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Category: More Stories and Links

Adheso-Graphics, LLC Appoints Chad Atkinson as Business Development Manager for North America Operations

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De Pere, WI – Adheso-Graphics, LLC, a leading manufacturer and distributor of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for use in the printing industry, is excited to announce the appointment of Chad Atkinson as the Business Development Manager for North America Operations.

Prior to joining Adheso, Atkinson started his career as a Platemaker before quickly being promoted to Project Manager. He spent most of his career managing the liquid plate and corrugated mounting production as a Production Manager for a leading pre-press provider in the flexographic industry, known for their innovation within the corrugated, multi-wall bag and food industries. Most recently he was hired as a Plant Manager where he became further proficient in productivity goals, quality, and compliance standards.

Chad Atkinson

Atkinson also recently served as an Account Manager for Adheso-Graphics’s parent company, Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. In this role, he used his extensive experience at SGS & Co. to bring a new level of support to their client base while driving business growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chad back in this strategic role,” said Andy Gillis, Vice President & General Manager of Adheso-Graphics. “His expertise in all aspects of trade shop operations and his proven ability to build trusted relationships make him an ideal leader to help expand our reach across North America.”

With exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, Atkinson will utilize his background to serve and support the North American market. He aims to maximize shareholder value while supporting customers with high-quality adhesive solutions tailored for the flexographic market.

Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina, and is a decorated veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Beyond the office, he enjoys quality time with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. A passionate supporter of Clemson University, he also finds joy in fishing, hunting, and relaxing at the beach.

About Adheso Graphics, LLC

Established in 1967, Adheso’s plate-mounting “stickyback” tapes have been used by flexo printers for over 48 years. They are a pioneer of double-coated mounting tapes known as FlexStik®, a brand of mounting tapes. Their high quality products bring consistent results for positive customer satisfaction in a variety of applications. Performance driven, highly regarded brands like FlexStik®, FlexSoft® and FS, have made them the preferred choice for Flexographic printers around the world.

Adheso maintains an ongoing commitment to the development of technologically advanced products and materials that serve a varied number of customer needs within the corrugated, wide-web, narrow web, offset and rotary letterpress markets. They strive to provide printers with application-specific products that reliably perform in application with minimal cost and effort.

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.adheso-graphics.com/
Media Contact: Courtney Pazdra, 866-282-7697, marketing@andvre.com

Voorwood: CX1500 Slitter Rewinder

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Designed for high-speed log rolling to produce large quantities of custom-length rolls

1500 Slitter Rewinder
1500 Slitter Hydraulic Lift Unwind

HYDRAULIC LIFT UNWIND

Hydraulic lift unwind is able to load unwind rolls from the ground.

1500 Slitter Auto Knife Positioning

AUTO KNIFE POSITIONING

Moves knives into position. Options for: razor, score or rotary shear knives.

1500 Slitter Rewind

REWIND

Dual core locking differential shaft rewind

NEWMA: Upcoming Events in September

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New Manufacture Alliance logo

September 11th: NEWMA Lunch & Learn – Technology for Green Supply Chain Management Practices and Their Impact on Operational and Environmental Efficiency presented by UW Green Bay. This free event from noon until 1 p.m. This session will explore how advanced technologies such as automation, IoT, data analytics, and blockchain can enable and enhance Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices. Register at: https://form.jotform.com/252236005123139

September 16th: NEWMA Lunch & Learn – Identifying & Responding to Workplace Impairment: A “Signs & Symptoms” Training for Supervisors presented by ARCPoint Labs. This one-hour training from noon until 1 p.m. equips supervisors with the practical knowledge and confidence they need to identify and effectively respond to suspected employee substance misuse and impairment. Register for free event at: https://form.jotform.com/252235699307161.

September 30: NEWMA Lunch & Learn – Work Release presented by Sergeant Joseph Bonnin with the Sanger B Powers Correctional Center.

  • Goals of the Work Release Program
  • Eligibility and Selection Process
  • Employer’s Roles
  • Work Release Roles
  • Conclusion

Register for free webinar at: https://form.jotform.com/252245802092149

Quad Plus: Understanding Electrical Circuit Breaker Testing Method

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Electrical circuit breaker testing is an important part of ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial and commercial power systems. Breakers play a key role in protecting electrical equipment from overloads, short circuits, and other dangerous faults.

