Official Board Markets articles from November 2005

Official Board Markets archives from November 2005

How to optimize your machines: it's all about reviewing and inspecting.(HEARD AT CHICAGO TAPPI)
November 5, 2005... Are you calibrating your machines and running them like they were designed? Probably not, says Dick Target, president of On Target Consultants. He was the featured speaker at Chicago Tappi's 23rd table top trade fair, held last week in Oak...

Transacted containerboard prices.
November 5, 2005... Transacted Containerboard Prices Average transacted price levels are tabulated by obtaining paid prices from independent converters purchasing linerboard and medium. All prices are intended as a reference standard only. Transactions...

Caraustar to sell Maryland plant.
November 5, 2005... Caraustar Industries Inc., Austell, Ga., expects to sell its Maryland-based Hunt Valley Container & Carton plant to Green Bay Packaging Inc., Green Bay, Wis. The potential transaction is expected to close Dec. 31. No terms were disclosed. ...

Caraustar looks to cut costs.($20 MILLION)
November 5, 2005... Caraustar Industries says it soon plans to unveil a comprehensive strategic plan that will allow it to shave costs by $20 million by the end of next year, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports. The move could include plant closings. ...

Norampac looks for government assistance.(AT RED ROCK BOARD MILL)
November 5, 2005... Norampac Inc., Montreal, is looking for government assistance to help put its Red Rock, Ontario, linerboard mill operation back in the black, reports The Chronicle Journal, Thunder Bay. President Marc-Andre Depin wouldn't say if that meant...

Paperboard to see slow growth.(IN FOOD PACKAGING)
November 5, 2005... U.S. demand for food containers is projected to expand 3 percent per year to $20.7 billion in 2009, representing 249 billion units, according to a new study, "Food Containers: Rigid & Flexible," from The Freedonia Group, Inc. a Cleveland-based...

Corrugated art appreciation.(AICC 2005 DESIGN HONORS)
November 5, 2005... The art of packaging design was celebrated at the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) 2005 Annual Meeting in Boston, October 26-29. Corrugated designers not only learned from leading experts in a "Designers' Forum," but they...

SSCC makes personnel changes.(PROMOTIONS, RESIGNATION)
November 5, 2005... Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. (SSCC), Chicago, has made several organizational changes, and further plans for restructuring are expected to be announced Nov. 9 when the company holds a strategic reassessment meeting at 7:30 a.m. from the...

Caraustar's sales dip, MeadWestvaco earnings fall.(EARNINGS STATEMENT)
November 5, 2005... Caraustar Industries, Inc., Atlanta, reports that sales for the third quarter ended September 30 were $267.8 million compared to sales of $273.8 million for the same quarter in 2004. Net income for the third quarter of 2005 was $0.1 million...

Board demand tumbles.(PPPC REPORTS)
November 5, 2005... North American containerboard demand in September declined by 8.8 percent compared to the same month last year, reports the Pulp and Paper Products Council, Montreal. Linerboard demand was down 10.6 percent while medium demand was down 4.8...

Shore to Shore expands.(WITH CARTON ACQUISITION)
November 5, 2005... Shore to Shore, a Miamisburg, Ohio-based packaging and retail label company, has acquired John Hampden Packaging Limited to further its entry into the folding carton segment, Dayton Business Journal reports. Terms were not disclosed. John...

TNT Packaging buys Kole.(SHIPPING ROOM SUPPLIES)
November 5, 2005... TNT Packaging, Inc., Miami, has purchased the equipment and customer base of Kole Industries, a producer of parts bins, warehouse, and shipping room supplies throughout the U.S. Terms weren't disclosed. TNT is a family-owned and operated...

VantagePoint continues int'l expansion.(TO EASTERN EUROPE)
November 5, 2005... VantagePoint Systems, Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, is increasing its presence in international markets. The company is directing resources to its Leicester, U.K., office to capture opportunities in international markets, especially in the...

AICC elects officers.(Association of Independent Corrugated Converters appointed Cindy Baker , Brian Buckley and Brad Morphy)(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... At its annual meeting in Boston late last month, the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) elected a new slate of officers. It includes the Association's first woman chairman, Cindy Baker of Scope Packaging, Orange, Calif. ...

Average sheet prices.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... Average Sheet Prices Based upon a survey of sheet plants. Per 1,000 sq ft, 50,000 sq ft single item orders, including delivery charges. Southeast/ East South Sheets ...

Hawkeye's innovation recognized.(AT AICC MEETING)
November 5, 2005... At last month's Association of Independent Corrugated Converters' (AICC) annual meeting in Boston, Hawkeye Corrugated, Cedar Falls, Iowa, was awarded the AICC/Board Converting News 2005 Innovator of the Year for box makers. Attendees voted its...

