Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), part of BW Converting Solutions, recently held two free information-packed open houses at its state-of-the-art Packaging Innovation Center in Green Bay, WI, USA, April 23-25.

More than 160 people attended the three-day event, which focused on both digital printing for flexible packaging, as well as digital and flexo printing for the folding carton industry. 

“We were very pleased with the turnout and quality of information we were able to provide the industry,” says Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s director of sales-print. “The spirit of the Packaging Innovation Center and our Power Packs educational video series is to serve as a resource for print and packaging industry information, demos, trials, and training along with research and development opportunities.”

The recent open houses were true to the vision. A wealth of market and trend data, industry analysis, and best practice information was provided by guest speakers from across the globe, including Dr. Sean Smyth, industry consultant and analyst, Jason Thelander of Memjet, Alison Keane of the Flexible Packaging Association, Dennis Gignac of BW Papersystems, Sean Hampson and Keith Grimm of Hybrid, Eric Nelson of Xitron, and Mary Schilling of Schilling Inkjet Consulting. In addition to guest speakers, PCMC provided up close and personal demonstrations of two new presses.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, attendees were able to see the ION hybrid press live in action. The ION highlights the marriage of traditional analog flexographic printing with digital hybrid printing platforms, providing the ability to produce larger digital runs cost competitively. “ION meets market needs for wider, faster printing with highest quality,” says Windell McGill, PCMC ION launch manager. “It is designed to handle up to 400 fpm with web widths of 36, 42 and 52″ for paper, film and folding carton.”

The ION is a fully modular system with digital CMYK and flexo print stations that can be custom configured to meet a variety of customer challenges. Jenifer Grace of LaCore Pressworx, the first customer to purchase an ION press, was also on hand to share her experience with the new press. “We’re in the nutraceutical space and our clients are typically startups or small influencer-brand product manufacturers. We need the flexibility of short runs and the ability to quickly change from one flavor or ingredient to the next without wasted time or materials,” says Grace. “The ION is going to allow us to meet these needs. In addition, we’re a Texas corporation and the incredible on-site service PCMC provides and the fact that they are here in the states were critical factors in our decision to partner with them.”

On Thursday, attendees were treated to a press-side demonstration of the high-production 59″ wide, 10+2 color Fusion CI folding carton press. “The Fusion has great energy and time-saving features like automatic drum cleaning and automatic impression setting,“ says Mike Shaw, PCMC regional sales manager.

“The Fusion reduces energy usage through low-power-consumption components, design and operation. It offers fast changeovers and lower ink usage,” adds Scott Derouin, PCMC regional sales manager. “The Fusion lowers operating costs and provides a quick return on investment and those benefits increase significantly when moving from sheet-fed to web-fed production.”

“We thank everyone who attended our open house event,” remarks Pennings. “We’re thrilled to be able to share the latest industry information from true industry experts and show-off our amazing new presses in the process.”