Why Electrical Circuit Breaker Testing Matters

Every circuit breaker is a mechanical and electrical device. Like any component, it wears over time. Dust, moisture, heat, and repetitive switching cycles can degrade performance. Routine electrical circuit breaker testing detects hidden faults before they become serious issues.

In short, circuit breaker testing ensures breakers trip when required, stay closed when needed, and reset properly after operation.

Common Circuit Breaker Testing Methods

Several standardized methods are used depending on the breaker type, voltage level, and application. Some of the most common include:

Two men in hard hats doing electrical circuit testing
  • Contact Resistance Testing. High resistance indicates pitting, corrosion, or loose connections. These are all signs that the breaker may not be able to safely carry the load.
  • Insulation Resistance Testing. Tests the dielectric condition of internal insulation. This is critical for medium- and high-voltage breakers. A low reading may point to contamination, aging, or internal breakdowns.
  • Timing Tests (Trip/Close). Checks how fast the breaker opens and closes. Delays in operation can lead to safety issues or coordination problems with other protective devices.
  • Primary Injection Testing. Injects high current through the breaker to verify its trip curve. This confirms that the breaker trips under the right fault conditions.
  • Secondary Injection Testing. Tests the breaker’s protective relay system without high current. Often used for electronic trip units or relays inside molded-case and power circuit breakers.
  • Mechanical Operation Tests. Verifies smooth motion and latching. Sticking can prevent proper operation even if the electrical components are functional.

How to Test a Circuit Breaker with a Voltmeter

A standard AC voltmeter is used to verify whether a breaker is passing voltage (typically 120 VAC or 240 VAC). However, this only confirms voltage presence on the load side, not internal performance.

To perform this basic check:

  1. Set the voltmeter to AC voltage.
  2. Place one probe on the load terminal and the other on the neutral bus bar.
  3. A normal reading means the breaker is supplying power.
  4. A zero reading suggests the breaker is tripped or faulty.

Keep in mind that this method does not assess contact resistance, timing, dielectric insulation, or coordination performance, as a full diagnostic does.

The Role of a Circuit Breaker Tester

Certified technicians use advanced circuit breaker analyzers and circuit breaker testers to simulate fault current, log response data, and verify compliance with ANSI/NETA standards. These tools perform contact resistance testing (using micro-ohmmeters), timing analysis, dielectric (Hi-Pot) tests, and mechanical operation checks.

A comprehensive analyzer sequence measures trip speed, pole synchronism, and motion dynamics to provide a complete diagnostic report and recommended corrective actions if necessary.

Circuit breakers protect your system from dangerous faults, but only if they operate correctly. Routine testing confirms breaker performance and ensures your system remains safe, compliant, and reliable. Learn more about testing and maintenance from Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or call (815) 210-9885.

Quad Plus
1379 Unit C Carlson Ave
New Richmond, WI 54017
www.quadplus.com

Robinson Earns Fab 40 Ranking as a Leading Contract Manufacturer

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Wisconsin firm ranks seventh among metal fabrication companies

Robinson Inc., a De Pere, Wisconsin-based contract manufacturer, ranks seventh on the newly released Fab 40 list of North America’s top fabrication companies by The Fabricator magazine. The honor comes on the heels of Robinson earning its fourth straight supplier of the year award from Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.

Robinson, which focuses its operations in metal solutions and power generation systems, is one of six Wisconsin-based companies on the Fab 40 list and the only contract manufacturer located in northeastern Wisconsin. Robinson has qualified for the Fab 40 list all fifteen years since the list’s inception in 2010.

person welding with welding helmet on

“We continue to expand our capabilities to better serve our customers,” says Jeff Kroening, director of sales for Robinson. “We have invested in additional space and equipment while growing our employee base to become a contract manufacturer of choice. In addition, we have narrowed our service offerings to elevate our production expertise to an elite level.”

The Fabricator identifies the 40 most successful metal fabrication operations on the basis of 2024 self-reported revenue. Robinson reported 2024 revenue of $250 million, with projected 2025 revenue of $285 million generated through its four locations in Brown and Manitowoc counties.

