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GBIG 5P Showcase September Showcase Exhibitors Introduction

Posted on August 28, 2023December 19, 2023 by admin

News Release: AUGUST 2023

The Green Bay Innovation Group would like to introduce you to our current 50-plus exhibitors and we have room for another 25 to exhibit. The 5P Showcase is at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center on September 26 with check-in at 7:30 a.m. and the exhibit hall opens at 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sam Schlaich Council of Governmental Affairs at the Flexible Packaging Association will kick off the event at 9:00 a.m.

Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com Events – 5P Showcase to register. If you have any questions, call Marty Ochs at: 608-698-3333 or email to martinpochs@gmail.com

On September 26, learn about the businesses that set the region apart for its manufacturing strengths. From printers to paper, plastics, and roll goods converters, this Showcase event expands in its second year. Hosted by Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG), the full day takes place at Green Bay’s Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

“This expo features companies with industry updates in several categories and provides outstanding networking opportunities,” says Marty Ochs of GBIG. “We live at the center of innovation, technology, and production capabilities. We have planned for a larger expo and visitor attendance this year.”

Aspects include:

Paper, pulp, and related producers where Wisconsin still dominates.
Packaging and printing on substrates including paper, film, and nonwovens materials.
Providers of analytic data services and equipment where growth continues.
Technologies to increase volumes on production lines in converting and packaging.
Suppliers who assist with branding strategies, marketing, and promotions.
Testing companies who assist in meeting quality and processing specifications.
Breakthroughs in digital, 3D Printing, and flexographic printing for packaging.
Innovation in the nonwovens industry with fabrics that wipe and filter viruses/Covid.

“We plan to spotlight exceptional exhibitors as they come back this September, and we’re offering a forum for new companies coming on board,” says Susan Stansbury co-host. “You can find these companies at national shows, but they appreciate showing off their wares in their home territory. This area is ‘the converting corridor.’”

Notes Marty Ochs, “Over the next couple of months, we will be reporting on a cross-section of exhibitors and plans, including a keynote speaker from the Flexible Packaging Association. In addition, a panel of other speakers on innovation is on board.”

The location at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center represents an expanded space for exhibitors. The cost to attend for the day is $50.00 including lunch and refreshments. The Expo Hall will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by networking until 6:00 p.m.

Look for more news to come.
Interested attendees can sign up at: www.GreenBayInnovationGroup.com and go to EVENTS to register.

To exhibit, call or email: Marty Ochs, GBIG, 608.698.3333 martinpochs@gmail.com Susan Stansbury, Industry Consultant, 920.265.6407 SusanRStansbury@gmail.com

Thrivent “Cans” Hunger Food Drive

Posted on August 21, 2023August 22, 2023 by admin

Summer has arrived, but hunger in our communities doesn’t take a break. Help support the Hope Center Pantry, a ministry of the Catholic Churches on the West side of Green Bay. For every non-perishable food item donated from the wish list below, your Thrivent Member Network – East WI & Upper MI Region will donate $3 per item up to $3,000.*

Thrivent Cans Hunger to benefit Hope Center Pantry

Hope Center Pantry, 505 Clinton Street, Green Bay
Stop in any time between 3:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy complimentary treats from Thibbys Ice Cream.

What items are needed?

Soups Pasta Sauce
Cans of pasta with meat (Chef-Boyardee Beef Ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s w/hotdogs)
Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables
Canned Meats (e.g. chicken, hams, etc.)
Canned Tuna
Cans of Pringles Potato Chips • Peanuts
Frosting

carboard box drawing with groceries in it — Tuesday, August 29th, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Drop off Details

Drop off your donation, enjoy Thibbys Ice Cream and learn more about the work the Hope Center Pantry is doing to serve food and other necessities to those in need in Brown County with a special emphasis on meeting the requests of Veterans.

No products will be sold.

*One Generosity Multiplier per organization, up to a maximum of $3000.

Worzalla’s Annual “Worzallapalooza” Tradition Celebrates Associates

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

The annual event includes daily prize drawings, giveaways, and catered lunch

Stevens Point, Wisconsin (August 9, 2023) – Worzalla, an employee-owned company specializing in printing high-quality children’s books, movie tie-in books and cookbooks, hosted “Worzallapalooza,” its fourth annual month-long event employee appreciation celebration. Throughout the month there were daily cash prize drawings, catered lunch for all, and grand prizes, including grill packages and gift card packages to support local businesses.