Carton shipments continue upward.(YEAR-TO-DATE DOLLARS INCREASE)(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... Folding carton shipments reached an estimated $6.8 billion and 4,253.7 thousands tons in the first three quarters of 2005, reports the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC). As compared to 2004, the year-to-date 2005 shipments measured in...

China's board production, consumption continue to grow.(paper boards)(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... As a result of the overall economic growth, China's papermaking industry saw positive developments in 2004, says a new report from Research and Markets entitled the "China Paper and Forest Products Market." Total paper and paperboard production...

Transacted paper stock prices--low grades.
November 5, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--Low Grades Mixed Boxboard Paper Cuttings News (1) (4) (6) Chicago $40-45 (0) 45-50 (-5) ...

OCC supply gets sloppier.(old corrugated cartons )(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... If you thought last month's OCC market was sloppy, wait until you learn about this month's. "I'm getting a lot of calls and emails... from major generators asking for help in moving additional loads because their oversupply of baled OCC...

NPA: rigid box sales up.(National Paperbox Association)(Brief article)
November 5, 2005... Rigid box sales increased 11.63 percent during September, according to the National Paperbox Association's (NPA) billed sales statistical program. Sales reached $36,644,020, compared to $32,826,215 for the same period in 2004. Sales in the...

Transacted paper stock prices--high grades.
November 5, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--High Grades For detailed chart explanation, see page 11 White Coated New DLK News Soft Wht. Cuttings ...

Hankscraft China commits to quality.(WITH ISO CERTIFICATION)
November 5, 2005... Reedsburg, Wis.-based Hankscraft Inc.'s contract manufacturing and assembly facility in Suzhou, China, recently became ISO certified. The facility's ISO:9001 program is led by senior managers, with the quality assurance department providing...

Preserve profit when serving retailers.(AICC 2005 ANNUAL MEETING)
November 5, 2005... Roughly two-thirds of corrugated board ends up in retail outlets. With the growth of private label products among retailers, that makes these customers a driving force in packaging design. They're becoming such a force that even branded...

Transacted boxboard prices.
November 5, 2005... Transacted Boxboard Prices The prices tabulated here are intended only as a reference standard to the current levels commonly prevailing in a representative proportion of the U.S. contract transactions. The prices listed do not connote...

AF&PA's Moore to Retire in August.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)
November 5, 2005... American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO W. Henson Moore will retire in August of 2006. He has served in this position since February 1995. Moore came to the association after a public service career where he served as...

Michigan Box buys Imaginera.(SOFTWARE)
November 5, 2005... Michigan Box Co., Detroit, purchased Amtech's advanced Imaginera system. The software is a Windows-based software solution that covers multiple aspects of customer service, production and sales. For more information, call 215-639-9540 or visit...

TI sheet feeders get Scrap Trakker.(WASTE MANAGEMENT)
November 5, 2005... RTC Technologies, Inc. installed its Scrap Trakker[R] system at five Temple-Inland sheet feeder plants: Bay Sheets, Gilroy, Calif.; Gateway Sheets, St. Louis; Midwest Sheets, Tipton, Ind.; Performance Sheets, City of Industry, Calif.; and Texas...

Boise Cascade.(People Update)
November 5, 2005... Boise Cascade's board of directors elects Alexander Toeldte executive vice president, paper, packaging and newsprint. Virginia Aulin is named vice president of communications, performance management and organizational development.

MeadWestvaco.(People Update)
November 5, 2005... MeadWestvaco, Stamford, Conn., appoints Edward Straw to its board of directors.

SSCC: from generalists to specialists: Smurfit-Stone may close 20 percent of its corrugated container facilities to cut costs and up revenue by $600 million by 2008.(RESTRUCTURING ANNOUNCED)
November 12, 2005... Packaging's increasingly critical role in the supply chain calls for dramatic action on the part of converters to take advantage of a growing opportunity. Integrated suppliers like Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. (SSCC), Chicago, have introduced...

Transacted containerboard prices.
November 12, 2005... Transacted Containerboard Prices Average transacted price levels are tabulated by obtaining paid prices from independent converters purchasing linerboard and medium. All prices are intended as a reference standard only. Transactions may...

Fire occurs at SSCC plant in S.C.
November 12, 2005... A fire occurred at Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.'s Columbia, S.C., corrugated container division plant on Nov. 6, as first reported by local NBC affiliate WIS-TV. No injuries were reported. The Irmo Fire Department responded to a call...