Flexible capacity boosts status as a leading contract manufacturer

Robinson’s flexible manufacturing capacity answers the rapidly increasing demand for American-made fabricated systems that also feature materials sourced in the United States. As a key contract manufacturer in the energy industry, Robinson is positioned to deliver a wide range of cost-effective finished products.

The ability to reposition assets and people to where they are most effective creates an agile production environment that is rare among American contract manufacturers. Robinson has more than doubled its manufacturing space over the past five years to heighten its commitment toward onshore production.

These investments have enabled Robinson to become a major player in the expanding energy sector. Robinson serves as a contract manufacturer of enclosures, integrator, and commercial manufacturing and assembly supplier with capacity that will keep the company on the Fab 40 list for the foreseeable future.

About Robinson, Inc.

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 800 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.

United In Purpose, Stronger in Impact: VPI and VARC Unite.

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Vpi and Varc Announce Strategic Merger to Expand Disability Services and Employment Supports Across Wisconsin

VPI logo

Appleton, WI — VPI, Inc., a longtime nonprofit provider of disability and employment services in the Fox Valley, is pleased to announce its intent to merge with VARC, Inc., a nonprofit based in Viroqua, Wisconsin with a strong presence throughout central and southwestern Wisconsin. This merger, slated to occur this November, brings together the mission-driven organizations committed to empowering individuals of all abilities through personalized support, inclusive employment, and lifelong opportunity.

By joining forces, VPI and VARC will enhance their services, broaden their reach, and strengthen support for individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin. The merger will deliver several key benefits to individuals, families, employees, and business partners:

Broadened Programming

By combining complementary strengths—ranging from licensed childcare, adult day services, supported employment, early intervention services, trauma-informed mental health care, and school-to-work transition programming— we will provide a comprehensive continuum of care to more individuals throughout the state. This integrated approach not only enhances inclusive workforce development by creating meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities that promote personal growth and independence but also allows us to innovate and respond swiftly to changing community needs with coordinated, timely services.

Expanded Reach and Service Capacity

With nearly 120 years of combined experience, the merged organization unites deep expertise and extensive networks across southwestern, central, and northeastern Wisconsin. This expanded reach enables us to deliver coordinated supports across counties including Vernon, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk, Juneau, Columbia, Adams, Racine, Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago, Waupaca, Fond du Lac, and Brown—better meeting the diverse needs of individuals and families.

Amplified Advocacy and Community Impact

United under one mission, we have a stronger voice to advocate for disability rights, promote inclusion, and support families at every stage of life. Our strengthened partnerships with funders, employers, and local governments position us to drive systemic change and advance opportunities for people with disabilities statewide.

Expanded Business Partnerships and Customer Convenience

With more locations across Wisconsin offering contract packaging services, we will provide packaging customers greater convenience, flexibility, and access to meet their unique business needs. Merging our operations strengthens our ability to support local businesses while sustaining the mission-driven work that empowers the individuals we serve.

“This merger is a natural alignment of two organizations that share a deep commitment to service, innovation, and person-centered values,” said Tim Riebau, President & CEO of VPI. “Together, we are building on our strengths to ensure long term sustainability, greater opportunities for those we serve, and continued positive impact in our communities.”

VARC President & CEO Liz Filter added, “VPI has built a remarkable legacy in the Fox Valley, and we’re honored to move forward together. This merger enhances our ability to deliver exceptional services and creates new pathways for collaboration, advocacy, and innovation across the entire state.”

The transition has been carefully designed to maintain continuity of care, minimize disruption, and uphold the quality of services both organizations are known for. Existing programs will continue uninterrupted, with the same teams and the same values guiding every decision.

Ongoing updates will be provided to clients, families, and community partners throughout the integration process.

About VARC

Founded in 1975 by a small group of parents and educators in Viroqua, WI, VARC is a nonprofit organization that has since expanded its mission to provide a comprehensive array of services for individuals with varying abilities. These services encompass licensed childcare, employment support, transportation assistance, recovery-informed services, child and youth programs, and customized services. Currently, VARC serves over 850 individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin, operating from 13 locations. Our reach extends to communities in Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Juneau, Columbia, Adams, La Crosse, Racine, and Walworth County, as well as neighboring counties. At VARC, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with varying abilities by promoting active community participation, fostering independence, and providing diverse, meaningful experiences, all centered around the core value of individual choice.

