Converting Industry News, Part 3
- Published: September 30, 2004, By Edited by Carrie Cleaveland
Covering the Full Spectrum of Industry News, Events & Activities
Mergers
GlobalDie Is Born
AUBURN, ME, USA — ENEFCO acquires Industrial Cutting Die of Georgia, forming Global-Die as a new business unit. GlobalDie brings on board Scott Wherry, founder and president of Industrial Die, to serve as the business unit manager.
Show News
Pack Expo to Highlight RFID
ARLINGTON, VA, USA — Organizers of Pack Expo Intl. 2004, running November 7–11 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, know a hot topic when they see one. And this year it’s radio frequency identification (RFID).
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) reports a new RFID Pavilion will bring together in one place "an unequaled group of helpful, knowledgeable professionals who can help you sort through the task of mapping out the RFID solution that’s right for you." Included will be information on verifying the presence of pre-placed tags; writing electronic product code (EPC) on tags; validating EPC tags; and "smart" packaging machines that use RFID to adjust operational settings.
The Pack Expo conference program, which runs from November 8–10, will offer a number of sessions on RFID, including Package Tagging Basics; Practical Applications of the "Smart Label"; The Dept. of Defense and RFID; and more.
The conference program is wide-ranging, with many other topics of interest to converters. For more information on the show and the conference program, visit packexpo.com.
CMM Launches New Event
NEW YORK, NY, USA — In response to the growing demand of consumer packaged goods (CPG), CMM International organizers have created an event to address converting solutions for end-user needs.
The Consumer Packaging & Converting Connection Event is a by-invitation-only conference that hopes to bring together end-user executives with specific package purchasing authority and converting materials and machinery suppliers with solutions to CPG converting.
Developed and produced by Packaging Strategies, the event will take place April 18–19, 2005, during the first two days of CMM International.
In other news from CMM: RadTech International will host a pavilion at the show where it will offer its Superstore showcasing UV- and EB-cured packaging and other items found in retail stores; and based on the success of its efforts at CMM 2003, the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) announces plans for a significantly expanded pavilion at CMM 2005. The pavilion will allow buyers to learn about the latest innovations in coating and laminating, and AIMCAL will add a hospitality area where members can meet with their customers and discuss business opportunities in a relaxed setting.
ICE ’05 Record Growth
OBERAUDORF, GERMANY — Event organizers Nimble Shows & Media GmbH announce a strong exhibitor demand for ICE (International Converting Exhibition) 2005. The end of May marked an end to all previous records with firm bookings from more than 60 companies, plus a further 20 reservations — equivalent to about two-thirds the size of ICE 2003.
The fourth ICE show will take place (for the second time) at M,O,C in Munich, Germany, November 22–24. Three halls and 9,600 sq m of space are available, of which one and a half halls already are filled. The event will focus on converting flexible materials, including processes such as coating, laminating, slitting, winding, and finishing. Package print will be excluded, as it is covered by several other shows. The expanded Technical Congress will run alongside in adjoining conference rooms. For more information visit ice-x.com.
Sponsors Sign On for ’05 Shows
RESTON, VA, USA — Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC), producers of Print 05 and Converting 05, agreed to a sponsorship arrangement with the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA). Several other industry associations and allied groups are expected to be announced as sponsors as well.
Print is produced by GASC every four years. The event, scheduled for Sept. 9–15, 2005, at Chicago’s McCormick Pl., will encompass nearly 900,000 sq ft and welcome 80,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibitors.
Interpack Offers New Web Site
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY — Interpack 2005, the 17th annual trade fair for packaging machinery, packaging, and confectionery machinery organized by Messe Düsseldorf, offers an updated Internet service. The site, interpack.com, provides current trend and market information from the international packaging sector as well as all relevant information about the show.
The site includes Interpack 2005 exhibitors and their products, a listing of international manufacturing and user associations, an international trade press directory, hotel and city information, and news articles from worldwide trade publications. Interpack 2005 will be held at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf April 21–27.
Supplier News
Magpowr Moves to Oklahoma
FENTON, MO, USA — Magpowr (Magnetic Power Systems) plans to relocate its manufacturing facility to the Maxcess Intl. headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK, USA. The new location, where Fife guiding and inspection systems are manufactured, reportedly provides access to a wealth of engineering expertise, state-of-the-art software technology, and an extensive customer support team.
UCB Sells Films Business
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — UCB signed an agreement to sell its films business for a total amount of €320 million in cash. The purchaser is a consortium led by Denis Matthewman and Candover Partners Ltd. Matthewman will chair the new company.
Toray Gets Bekaert’s Honor
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, USA — Toray Plastics (America) reports it has been named Supplier of the Year by Bekaert Specialty Films, San Diego, CA, USA, a supplier of solar control and safety window films for automotive and architectural applications.
Bekaert’s VP of manufacturing, Brent Lain, says, "Over the past year, Toray Plastics [America] demonstrated outstanding overall performance in product quality, delivery, and service." Hiroshi Ogihara, Toray’s president, calls the recognition "an honor."
Heidelberg Head Retires
KENNESAW, GA, USA — Niels M. Winthers, head of Heidelberg USA’s North American business operations, announces his retirement after more than 30 years with the company. In leaving Heidelberg, Winther says he hopes to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with his family. He will remain available to the company during the transition phase.
Taking over Winther’s responsibilities will be James P. Dunn. Dunn will manage all sales, service, and support functions of Heidelberg USA. He has held numerous positions throughout the Heidelberg community for more than 30 years, including president of the Heidelberg Americas shared services division and CFO of Heidelberg Web Systems.
In other company news, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG will transfer its web offset division (Web Systems) to Goss International. The two companies signed an agreement, which is yet to be confirmed by the relevant European antitrust organizations. The transaction includes the US Finishing Systems for web offset machines as well as business areas Commercial Web and Newspaper. Heidelberg will hold a 15% share in Goss.
