food, beverage, consumer products, industrial/automotive, health and beauty, over-the-counter pharmaceutical, and electronics companies. Established in 1849, Menasha Corporation is one of America’s oldest privately held, family-owned manufacturing companies. Headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, the company employs approximately 6,400 employees in 120 facilities in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.menashacorporation.com.

Industry 4.0

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

Date:
Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Event Timeline:
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Boxed lunches and networking at 11:30 a.m., presentation at noon, followed by Q&A

Location:
Wipfli LLP

469 Security Blvd. Green Bay, WI 54313

Registration:
Greenbayinnovationgroup.com
by Thursday, May 13, 2022

For questions, please contact Sara Funk at 920.662.2862

Summary and Learning Objectives

Your production facility is a data gold mine and knowing the state of your operations in real-time empowers resources across the organization to make more informed, proactive decisions. Industry 4.0 promises to transform the way that manufacturers capture, transform, and visualize organizational data. Wipfli expert, Jake Rohrer, will share the various components of Industry 4.0 and how and why manufacturers are investing in this technology. Our presentation will cover the following:

What is Industry 4.0?
Applications of IIoT
Financial benefits of Industry 4.0
Setting your organization up for digital transformation

Jake Rohrer | Manager, Organizational Performance | Wipfli

Jake Rohrer is a Manager in Wipfli’s Organizational Performance team, specializing in the manufacturing industry. Working with manufacturers, he seeks to improve operational efficiency by assessing and optimizing. Jake is experienced working with teams across various business units to create synergies and galvanize positive business outcomes. His communication strategy of “seek to learn” allows him to pick up on the root cause of underperformance and tailor unique solutions to meet the needs of his clients.

Areas of Focus:

Process improvement through technology applications
Industrial Internet of Things (lloT)
Technology adoption and change management
Organizational strategy and planning

Wisconsin Manufacturers Exhibit in Miami

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

An Overview of the “IDEA Show”

By Susan Stansbury, Industry Consultant

It is no wonder that Wisconsin was well represented at the Idea Show in Miami March 28-30. The show highlights manufacturing in the nonwovens fabrics and associated industries. With Wisconsin being a major center of nonwovens and related products, plus equipment and supportive services, the show was a standout for the Wisconsin exhibitors.

With a total of more than 300 exhibitors, Wisconsin represented an impressive array of companies. Some of these I visited in Miami with headquarters or factories in Wisconsin included:

5K Fibres, Neenah WI
Campbell Wrapper / Circle Packaging, DePere WI
Converted Products, Milwaukee WI
Curt G. Joa, Sheboygan Falls WI
Kleen Test Products, Sheboygan WI
Optima Packaging, Green Bay WI
Paper Converting Machine, Green Bay WI
Rebel Converting, Milwaukee WI
Sellars Nonwovens, Milwaukee WI
Suominen Nonwovens, Ashwaubenon WI
Valley Grinding & Manufacturing, Green Bay WI

These companies make products such as wet wipes in configurations from baby wipes to cosmetic makeup removers. Others including Campbell Wrapper/Circle Packaging, Curt Joa (celebrating 90 years), Optima Packaging and Paper Converting Machine make equipment for manufacturers.

5K Fibres produces rolls of nonwovens used in masks with their valued filtering layer. Another supplier of nonwovens fabrics for wipes and similar uses is Suominen, with its Ashwaubenon factory (headquartered in Finland).

Converted Products converts roll goods with its precision slitting and winding and related processes to prepare rolls for further manufacturing. Kleen Test Products produces many brand name products for its contract partners, including wet wipes, dryer sheets, cosmetic pads and more. Sellars Nonwovens is “the power behind your brand” as manufacturer of substrates for absorbent, automotive, medical, packaging, tabletop, wipes and more.

Rebel Converting represents just one interesting story about these companies. With capacity to convert 2.1 billion square yards annually into wipes, Rebel Converting is a force in the coreless roll/canister wipes business. As a contract manufacturer, Rebel is partnering with its customers across retail, healthcare, and business-to-business segments—to maximize the opportunities that exist in today’s market.

Another standout is 5K Fibres with its unique technologies to reduce the amount of fabric and associated fibres needed to make a number of hygiene and related products. 5K Fibres can eliminate the need to use the number of layers usual for certain fabric media formerly added for strength. “With the inherent strength of the 5K nonwovens,” says CEO Douglas Brown, “we are focused on our core technology and some new patents around what we trademarked as the name ‘Spun-Blown®’ where we can make very strong fibers. “I determined that we would be able to make a fabric all in one layer. This potentially reduces processing and fabric costs.”

Many of these and other Wisconsin converting manufacturers work together supplying each other the fabric and paper rolls, the equipment, and supplies to make products that make their way to retail, medical, automotive and other national outlets.

GBIG NEWS MADISON TOUR

Posted on April 18, 2022May 28, 2025 by admin

Reconnecting and Touring

I traveled to the Madison area to re-connect with a number of past acquaintances, touring a number of companies! I visited with Jake Weihert at American Packaging Corporation located in Columbus, WI.

APC has 1,212 total employees across the USA and generates $320.53 million. There are 11 companies in the American Packaging Corporation family. APC was established in 1902 as a family-owned business with only one major ownership change. APC has been recognized at a “Best of the BEST” Workplace for six consecutive years. APC is a leader in flexible packaging focused on the food, medical, personal care, pharmaceutical and a variety of other specialty items.

APC added Deforest, WI building a 170,000-sq-ft plant with two state of the art 10-unit robotic gravure printing presses and supporting finishing equipment. APC invested $50 million in the plant. APC celebrated a break ground on the APC newest facility in Cedar City, UT with a new 275,000-square-foot facility, bringing in more than 135 new, high pay jobs. The project in Cedar City is just the first of three planned phases.

I also met with Joel Schmidt, the General Manager at ePac in Middleton, WI, and he provided an outstanding tour of their facility. ePac began its operations in 2016 in Madison, WI. The new company is dedicated to the growing short-run multiple SKI, quick-turn flexible packaging market.

ePac is the first “Greenfield” flexible packaging company in North America based exclusively on a digital technology platform using the HP Indigo 20000.

ePac’s founders began with a mission to help local, small brands obtain big brand presence with great packaging. The platform also provides customers the opportunity to quickly roll out marketing promotions and eliminate excess inventory through print-on-demand services.

ePac currently has locations throughout the Unites States, Canada and worldwide expansions. ePac flexible Packaging is set to top $200 million in sales in 2021.

GBIG is planning a tour of Placon’s recycling facilities in Fitchburg, WI on Nov. 16, 2022, starting at 10am. Placon was founded in 1966 by Tom Mohs focusing on a plastics Thermoforming company servicing the food service and medical packaging markets. Placon has more than 1,000 employees with annual revenues topping $200 million.

Placon’s engineering and packaging solutions were way beyond the rest of the industry. The company was awarded the Wisconsin Governor’s Award for Waste Recycling! Placon became one of the first thermoforming companies in the food and consumer packaging industry to open a complete Recycling Facility for Post Consumer Bottles and Thermoforms called ecostar plastics!

Go to: www.placon.com/sustainability for more information!