About VPI

Founded in 1956, VPI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of programs and services to more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and/or disadvantages annually in the Fox Cities and surrounding areas. Services include early intervention, education and school-to-work transition programs, employment support, mental health services, and inclusive social enrichment opportunities. To help sustain and expand these services, VPI operates a contract packaging and production business that employs an integrated workforce—creating meaningful employment while generating revenue that supports the evolving needs of the people we serve.

A Letter from Marty: Food Companies in Wisconsin and the Impact on Food Packaging

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Marty Ochs

The 5P and Converting Industries in Wisconsin lead the nation and one of the biggest reasons is the Food and Beverage Industries in Wisconsin. WEDC has done an excellent job tracking these industries! The upcoming Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating, and Packaging Conference will have a heavy emphasis on the Food Packaging Industry.

  1. Wisconsin has 3,747 industry companies in Food and Beverages
  2. Eight out of ten of the largest food companies in the world have operations in Wisconsin.
  3. The industry employees 142,667 in Wisconsin
  4. If Wisconsin were a nation, we would be the fourth largest producer of cheese in the world.
  5. Wisconsin is the number one producer of ginseng, cranberries, dry whey, milk, and snap beans plus a big player in other agricultural products.
  6. Wisconsin is a World Leader in Animal Genetics
  7. The Great Lakes States Region Food and Beverage industries are the breadbasket of the USA.

We are seeing Smart and Sustainable Packaging evolving with new products, innovation, digital printing, coating technologies, paper products, intelligent and active packaging that can do more than contain a product. We see packaging increasing consumer engagement, improving product safety, and traceability with QR codes and RFID label technologies.

The growth is fueled by increasing demand for packaged foods, a developed food retail sector, and technological advancement in packaging solutions. With an increasing number of people living in urban areas characterized by fast-paced lifestyles, the fast-food market is growing. The demographic shift has led to a surge in consumption of packaged foods, particularly ready-to-eat meals. According to latest trends, 60% of consumers opt for convenient food.

The North American Market is a major part of the global food packaging market projected to reach a value of $512 billion by 2028. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030.

Sign up for the Specialty Paper Conference on September 16th at Miron Construction to educate and learn about 5P, Converting, and Food Industry! Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – specialty paper. The cost is: $100.00 per person.

Panelists at the Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating and Packaging Conference

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Dave Barr

Dave Barr

Director of New Product Development – Biorigin

Dave Barr has over 25 years of experience in the paper Industry. Since February 2022, he has been serving as the Director of New Product Development with Biorigin SP.

Dave’s career began in 1996 and he has held various roles including Process Engineer, Product Specialist, Account Representative, Technical Manager, Operations Manager, Mill Manager In both MG and Tissue, and also served as the Director of Secondary Fiber Development.

Brit Swisher

Brit Swisher

Area Vice President – Northern Region of Midland Paper, Packaging +Supplies

Brit Swisher is Area Vice President – Northern Region of Midland Paper, Packaging +Supplies, one of the nation’s largest independent paper and packaging distributors. He has over 40 years’ experience in distribution and sales of printing and specialty papers. Brit earned a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing and an MBA at Eastern Illinois University. Brit serves as a Board Member of Great Lakes Graphics Association.

Ryan Day

Ryan Day

General Manager – BPM Paper

Ryan Day’s career in the paper industry started in 2003 after graduating from UW Stevens Point with a degree in Paper Science. His career includes positions at Badger Paper Mills and Kemira prior to him joining BPM Inc. in 2009.

While at BPM, Ryan has held roles as Technical/Quality Manager, Paper Mill Manager, and Plant Manager prior to becoming General Manager in 2023. Ryan was born and grew up in central Wisconsin and presently resides in Peshtigo. His hobbies include golfing, bowling, and enjoying the outdoors.