PCA closes W.Va. box plant.(65 JOBS CUT)
November 12, 2005... Packaging Corp. of America (PCA) closed its corrugated box plant in Grafton, W.Va., on Nov. 3, reports the Charleston Gazette. It employed about 65 people. A PCA spokeswoman declined to comment on the plant closing. "The closing of...

Associations form safety alliance.(OSHA, AF&PA, PPSA)
November 12, 2005... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formed an alliance with the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA) to promote worker safety and health with a focus on preventing...

RFID supplier offers free tags for testing.(TO CONVERTERS, OEMS)
November 12, 2005... Avery Dennison RFID is offering its Partnership Program to converters who are working on RFID implementation programs on behalf of end users. The program is also available to companies who are subject to meeting RFID retail mandates, retailers...

Boise Cascade, Graphic Packaging down slightly in third quarter.(Q3 FINANCIALS)
November 12, 2005... Boise Cascade Co., Boise, Idaho, posted income from operations of $79.4 million for third quarter 2005, compared with $79.9 million for the same period last year. In the second quarter 2005, Boise reported income from operations of $77.4...

Wal-Mart wants more RFID-ready suppliers.(NEW STUDY)
November 12, 2005... A recent study done for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. by the University of Arkansas indicates that RFID is working in the retail giant's stores. The study shows RFID tagging on boxes and pallets improves shelf stocking and reduces extra inventory. ...

CHH mill workers strike.(BACK TO WORK)
November 12, 2005... Workers at the Carter Holt Harvey-owned Kinleith pulp and containerboard mill near Tokoroa, New Zealand, returned to work yesterday after a two-day strike, but pay talks are to resume next week, the New Zealand Herald reports. The...

Chesapeake Corp.(People Update)
November 12, 2005... Thomas Johnson, of Chesapeake Corp., Richmond, Va., has retired as the company's ceo and chairman of the board and director. The Board of Directors has appointed Johnson non-executive advisory vice chairman of the company, in which capacity...

Reality TV, "Star Wars" invade SSDG: what it's like to work with Donald Trump's "The Apprentice.".(NEW DVD RELEASE)
November 12, 2005... Earlier this month the latest Star Wars movie, "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," came out on DVD. When new DVDs are released, movie production companies usually produce corrugated displays for in-store sales. But real estate mogul Donald...

Amtech sells in Michigan, Mexico.(PURCHASING NEWS)
November 12, 2005... Michigan Box Co., Detroit, and Industrial Papelera San Luis S.A., San Luis, Potosi, Mexico, have purchased Amtech's advanced Imaginera system. The software is a Windows-based solution that covers multiple aspects of customer service,...

Menasha installs Vantagepoint.(SOFTWARE SALE)
November 12, 2005... Menasha Packaging Corp. has implemented Business VantagePoint[TM], VantagePoint's ERP software for the packaging industry at 15 Menasha facilities. Menasha's next two packaging facilities to go live have been scheduled for implementation over...

Cascades down in Q3; May shed some assets.(FINANCIALS)
November 12, 2005... Cascades Inc., Kingsey Falls, Quebec, reports net earnings of $3 million Canadian (about $2.5 million U.S.) for the quarter ended Sept. 30. This compares with net earnings of $27 million Canadian (about $22.7 million U.S.) for the same period...

IADD launches Q&A service.(FOR CONVERTERS, TOOL MAKERS)
November 12, 2005... The International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) has created the TechTeam, a group of consulting engineers and industry experts who stand ready to assist converters and tool makers with technical questions and engineering...

TAPPI President Gross to retire.(Wayne Gross of Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry)(Brief article)
November 12, 2005... TAPPI President Wayne Gross will retire on Jan. 1 after 30 years with the association. Gross has led TAPPI since 1996, serving as executive director and more recently as president. "We truly appreciate Wayne's unwavering loyalty,...

CEPI: Europe leads world in recycling.(NEW REPORT)
November 12, 2005... Europe is a global leader when it comes to the recovery and recycling of paper, according to a report by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). In 2003, the world's average recycling rate was 49 percent. In 2004, the...

Container Graphics system improves speed to market.(SNAP!)
November 12, 2005... Container Graphics Corp. (CGC), Cary, N.C., launched its SNAP! (Systematic New Art Production) process. SNAP! is a web-based system that can significantly improve product speed to market by accelerating and streamlining the creation of graphics...

Transacted paper stock prices--low grades.
November 12, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--Low Grades Mixed Boxboard Paper Cuttings News (1) (4) (6) Chicago $40-45(0) 45-50...