Girl smiling holding up winning certificate

“Worzallapalooza has become a tradition that we look forward to every year,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Worzalla Vice President of Human Resources. “We believe it’s important to celebrate and recognize the hard work our associates do and Worzallapalooza is a fun way to do that while also supporting community businesses through our prize offerings.”

Every associate received an ice cream celebration, Worzalla apparel, and an appreciation lunch catered by Canteen Dining. In addition, winners were drawn each day throughout the month for $25 to $500 cash prizes. Three grand prize packages were awarded to Worzalla associates, including Joe Basinski, Tim Pask, and Landon Elgersma.

“As exciting as it is to share with a team member they’ve won, it’s just as exciting to involve team members in the daily drawing,” added Petruzalek. “Team members see us walking around with our drawing bucket filled with names and eagerly volunteer to pick the daily winner.”

Worzalla currently has several open positions for supervisor, operators, and entry-level roles. Worzalla associates help support printing titles from some of the country’s largest book publishers, including Disney Books, Abrams, Simon and Schuster, Hachette, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and others. Worzalla is best known for being the domestic manufacturer of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Those interested in learning about a career at Worzalla can visit Worzalla.com.

About Worzalla

Worzalla is an employee-owned printing company headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Founded in 1892, Worzalla has over 130 years of experience in creating high-quality custom products for its customers. Worzalla specializes in the production of cookbooks, children’s and lifestyle books, and is dedicated to exceeding expectations for quality, service, and delivery. From small to large publishers, Worzalla is the printer the industry turns to for manufacturing high profile projects and award-winning books. With numerous industry awards for safety and workplace culture, Worzalla is consistently ranked as one of the top places to work in central Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.worzalla.com.

Media Contacts:
Erica Fetherston
10 to 1 Public Relations
erica@10to1pr.com
480-676-9141
Brianne Petruzalek
Worzalla
Vice President of Human Resources
715-254-9717

PAC: 5 Ways Automated Trim and Waste Removal Can Help Improve Manufacturing Safety

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

In manufacturing plants, safety is a top priority, and companies are continually looking for ways to improve safety and reduce accidents. One area where safety can be improved is with the use of pneumatic trim and matrix removal systems. These systems offer several advantages over traditional manual methods, including improved safety. Here are five ways a pneumatic trim and matrix removal system can improve safety on a manufacturing floor.

1 – No manual removal of matrix rolls

Manual removal of matrix rolls is a time-consuming and hazardous process that requires workers to use sharp tools to cut and remove the matrix material and lift heavy rolls from over-head heights. This process can be dangerous, as it exposes workers to heavy lifting, sharp blades and flying debris.

2 – Reduce noise

Noise is another significant safety hazard in manufacturing plants, as it can cause hearing damage and interfere with communication between workers. Pneumatic trim and matrix removal systems equipped with silencers are designed to operate quietly, reducing the overall noise level on the factory floor. This can help to prevent hearing damage and improve communication, making the work place safer for all.

3 – Reduce dust

Dust is a common hazard in manufacturing plants, as it can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Pneumatic trim and matrix removal systems are designed to capture and remove dust, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues. This makes the workplace safer and healthier for everyone.

4 – Remove tripping hazards

Tripping hazards are a common cause of accidents in manufacturing plants, and they can be difficult to eliminate. Pneumatic trim and matrix removal systems are designed to occupy unusable space overhead, freeing up aisles and reducing tripping hazards. By removing tripping hazards, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and make the workplace safer for all.

5 – Free up aisles for safe movement of people and equipment

The movement of people and equipment on the factory floor is a significant safety concern, as collisions can cause serious injuries. By using a pneumatic trim and matrix removal system, companies can free up aisles and create safe zones for the movement of people and equipment. This makes the workplace safer and more efficient, reducing the risk of accidents and improving productivity.

Learn more at: www.PrecisionAirConvey.com
For additional information, contact Eric Keebler at
EKeebler@AirConvey.com or 314-226-8298

Converting In Wisconsin Update

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

It is said that Wisconsin has over 200 Converters and Northeastern Wisconsin is called the Converter Corridor of the USA. Based upon the NIACS Report 3222, Wisconsin has 387 companies listed as Converters. Based upon a report from WhatTheyThink, the Converting Industry saw a net decrease in converting companies of 22% since 2010. However, we have witnessed that Wisconsin is bucking the national trend especially since 2022 due to Covid and the Amazon effect!

To better understand Converting, the Green Bay Innovation Group is developing a comprehensive database on the 5P and Converting Industries. We will further define the Converting Industry as specific categories. Based upon past reports, converting has been lumped into one category that does not accurately describe the companies involved in converting. The information will help our industry leaders to better determine where to focus their efforts to continue to grow and expand their companies.