Dean Benjamin

Dean Benjamin

Director of Product Development – Ahlstrom

Dean Benjamin received a B.S. degree in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. While at Minnesota, he studied computational and experimental fluid mechanics of the roll coating process under Professor L.E. Scriven.

Upon graduation, Dean joined Avery Dennison as a Research Engineer at the Avery Research Center in Pasadena, CA where he led projects to develop coating processes for the production of pressure sensitive labels and tapes.

Dean then joined Consolidated Papers, Inc. as a Senior Research Engineer at their R&D facility in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. After five changes of ownership, he is currently the Director of Product Development for Ahlstrom located at their Stevens Point, WI mill. Dean is focused on developing new specialty paper products for food packaging including barrier and heat seal papers, labels, release liners and other industrial papers.

Dean Benjamin is the Director of Product Development for Ahlstrom in Stevens Point, WI. Dean is focused on developing new specialty paper products for food packaging including barrier and heat seal papers, labels, release liners and other industrial papers.

Mark Hunter

Mark Hunter

Value Stream Manager and
Director Technology Innovation – Hoffmaster Group Inc.

Mark Hunter has over 25 years of pulp and paper experience as an Asset Manager, Production Manager, and Process Engineering/Technical Superintendent. Currently, Mark is the Value Stream Manager and Director Technology Innovation at Hoffmaster Group Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Maine and an MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Mark leads a team of 32 maintenance and engineering employees at Hoffmaster Group Inc., a leading printed napkin and paper plate plant with 420 employees.

Presenters at the Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating and Packaging Conference

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Jay Downey

Presenter, Jay Downey

Product Management Sun Chemical
Responsible for Adhesives and Coatings for Flexible Packaging
1990 UW-Stevens Point Graduate B.S. Degree in Elementary Education
2005 UW-Superior Graduate B.S. Degree in Business Administration

Jay Downey, of Sun Chemicals, has 35+ years of experience in the printing and converting industry. He is an industry application expert for flexible packaging who has managed the Technical Department for one of the largest flexible packaging converters in North America.

He is a Certified ISO 14001 auditor and experienced leader in Six Sigma and Lean Methodology. Jay currently sits on the academic advisory board for UW-Stevens Point’s Paper Science and Chemical Engineering department.

Roles Served: operating manufacturing equipment, managing a Technical Department for one of the largest flexible packaging converters in North America, responsible for operations for a start-up digital flexible packaging platform which included the first commercial install in North America of the HP 20000 press and developed and managed a sales team in North America generating sales and growth in paper and flexible packaging. Viewed as an industry application expert for flexible packaging.

Experience Includes: Digital Print, pouch making, digital print laminations, cold seal application in natural rubber and synthetic, inline processing of water base and solvent base adhesive applications with cold seal, water base ink technology, solventless adhesive/water base ink laminations, reseal cold seal applications, barrier coating technology and quality assurance test procedures for cold seal drying and retained moisture, growing and developing a sales team in North America for the paper and flexible packaging markets.

Association Roles Served: Served as a member of the Flexographic Technical Association Wide Web Leadership Council, served as co-chair of the Sustainable Green Printing Committee, served on executive board of the Sustainable Green Partnership as vice chair of the certified printers of SGP. Certified ISO 14001 auditor and experienced leader in Six Sigma and Lean Methodology. Currently sits on the academic advisory board for UW-Stevens Point’s Paper Science and Chemical Engineering department.

Paul Fowler

Presenter, Paul Fowler

Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Paul Fowler has nearly 30 years of experience working at the interface of business and academia in the United Kingdom and the United States, translating the best of academic research into actionable outcomes for companies in the pulp, paper, bio-based plastics and packaging industries. He is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he leads laboratories dedicated to compostability testing, pulp and paper research and development as well as analytical testing.

With a keen eye to detail and a PhD in organic chemistry, Fowler guides WIST to provide technical excellence, exemplary customer service and world-class results. Fowler speaks regularly at conferences addressing matters of sustainability, paper and paper-based packaging, bio-based plastics, compostability and recyclability.

GBIG NEWS | 91 Stories and Links on the Internet 08/13/2025

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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 91 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

Events

Featured Stories

Specialty Paper

Education

Packaging

Label

Paper

Flexible Packaging Company

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Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.

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