
Read the March 26th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
Read the March 26th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
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 106 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – Associated Bag is pleased to welcome Melissa Wuest as Midwest Sales Manager. Serving the Fox Valley, she has a strong background and knowledge of packaging products across industries and will be able to assist you with your packaging, shipping, & workplace product needs.
De Pere, WI is located just south of Green Bay with a population of 25,348 in 2023. De Pere stands out as a gem. It is a blend of suburban serenity, urban amenities, arts center, and an abundance of sport fishing, outdoor activities, and the Green Bay Packers!
In 1850’s, the De Pere Dam’s powered the three sawmills, and the vast forests were processed into lumber, pulp, and paper. De Pere was part of the creation of the Paper Valley with many Pulp and Paper Mills on the Fox River. Wisconsin became the largest paper producing state in the United States and the World. Today, a number of the Paper and Pulp Mills have shutdown. However, we still have a number of major players still on the Fox River!
De Pere has evolved as a major player in the United States and the world with their Packaging, Printing, Plastics, Nonwovens, Converting, and Equipment Manufacturing. De Pere has about forty companies in the 5P & Converting Industries located in De Pere. The city has seen unbelievable growth in these industries. We have seen the new industrial park south of the city continually attracting new businesses and the current business is expanding. At the present time, De Pere has a new highway exchange south of the city under construction to accommodate all the growth of the business community. The future is very bright for this 5P and Converting Powerhouse!
Join us for the De Pere City Tour from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Networking Event at the Chicago Street Pub in De Pere at 4:00 p.m. on April 10th.
Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events to register. We have limited space just for the tours!
Robinson is building on its commitment to provide the US market with flexible manufacturing capacity with ongoing investments in facilities and equipment at its Wisconsin locations. These investments address the growing customer demand for American-made fabricated systems featuring materials sourced in the USA.
As a key enclosure fabricator, integrator, and assembly supplier to the surging energy industry, Robinson has positioned itself to meet the growing demand in the sector. We have enhanced our flexible manufacturing configurations to make it possible for us to build a variety of finished products as well as create the capacity to meet that demand.
“Our business model continues to evolve as we work to deliver cost-effective products to an industry that is sharpening its focus on onshoring,” explains Jeff Kroening, director of sales for Robinson. “We continue to invest in our flexible manufacturing footprint and automated manufacturing processes which enables us to meet domestic demands.”
Commitment to additional floor space and manufacturing equipment over the past several years has created a production environment that few American companies can match. We now can move projects, equipment and employees to where they make the most sense.
Chief among the recent capital equipment additions is a Mitsubishi GX-F ADVANCED 12kW fiber laser which provides significant speed, accuracy, and flexibility to the metal cutting process. The accompanying 20-shelf SmartFlex automation tower allows for automated, high-speed loading and unloading of materials with maximum efficiency.
In addition to new equipment, Robinson has more than doubled its flexible manufacturing space over the past five years. Total manufacturing square footage is now 770,000 sq. feet and growing. Facility and equipment expansions provide increased jobs and opportunity to a skilled workforce that has grown to over 700 employees.
“We are ready to provide high-volume, domestic manufacturing in support of America’s energy initiatives,” Kroening says. “We are flexible in what we can build, and have created the capacity to address the growing demand for energy applications like power generation, energy storage, renewables, and distributed energy.”
Robinson, Inc., is a single-source metal solutions provider based in De Pere, Wisconsin. Robinson offers design, manufacturing and production fabrication for a wide range of industries. The company employs over 700 people at four Wisconsin locations comprising 770,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
For more information about Robinson’s capabilities or to request a quote, please call (920) 494-7411, or visit https://robinsoninc.com.
VPI is transforming how it serves the community with the development of their new Community Programs Collective, a facility designed to meet the growing needs of individuals with disabilities and families in Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. This new, state-of-the-art space will significantly increase VPI’s capacity to provide life-changing services while fostering greater social and economic independence for those it serves.
At the heart of the Collective is a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and growth—core values that have guided VPI’s mission for almost 70 years. The new facility will feature a variety of purpose-driven spaces designed to empower individuals at every stage of life, from young children to adults seeking greater independence and community connection.
