American Packaging to expand Iowa facility

The Board of Directors of American Packaging Corp. has approved a $16.5 million expansion project at the converter’s Flexographic Printing and Laminating Division in Story City, Iowa. This investment follows several other APC expansions over the last several years, including a $12 million project at its Rochester, N.Y., extrusion, laminating and coating plant and a $13 million addition to its printing and laminating division in Columbus, Wis.

In a press release, president and chief executive officer Peter Schottland says, “We are committed to expand and grow our business through strategic investment in our facilities, obtaining the latest technology and most importantly attracting and retaining the best people in the industry.”

Over the past decade, privately held American Packaging has invested more than $150 million in capital equipment and facilities, state-of-the-art technology and development of its workforce. The amount, says the company, also includes financial contributions to educational institutions specializing in flexible packaging training and research focused on furthering the industry as a whole.

American Packaging Corp.
515-733-1400; www.ampkcorp.com

DuPont summons packaging innovations for award program

DuPont has announced the company is accepting entries for its 22nd Awards for Packaging Innovation program. The DuPont-sponsored event is considered the industry’s longest running, independently judged global awards program honoring packaging materials, processes, technology and service achievements.

All entries to this year’s program will be judged on demonstrated excellence in innovation, sustainability and cost or waste reduction. To that end, eight jurors will look for use of new materials or processing technologies, creativity in use of materials and a package’s contribution to purchase appeal, among other qualities.

The deadline for registering and submitting entries is Feb. 12, 2010. Entrants do not need to use DuPont materials in their products, processes or programs and there is no cost to enter. Award winners will be announced at a presentation to be held in Spring 2010.

DuPont
302-774-1000; www2.dupont.com

NEWSBRIEFS

Bemis acquisition of Alcan operations delayed

Bemis announced in late December that it is in discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding their review of Bemis’ pending acquisition of the Food Americas operations of Alcan Packaging. These talks include remedies that management believes will resolve DOJ concerns over the transaction. Bemis previously anticipated receiving regulatory approval of the transaction by the end of 2009, but management now anticipates that it will receive the go-ahead in early 2010.

Converting trade show under new management

The Converting Machinery/Materials (CMM) brand was acquired by U.K.-based Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd. and will be replaced by ICE USA, joining a global series of International Converting Exhibitions in Europe, Asia and South America. ICE USA will take place April 6-8, 2011, in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center.

Trebnick Systems adds new press

Label and tag manufacturer Trebnick Systems has purchased a Mark Andy Performance Series P7 press for use in its Springboro, Ohio, plant. The 8-color, 17-inch (430 millimeter) water-based press features a final UV station, two die stations, a web turnbar, chilled impression rolls and was installed in December 2009.