FTA talks color at conference.(PACKAGE PRINTING)
November 12, 2005... The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association's Ink and Color Reproduction Conference drew a crowd of about 100 attendees to Flagstaff, Ariz., Oct. 19-20. The theme was "The World of Color in Flexo: Control It, Measure It, and Expand...

JSG down in Q3.(Jefferson Smurfit Group PLC)(Brief article)
November 12, 2005... Dublin-based Jefferson Smurfit Group's (JSG) financial performance for the third quarter reflects the ongoing difficult product market conditions in Europe. Within the quarter, product pricing declined as a consequence of the combined impact of...

Wisconsin packaging gets a Hawthorne.(FOR ENERGY SAVINGS)
November 12, 2005... Hawthorne Systems, Inc., Beaverdam, Ohio, installed a 50,000 CFM capacity separator system to replace an outdated, under-capacity unit at Wisconsin Packaging's Fort Atkinson plant. The new equipment will cause the air from the system to return...

Transacted paper stock prices--high grades.
November 12, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--High Grades For detailed chart explanation, see page 11 Coated New White Soft DLK ...

IP revises Q3 earnings.(International Paper Co.)(Brief article)
November 12, 2005... International Paper (IP) is revising its third quarter earnings due to changes in income tax provisions and after-tax amounts, primarily related to the sale of Carter Holt Harvey. Official Board Markets initially reported on IP's earnings on p....

Heidelberg to host open house.(AT NORTH AMERICAN HQ)
November 12, 2005... Heidelberg, Kennesaw, Ga., will host an all-day open house in its Print Media Demonstration Center (PMDC) on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The German-themed event, "Brats & Dots," will showcase Heidelberg's latest technologies and feature live...

TimBar Packaging & Displays Oxford Division.(People Update)
November 12, 2005... TimBar Packaging & Displays Oxford Division, New Oxford, Pa., names Howard Feldman as sales manager of the newly formed Distributor Products Group. This new team will focus on providing quality corrugated food containers through a distributor...

Weyerhaeuser Co.(People Update)
November 12, 2005... Weyerhaeuser Co. names Marvin Ray Risco managing director, South America. This appointment follows the announced March 2006 retirement of vice president and WFPI leader Gary Drobnak. Risco, whose promotion will be effective January 1, will...

AccuWeb Inc.(People Update)
November 12, 2005... AccuWeb Inc., Madison, Wis., appoints Richard Gallimore as the midsouth territory manager, covering Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, and Nebraska.

Bayer Animal Health strengthens brand with paperboard.(TO STAND OUT ON SHELF)
November 12, 2005... To further differentiate its Advantage product line from over-the-counter and international products, Bayer Animal Health last month launched a packaging redesign for its dog and cat flea-control line. The feline products will now be...

Chesapeake breaks even, aims to save.(EARNINGS STATEMENT)
November 12, 2005... Richmond, Va.-based Chesapeake Corp. reports breakeven results for the third quarter of 2005 with an income of $5.4 million. Chesapeake is also initiating a $25 million global cost savings program to be more competitive in its operating...

Temple-Inland, Inc.(People Update)
November 12, 2005... M. Richard Warner, president of Temple-Inland, Inc., Austin, Texas, plans to retire from the company at the end of 2006. Warner will remain as president for the balance of 2005 and will move to the role of senior advisor in 2006. He joined...

HydreGrease White 20.(Product Update)
November 12, 2005... Michelman[R] has added HydreGrease White 20 to its HydroGrease White Series barrier product line. It's a pigmented barrier coating with water and grease resistance that's ideal for bakery and produce. White 20 can be applied in-line or off-line...

RFID compliance solution.(Product Update)
November 12, 2005... International Paper Smart Packaging (IPSP) and IDVelocity offer an RFID compliance solution that enables customers to meet retailer mandates. This partnership combines the RFID integration capabilities of IPSP's Core Compliance system and RFID...

Water-based coating.(Product Update)
November 12, 2005... ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc. offers a water-based coating, Conductive CLV25, which is ideal for paper and film applications where anti-static properties are needed. The product exhibits excellent adhesion to most substrates and is clear, which...

Maren Wire Caddy.(Product Update)
November 12, 2005... Maren Engineering Corp. offers the Maren Wire Caddy to do heavy rifting associated with loading wire for auto-tie balers. An easy-glide hoist and trolley are mounted to the baler's frame; electric or manual hoist is available. The product...

Creating lean Corporations--Reengineering from the Bottom Up to Eliminate Waste.(Product Update)
November 12, 2005... Productivity Press and author Jeffrey Morgan present a new methodology in which lean principles are integrated into business process reengineering in Morgan's new book Creating lean Corporations--Reengineering from the Bottom Up to Eliminate...