We will break out as follows: Labels, Printing Paper, Specialty Paper, Tissue, Wipes, Tape, Corrugated, Board, Stationary, Packaging, and other industries that use Paper Converting Capabilities. Over the next year, we will focus on film, plastic, coating converting industries which have outstanding growth opportunities! In the past reports, the Converting Industry has close to 15,000 employees in Wisconsin plus manufacturers that manufacture equipment for Worldwide customers estimated at 5,000. As the USA shifted manufacturing overseas, it will have a major impact on Wisconsin. With near shoring, Wisconsin should benefit from it.

We need to recognize that Wisconsin has to upgrade our current pulp and paper manufacturing plus add new paper and pulp equipment to support the 5P and Converting Industries.

UW Madison Tour of Pixelle Specialty Solutions and Green Bay Packaging

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

The Green Bay Innovation Group and the University of Madison want to thank Pixelle Specialty Solutions and Green Bay Packaging for providing a tour and an open discussion on power requirements for Assistant Professor Ben Lindley from the College of Engineering and Kieran Furlong CEO of REALTA FUSION. UW Madison is working with Realta Fusion, a spin off from UW Madison start-up company developing fusion power for high volume users like the Paper Industry. Fusion power is a low carbon energy source, with cheap and abundant fuel with very little environmental impact. The project is funded by UW Madison as part of a ‘discovery to product’ grant to help bridge the gap between science and innovation in the University and real-world impact. Kieran Furlong, the Company’s CEO is working to create the “lowest capital, least complex path” to fusion energy production.

Four people in the offices at Green Bay Packaging

Four people touring Green Bay Packaging facility

The Goal of the Green Bay Innovation Group is for our industry partners to gain access to cutting-edge research at our universities by increasing revenue, new product development and innovation with better communications between Industry and Universities! UW Madison is one of the 10 largest research institutions in the country, allocating more than $1 Billion annually to groundbreaking inquiry.

Steven’s Point Tour

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

Stevens Point has a long history becoming a lumbering center with lots of ties to Conservation legacy, from the giant iconic Sand Country Bench on display in the Stevens Point Sculpture Park to the nation’s first conservation educational major created in 1946 and formed into the College of Natural Resources in 1970 at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Today, UW Stevens Point is a premier College of Natural Resources with Paper Science and Engineering. Sentry Insurance is based out of Stevens Point and the most recent Sentry Tournament of Champions announces record $694,705 raised for charity in 2023.

Stevens Point is located on the Wisconsin River with a long history of Forestry, Paper, and Pulp Manufacturing. At one time, the Wisconsin River Paper Industry had the largest number of Paper and Pulp mills in the world producing writing, printing, and text & cover papers. Today, most of these companies are gone and the remaining companies are focusing on Packaging and Specialty Paper grades.

However, Stevens Point has a wide variety of companies dependent on the paper industry that evolved from paper manufacturing!

Pixelle Specialty Solutions has an extensive portfolio of coated, uncoated, kraft and a comprehensive line of specialty papers for a wide base of customers.
Spectra Print is one of Wisconsin largest commercial printers with extensive capabilities servicing a nationwide customer base.
Neenah Paper/Mativ produces text, cover, board and packaging papers servicing customers nationwide.
Ox Industries is the largest independently owned vertically integrated producer of paperboard, paper tube, specialty paper and packaging products.
DigiCopy, headquarters out of Stevens Point, has facilities across Wisconsin with full-service printing, bindery, wide format, mailing and other capabilities.
Worzalla is one of the leading printers in the USA of award-winning books through innovative print solutions for more than a century. They are a 100% employee-owned company.
JHL Digital Direct specialists in ALL areas of direct mail production servicing a nationwide base of customers
Badger Plastics & Supply is a full-line distributor of mechanical and industrial plastics.

Badger Plastics & Supply
DigiCOPY
JHL Digital Direct
MATIV
Ox Industries
Pixelle Specialty Solutions
Spectra Print
UW Steven’s Point
Worzalla

Enercon webinar: Best Practices for Extrusion Coating Surface Treating

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

Menomonee Falls, WI – High-quality extrusion coating on paper, film, metallized film and aluminous foil substrates requires enhanced surface energy.

