IPG Launches iTRACK Data Collection System for Case Sealing Machines

Wikoff Color announces the opening of its 34th manufacturing location in Milwaukee, WI focused on the flexible packaging market. The newly constructed facility will be the main hub for the company’s solvent- and water-based gravure operations. In addition to manufacturing and warehouse space, Wikoff Color – Milwaukee will also boast a fully-equipped R&D department, a Training center and a Wikoff Graphics arm. The new location will feature leading-edge, energy-efficient milling technology and is expected to bring approximately 50 jobs to the greater Milwaukee area. Joe Kubasiak, Director of Flexible Packaging for Wikoff Color, will head up the new branch. “This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to provide an even greater level of service and support to our customers in the packaging market,” Joe commented. “Our investment in technology and increased manufacturing capacity will be integral to our growth in the flexible packaging space.” Joe has been with the company since 1992 and has held several management positions, including Plant Manager of the largest bulk manufacturing site in Fort Mill, SC.

Following its recent acquisitions of packaging sites in Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic, Coveris’ acquisition of Hadepol Flexo will mark the company’s fourth acquisition in CEE and the continuation of its strategy to invest in selected geographies and markets. With this deal, Coveris said it has achieved its strategic goal to better balance the operations footprint and become a leader in the CEE markets. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory clearance and is expected to close towards the middle of Q2 2024. Founded in 1994, Hadepol Flexo operates two production facilities located in Rypin, Poland and specialises in paper and film-based packaging for bakeries and supermarkets, mainly for the domestic market.

Amcor announced a further strategic investment of up to $45 million in ePac Flexible Packaging (“ePac”), a leader in high quality, short run length digitally-based flexible packaging. The investment will increase Amcor’s minority shareholding in ePac Holdings LLC. Amcor’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development, Ian Wilson, said, “This additional investment reflects our confidence in ePac’s entrepreneurial team and their proven ability to rapidly scale in the high growth, often higher value short run segment. Since our initial investment last year, we have been deeply impressed with ePac’s focused and innovative business model centered around deploying a very high level of digitalization and customization. ePac’s proven digital technologies enable the delivery of exceptional service levels and significantly reduced lead times. These specializations are designed to meet the unique speed to market and service needs of locally based small to medium customers, skill sets that are highly transferable to areas of Amcor’s core business.