$97.6M FOR A NEW IOWA CORRUGATED PLANT — AND $80M+ GOES INTO MACHINERY
Pratt Industries is preparing its first manufacturing site in Iowa. More than 82% of the announced $97.6M investment is tied to manufacturing equipment — a strong signal that this is about production capability, not simply another building.
Bondurant will enter a Midwest market where new corrugated capacity is already being added. We compare Pratt’s recent projects, capital per job, and what this investment could mean for competition, freight, service and plant economics.
Read the full analysis:
https://corruga.expert/news/pratt-s-97-6m-iowa-bet-what-a-new-corrugated-plant-could-change-in-the-midwest/

NINETEEN BILLION REASONS TO LISTEN
$19 billion in annual sales. Around 49,000 employees. At Corrugated Week in Fort Worth, Laurent Sellier drew a packed room—even those who had told me they disliked Smurfit came to listen.
A VAST SYSTEM. A LOCAL BOSS.
The local manager runs the operation and answers for its results. The corporation provides the backing. Then Sellier and I played Corruga Empire—and we agreed that the Smurfit Westrock team would test the game.
How does this vast business work, and what is the name above a plant’s gate really worth? Read my full story: https://corruga.expert/news/nineteen-billion-reasons-to-listen-laurent-sellier-in-fort-worth/

SAHARA PAPER INDUSTRIES BUILDS NEW CORRUGATED PACKAGING FACILITY IN EGYPT
The new plant will be centered on a 2.5-meter BW Papersystems Value Line corrugator rated at up to 300 m/min — a theoretical ceiling of 45,000 m²/hour at full width and maximum speed.
The real question is how much stable, saleable output the plant can deliver after waste, changeovers, OEE and downstream bottlenecks. In the full corruga.expert analysis, we look at the doublewall challenge, Egypt’s changing corrugated market and the five numbers worth watching after start-up.
https://corruga.expert/news/300-m-min-2-5-meters-wide-what-sahara-paper-industries-new-corrugator-could-change-in-egypt/

2,000 BOXES, 38 KM OF TAPE — A 20-METER CARDBOARD PIER AND CLOCKTOWER
Hundreds of volunteers turned cardboard into a 20-meter temporary structure in Weston-super-Mare, UK. More than 400 people prepared the modules in advance, and the main structure was assembled in about nine hours.
For corrugated converters, the story is about modular design, flat-pack logistics and how paper-based structures can move beyond conventional packaging into events, exhibitions and temporary B2B environments.
https://corruga.expert/news/2-000-boxes-38-km-of-tape-no-crane-how-a-20-meter-cardboard-pier-and-clocktower-were-built/

#SmurfitWestrock #CorrugatedPackaging #CorrugaExpert

AMTECH — QUICK QUOTE WITH TIM WATKINS
Tim Watkins demonstrates Amtech Quick Quote, which uses AI to read customer requests and attachments and prepare draft quote details.
LESS MANUAL DATA ENTRY
Watch Igor Tkalenko’s conversation from Corrugated Week in Fort Worth to see the workflow in action.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ihc67PIPm64
#Amtech #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

GLOBAL BOXMACHINE — INTERVIEW WITH JIMMY SCHIFFMAN
Jimmy Schiffman discusses Global Boxmachine’s new and used converting equipment and lines being installed around the world.
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORT FOR CORRUGATED CONVERTERS
Watch the interview with one of Corruga Empire’s earliest supporters and sponsors.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/6N1e92J3sw8
#GlobalBoxmachine #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

PAMARCO & ABSOLUTE — INTERVIEW WITH WILL WHITESIDE AND CHUCK DOYLE
Will Whiteside and Chuck Doyle discuss Pamarco and Absolute Engineering, bringing together anilox technology and chambered doctor blade systems.
TWO CONNECTED PARTS OF FLEXO PRINTING
Watch Igor Tkalenko’s short interview from Corrugated Week in Fort Worth.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/U5mkX3BmMd4
#Pamarco #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

ALLIANCE MACHINE SYSTEMS — INTERVIEW WITH DAVE AHRENDT
Dave Ahrendt introduces Alliance’s peripheral equipment and integrated automation solutions for corrugated manufacturing.
FROM PREFEEDERS TO ROBOTIC PALLETIZERS
Watch the conversation from Corrugated Week in Fort Worth for a closer look at the company.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wqa2RaFXrW0
#AllianceMachineSystems #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

BAYSEK SOLUTIONS — INTERVIEW WITH BEN LISKEY
Ben Liskey discusses Baysek’s HF101, automatic C190 and upcoming larger-format C250, known as “The Stretch.”
FROM BABY BAYSEK TO THE STRETCH
Watch the conversation to hear how Baysek’s die-cutting range is expanding.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2mMRwoDJxW4
#Baysek #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

FRIESE — INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
Christian Rodriguez introduces a new product from FRIESE, the German specialist in corrugating rolls and ROCKWELLE® coating technology.
WHAT’S NEW AT FRIESE?
Watch the interview for insights into longer roll life, consistent board quality and efficient paper use.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Oqixzp_BN44
#FRIESE #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

JKSP SERVICES — AIRBOND WITH SIMON HOLMES
Simon Holmes explains JKSP’s AIRBOND system for even pressure and consistent heat transfer across corrugated board.
BETTER HEAT TRANSFER AT THE DOUBLE BACKER
Watch the interview to learn how the company says AIRBOND can support bonding, moisture removal and corrugator performance.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/dzvZw0j-iTk
#JKSP #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