One of the standout features of the Community Programs Collective is a dedicated classroom for VPI’s school-to-work transition and education programs. This space will provide students with disabilities and other barriers to employment with hands-on learning experiences and the practical skills needed to succeed in the workforce. By offering tailored training and real-world job readiness experiences, VPI is helping to close the employment gap for individuals with disabilities while giving students the confidence and tools to build fulfilling careers.
A new training kitchen will support VPI’s goal of helping individuals build life skills and greater independence. In this fully equipped, accessible kitchen, participants in VPI’s Adult Day Services program will learn how to independently prepare meals, learn healthy habits, and develop essential skills for everyday life.
In addition to serving adult participants, the training kitchen will also be a valuable resource for families in VPI’s Early Intervention Birth to 3 Program of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties. The space will host feeding groups where therapists can work with children and their caregivers to address feeding challenges, introduce new foods, and develop positive eating habits in a supportive, hands-on environment.
The Collective will also be the new home of VPI Adult Day Services. The new space is designed to create more opportunities for social connection, independence, and personal development. This larger, more thoughtfully designed area will offer flexible programming to meet the diverse needs of participants. From art and music to recreational and vocational activities, the expanded space will foster an environment where participants can explore their interests, strengthen relationships, and enhance their overall well-being.
A major addition to VPI’s Early Intervention Birth to 3 Program is the creation of a Family Support Center, a safe and welcoming space where families facing housing instability or other hardships can access the program. This center will offer a reliable place for families to meet with their Early Intervention support team, receive essential services, and connect with resources they might otherwise go without. By addressing these barriers early, VPI aims to strengthen families and improve long-term outcomes for children and caregivers alike.
The Community Programs Collective represents a significant step forward in VPI’s mission to remove barriers and create opportunities for individuals and families. By consolidating and enhancing services under one roof, VPI will improve operational efficiency, increase capacity, and provide a more seamless and supportive experience for participants. The new facility will also meet modern safety and accessibility standards, ensuring that every participant feels welcome and supported.
VPI’s investment in the Community Programs Collective is more than just a facility upgrade—it’s a commitment to building a more inclusive, supportive, and connected community. The Collective will empower individuals to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and create lasting change for generations to come.
Efficient operations are always a priority for industrial operations in a competitive market with tight margins. Maintaining a safe workplace is another critical priority that doesn’t have to compete with efficiency.
Industrial machine safety standards often boost productivity by preventing accidents and minimizing downtime. Here’s a look at key industry regulations that protect workers and your bottom line.
OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety regulations in the US, including industrial machine safety standards. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910 covers safety and health standards for general industry workplaces. These standards apply to most industries in the United States. Here are some specific sections that directly affect manufacturing and industrial operations.
OSHA’s General Duty Clause also requires employers to minimize musculoskeletal disorders by requiring proper workstation design, lifting techniques, and anti-fatigue measures. These measures prevent repetitive strain injuries, reduce absenteeism, and improve worker efficiency.
The ISO creates standards through a consensus of global experts from industry, government, and other stakeholders. Standards are based on industry best practices and safety information. More than just industrial machine safety standards, these apply to safety in industrial and manufacturing settings:
The NFPA is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes fire safety codes and standards. Headquartered in the United States, NFPA standards are used globally to protect people and property.
NFPA 70E is the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. It outlines PPE requirements, safe work practices, and training guidelines for electrical workers. Compliance with this standard helps prevent arc flash incidents and electrocution to prevent worker injury and damage to electrical systems.
Workplace safety is essential for protecting workers and maintaining efficient, cost-effective operations. Compliance with OSHA, ISO, and NFPA industrial machine safety standards not only prevents accidents but also minimizes downtime and reduces liability costs. To learn more about improving the safety and efficiency of your operation, or to talk to a machine safety consultant, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.
We have set up the De Pere Tour on April 10th from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. followed by a networking event at the Chicago Street Pub in De Pere starting at 4:00 p.m. We are limited to forty people at each facility for the tour! We require safety glasses, hairnets, and closed-toed shoes. We can provide them unless you have your own! Therefore, if you are interested, we need you to confirm the specific tour that you want to join! We require that you register by going to:www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com events and sign up for the FREE EVENT. Please email me at martinpochs@gmail.com of your choices of the tours. Understand, once we reach forty people, we can no longer accommodate you!