Enercon’s free webinar takes place on Thursday, September 7th at 10AM CDT and takes the guesswork out of determining which surface treating technologies provide the best results. Discover how to leverage corona, flame and ozone technologies to maximize extrusion coating bonding results and efficiencies. Topics Include:

Which type of corona treaters are ideal for extrusion coating
Tips for web handling for surface treatment
Understanding when to consider flame treatment
Discovering how ozone treatment increases bond strength at high speeds

To learn more about the webinar or to register, please click here.

Enercon Industries Corporation, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI, is a major manufacturer of equipment for the plastics, converting and packaging industries. The company supplies custom built corona and atmospheric plasma treating systems, as well as induction cap sealing systems.

Enercon webinar: How to Properly Conduct Dyne Tests & What Your Results Really Mean

Posted on August 21, 2023August 17, 2023 by admin

Menomonee Falls, WI – Corona treaters are used to increase a film’s surface energy to enable wettability & promote the adhesion of inks, coatings and adhesives. This change in surface energy is most commonly measured in dynes. And that’s where problems for extruders and converters begin:

Poorly executed dyne tests produce unreliable results.
Assumptions about dyne levels lead to erroneous conclusions.

The free webinar takes place on Thursday, August 24th at 10AM CDT and is presented by Enercon to discuss corona treating, dyne testing and adhesion. Key Topics Include:

Dyne test methods & best practices
How to properly use your dyne data
Material & coating variables that affect adhesion
When to blame the corona treater for adhesion failure

To learn more about the webinar or to register, please click here.

Benefits of a Pneumatic Conveyance System

Posted on August 7, 2023August 7, 2023 by admin

With the right tools in place, warehouses can operate with optimal productivity and efficiency while ensuring the safety of employees. By utilizing Precision Airconvey technology, warehouses can streamline the process of removing production waste from the press and conveying it to the compactor. Not only does this make the workplace safer, but it also increases productivity exponentially.

These engineered pneumatic systems are suitable for a range of industries, including converting, paper, print, label, and battery production, where waste removal is a critical part of the production process. Unlike manual methods, PAC’s hands-free, continuously running systems incorporate advanced technology to whisk away trim, matrix, and other types of production waste. And because the production presses/machinery can continue to run during the waste removal process, production output is significantly improved.

Implementing a PAC system in your facility can yield significant benefits such as a reduction in manual operations, decreased operational costs, optimization of the flow of goods, and other benefits such as:

A safer workplace environment, potentially saving your staff from injuries and you from costly litigation. A recent survey identified overexertion as the most disabling workplace accident in the United States in 2021, followed by falls and being struck by objects. With a PAC system, employees can avoid having to lift and move heavy items, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Boosted employee satisfaction. Labor-intensive and repetitive tasks, such as lifting heavy items, can cause frustration, low morale, and a loss of motivation among employees. By automating such tasks, employees can focus on more meaningful work, which can help reduce their stress levels and improve overall job satisfaction.
Increased productivity and efficiency in your facility. With the freedom afforded by a PAC system, employees can work more efficiently and effectively, freeing up time for other tasks.
Financial savings. PAC guarantees a 12-month return on investment for its engineered systems, but many clients realize returns much sooner. Our ROIs are measured in months, not years, ensuring that you see significant financial benefits from your investment in a PAC system.

At PAC, we take pneumatic conveying systems to the next level using industry expertise and precise engineering. Our solutions boost accuracy and productivity, improve employee safety and reduce space requirements.

Learn more at: www.PrecisionAirConvey.com
For additional information, contact Eric Keebler at EKeebler@AirConvey.com or 314-226-8298

Green Bay Innovation Group

Category: More Stories and Links

GBIG 5P Showcase September Showcase Exhibitors Introduction

News Release: AUGUST 2023

Thrivent “Cans” Hunger Food Drive

Thrivent Cans Hunger to benefit Hope Center Pantry

What items are needed?

Drop off Details

Worzalla’s Annual “Worzallapalooza” Tradition Celebrates Associates

The annual event includes daily prize drawings, giveaways, and catered lunch

About Worzalla

PAC: 5 Ways Automated Trim and Waste Removal Can Help Improve Manufacturing Safety

1 – No manual removal of matrix rolls

2 – Reduce noise

3 – Reduce dust

4 – Remove tripping hazards

5 – Free up aisles for safe movement of people and equipment

Converting In Wisconsin Update

UW Madison Tour of Pixelle Specialty Solutions and Green Bay Packaging

Steven’s Point Tour

Enercon webinar: Best Practices for Extrusion Coating Surface Treating

Enercon webinar: How to Properly Conduct Dyne Tests & What Your Results Really Mean

Benefits of a Pneumatic Conveyance System

Green Bay Innovation Group

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