Koch Industries to buy Georgia-Pacific.(FOR $13.2 BILLION)(Company overview)
November 19, 2005... Kaoch Forest Products, Inc., a wholly owned Koch Industries Inc. subsidiary, is buying Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific (GP). Koch is based in Wichita, Kan. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of...

Transacted containerboard prices.
November 19, 2005... Transacted Containerboard Prices Average transacted price levels are tabulated by obtaining paid prices from independent converters purchasing linerboard and medium. All prices are intended as a reference standard only. Transactions may...

Corrugated box inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.
November 19, 2005... The corrugated box recently joined Barbie, Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh and 30 other classic toys that are members of the National Toy Hall of Fame[R]. What kid hasn't turned an appliance box into a clubhouse or spaceship, or arranged mementos...

EU Commission approves JSG's Kappa acquisition.(REMEDIES OFFERED)
November 19, 2005... The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation Jefferson Smurfit Group's (JSG) proposed acquisition of Kappa Holding B.V. JSG is based in Dublin, Ireland, and Kappa is based in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The initial...

FAA Hazmat story concerns industry members.(Letter)(Letter to the editor)
November 19, 2005... The Oct. 15 edition of the Official Board Markets' front page article has caused some concern in the corrugated container industry. The headline reads: "FAA Will Scrutinize Boxes." The caption under the picture states that, "Corrugated boxes...

AICC displays competition entries.(ON WWW.AICCBOX.ORG)
November 19, 2005... The Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) has created an online search function to showcase the entries from the 12th International Corrugated Packaging Design Competition. Detailed information including entry description,...

West coast thankful for modest gains.(container)
November 19, 2005... This month's Thanksgiving turkeys--though they may not be overly stout birds--will signal the recent improvement in business. Across much of the West Coast, including Southern California, there will be reason to be thankful for many things in...

Scott McKinley joins Emba.(Executive MBA Programs )(Brief article)
November 19, 2005... When EMBA acquired the assets of McKinley Machinery, Cleveland, there were 330 McKinley machines in the market, mainly in North America. That includes rotary diecutters, flexo folder-gluers and printing machines. One of the questions at the...

Corrugated shipments up in October.(FBA REPORTS)
November 19, 2005... October's industry shipments of corrugated products increased 2.6 percent both on an actual and average week basis. Last month and October 2004 both had 21 shipping days, the Fibre Box Association reports. Year-to-date shipments through...

Rock-Tenn net sales up for fiscal 2005.($1,733.5 MILLION)
November 19, 2005... Rock-Tenn Co. reports net sales for fiscal 2005 of $1.7 billion compared to net sales of $1.6 billion in fiscal 2004. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 were $528.6 million compared to $417.9 million in the fourth quarter of...

CPA distributes recycling information to retailers.(NEW STANDARD)
November 19, 2005... The Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) began rolling out its campaign to help retailers recycle more old corrugated containers (OCC) for revenue at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition Nov. 4-8...

Help with hurricane relief.(CONTACT AICC)
November 19, 2005... Members of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) recognize that the rebuilding of the Gulf States region will continue long after the camera crews have left. AICC's Regional Directors have created the "Relief in a Box"...

Rigid box sales up slightly.(THROUGH OCTOBER)
November 19, 2005... January through October rigid box sales were up for the year at 2.33 percent ($36,439,680, compared to $35,608,320 for the same period in 2004), according to the National Paperbox Association's (NPA) billed sales statistical program. The...

RPA-100% launches new website.(REDESIGN)
November 19, 2005... The 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance (RPA-100%) launched its redesigned and updated website, www.rpa100.com. The new site features profiles of companies packaging their products in 100 percent recycled paperboard, information on how to...

AICC sales compensation survey available.(CORRUGATOR/SHEET PLANTS)
November 19, 2005... The Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) 2005 Sales Compensation survey provides information on key sales compensation salaries and benefits being paid by independent corrugator plants and sheet plants in the United States...

Transacted paper stock prices--low grades.
November 19, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--Low Grades Mixed Boxboard Paper Cuttings News (1) (4) (6) Chicago $40-45 (0) 45-50 (-5) ...

Study shows websites are often inadequate.(SALES TOOL)
November 19, 2005... Industrial buyers use the Internet nearly twice as often as the offline information sources they have long retied on, according to a study of industrial buying and selling behaviors sponsored by ThomasNet.com, an industrial procurement website,...

Transacted paper stock prices--high grades.
November 19, 2005... Transacted Paper Stock Prices--High Grades White Coated New DLK News Soft Wht. Cuttings Blanks Shavings (13) ...