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 72 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Press ready, for the future.
When you think about industries shaping the world, the label and packaging industry is not the first thing that comes to mind for most people — but it should be. Why? Labels are everywhere. They are all around us and used by most every business. They are essential! From your favorite snack & drink, to medicine, and tech gadgets, labels keep products fresh, organized, branded, and ready for you.
If you have ever thought about finding a career that is fun, creative and “future-ready,” the label and packaging industry is exactly what you are looking for. Let us break it down.
The pressure-sensitive label (PSL) industry started in the 1930s when Stan Avery invented the first self-adhesive label. It was paper with sticky backing. That simple yet genius invention completely changed the packaging game, helping businesses label products like food and beverage containers faster and more efficiently than ever before.
At first, small family-owned companies dominated the scene, printing labels for local stores and businesses. In the 1950’s flexographic printing made it possible to print on a wider range of pressure sensitive materials. Label markets expanded into various industries. Each industry developed specialized applications with specific adhesive & material combinations and demand exploded.
Today, companies like Avery Dennison (yes, Stan Avery) Mactac, and Green Bay Packaging supply innovative materials to label printers and converters. Printing and converting label companies like CCL, MCC, Fortis Solutions Group, Outlook Group and Belmark have become industry giants that continue to grow in volumes, revenues, and technologies. The labeling industry continues to push the boundaries of sustainability, innovations, and capabilities.
If you have ever scanned a barcode, ordered something online, or purchased a product at retail — congratulations, you have experienced the magic of pressure-sensitive labels.
This is part of what makes this industry so cool — labels are everywhere. And since they are essential in every industry, the demand never stops.
The label world is not just about slapping stickers on stuff. It is about combining art, science, and technology to create something functional and attractive. Whether it is a killer label on your favorite energy drink, a tamper-evident seal on medication, or a high-tech RFID label for inventory control, the industry is bursting with creativity and innovation.
The label and packaging industry is stable. Businesses and consumers will always need labels and packaging; therefore, it is a career path you can invest yourself in and rely on despite what happens in the economy, especially in the press room. Remember 2020, eh-gads?! The entire world shutdown, yet label and packaging presses roared on!
You may not notice labels much, but they are a part of your daily life. Larger market segments that use a high volume of labels include:
These are just a few market examples and there are many more that use labels: automotive, aviation, hardware, appliances, apparel, software, direct mail, nutraceutical, confections, wine & spirits, you get the idea— everywhere you look, there is a label doing its job.
One of the coolest things about this industry is it is constantly evolving. Sustainability is a huge focus, companies are going green, developing recyclable labels, eco-friendly adhesives, and waste-reducing processes.
Labels are also getting smarter with QR codes, RFID tags, and NFC chips. Now brand marketers can connect directly with their consumers, engaging them with individual experiences. You can use your mobile phone to scan a QR code on a package and instantly watch a video, learn about the company, receive coupons, or how to recycle the packaging. Labels and packaging are more than product identification — they are interactive tools.
There is a place for you if you are into graphic design, technology, sustainability, engineering, package design, working with your hands, printing, colors, marketing, problem-solving, or supply chain. This field provides thrilling career opportunities and influences product presentation globally.
It is more than a manufacturing gig — it is about solving client challenges, creating products that jump off the shelf, and helping brands tell their story.
The label industry is strong, robust, and growing. As long as products exist, they will need labels and packaging, which means job stability, career growth, and endless opportunities to innovate and make a real impact.
The label and packaging industry is fun, one of the coolest, most creative, and essential industries on planet earth. It touches every product you see and every business.
It is the perfect place for the next generation of talent — aka, you!!!
So, next time you see a label on your favorite drink or scan a barcode at the store, think about the people, the “superstars” behind it—and consider being one of them.
The industry is ready for you to “glow-up” your career and make your mark.
AJ Buran
262-370-9563
AJBuran@outlook.com
linkedin.com/in/ajburan
35 years in printing and packaging
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