VALMET — MOISTURE CONTROL WITH DAVID MADDUX
David Maddux discusses Valmet IQ measurements and automatic controls, including the IQ Moisturizer.
MOISTURE BALANCE AND BOARD QUALITY
Watch the conversation about flatter board, better bonding and less cracking during converting.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kVazMAIDv6c
#Valmet #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

JJC INDUSTRIES: THE ORION REVERSE BLADE INK SYSTEM FOR LESS DOWNTIME
Xavier Conde explains JJC Industries’ Orion single reverse blade ink system, designed to simplify ink control on existing OEM presses.
MODERNIZING LEGACY FLEXO PRESSES
Watch the video to learn about the company’s approach to easier maintenance, cleaner operation and less ink-system downtime.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_Ky1yS50Vyc
#JJCIndustries #FlexoPrinting #CorrugaExpert

219,423 BOXES IN 8 HOURS — WHAT SUN AUTOMATION IS SHOWING AT CORRUGATED WEEK 2026
Ryan Clark highlights 219,423 boxes produced in eight hours on an LMC Mini Line at Welch Packaging — Chicago.
EQUIPMENT, SUPPORT AND MACHINE INTELLIGENCE
Watch his SUN Automation booth tour to explore equipment, upgrades, service and Helios IIoT as parts of the same production strategy.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/JOZT7ftGXWg
#SUNAutomation #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

ROBOTICS TO FULL-PLANT AUTOMATION — WSA USA AT CORRUGATED WEEK 2026
Jim McLaughlin explains how WSA USA connects robotic palletizing, conveyors, load handling and plant-wide controls.
KEEPING MATERIAL FLOW IN STEP WITH THE LINE
Watch the video to explore how integrated material handling can support converting-line productivity and help prevent downstream bottlenecks.
Watch on corruga.expert’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/HNghKeYxEyY
#WSAUSA #PlantAutomation #CorrugaExpert

KOENIG & BAUER — INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN ERBE
Kevin Erbe, National Sales Manager – Corrugated at Koenig & Bauer (US/CA), highlights the company’s expanding corrugated portfolio, including Prima Series / PrimaCUT, CutPRO and Omega Magnus 165–230.
FROM PRINTING TO DIE CUTTING AND FOLDING/GLUING
Watch the short Corrugated Week interview to hear how Koenig & Bauer is broadening its offering for corrugated converters.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/bA3yht2tqI4?si=6_LL7yDeo8U3Gti1
#KoenigAndBauer #CorrugatedWeek2026 #CorrugaExpert

PCA’S $275M NEWARK PLANT IS RUNNING — MIDDLETOWN TO CLOSE, 91 JOBS AFFECTED
Packaging Corporation of America has started production at its new 550,000-square-foot corrugated plant in Newark, Ohio, while preparing to close its Middletown facility by the end of 2026. The decision raises a major question: when is building a new box plant more profitable than modernizing an existing one?
Our analysis compares PCA’s $275 million investment with International Paper’s $225 million project and Smurfit Westrock’s $136 million facility. We examine the differences in investment costs, automation, production efficiency and the financial decisions shaping the future of corrugated manufacturing.
Read the full analysis: https://corruga.expert/news/pca-to-close-middletown-after-275m-newark-plant-startup/
#CorrugatedPackaging #PackagingCorporationOfAmerica #Manufacturing

INTERNATIONAL PAPER’S $6 BILLION QUESTION: WHAT HAPPENS TO EUROPE?

Less than two years after acquiring DS Smith, International Paper is weighing a sale of its EMEA packaging business. Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are reportedly interested, with an indicative valuation below $6 billion. No sale has been agreed.
The figures tell a deeper story: EMEA made $784 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2025 yet reported a $236 million segment operating loss. What would a sale — or a spin-off — mean for paper supply, future investment and the people running Europe’s box plants? Our full analysis follows the money into the factories.
Read the full analysis: https://corruga.expert/news/international-paper-s-6-billion-question-why-buy-ds-smith-then-put-europe-in-play/

CALIFORNIA CORRUGATED PLANT CLOSURE BRINGS DIGITAL PRINTING AND CONVERTING EQUIPMENT TO AUCTION
A corrugated packaging and display plant in Cerritos, California, is closing. Capital Recovery Group (CRG) is offering digital printing, flexo converting, die-cutting and material-handling equipment through an online auction.
A KEY LOT: THE 2018 BARBERÁN JETMASTER
The sale includes a six-colour Barberán digital press, Langston and Latitude converting lines, Ward rotary die-cutting equipment, and systems from Signode, Mosca and Alliance. Bidding opens October 22, with lots beginning to close October 29, 2026.
Read the full article on corruga.expert for original equipment photographs, machinery videos, technical specifications and auction registration details.
https://corruga.expert/news/california-corrugated-plant-closure-brings-digital-printing-and-converting-equipment-to-auction/

#CorrugatedPackaging #DigitalPrinting #PackagingMachinery

FOUR NUMBERS THAT MATTER MORE THAN CORRUGATOR SPEED
Waste by job. Availability and changeovers. Good boxes shipped per staffed hour. Paper-price recovery and working-capital days. These four measures deserve fresh attention as SICBMA reports a sharp kraft-paper cost increase in South India.
Mitul Shah has been appointed president of ICCMA as India’s corrugated packaging market is forecast at $14.33bn for 2026. Our analysis connects his manufacturing background and Supack’s investments with the financial choices facing box plants.
https://corruga.expert/news/mitul-shah-takes-iccma-helm-amid-india-s-corrugated-margin-squeeze/