Manufacturer invests $13M in equipment
July 14, 2018A maker of corrugated board packaging products has invested $13 million in a new printing line that will result in the creation of six full-time jobs.
Grand Rapids-based Advance Packaging Corp. has made the investment in a new printing processing machine and will begin production using the equipment next week.
The new technology, trademarked by Advance as BentLine Technology, can produce up to 10,000 sheets per hour of eight-color prints.
Advance will use the prints in making boxes, retail displays and other corrugated board products to serve all industries.
“Our decision to grow our product line with the addition of the new BentLine Technology will further distinguish us from our competition and allow us to remain the premier corrugated packaging flexo printer in the United States,” said Scott Wilcox, vice president of sales and marketing for Advance Packaging.
“As the only company in the North America with this type of technology, we can serve clients on a national level while keeping manufacturing jobs here in Michigan.”
High-tech equipment, new jobs
Unlike other machines that randomly spot-check products, the BentLine system individually inspects 100 percent of its output to ensure each piece is error-free.
The sophistication of the new process will necessitate the hiring of up to six full-time employees.
The new crew will undergo 30 days of paid training to develop the specialized trade skills required in the process.
Job applications are being accepted 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Advance Packaging offices, 459 40th St. SE in Grand Rapids.
The starting wage for the new positions is $24/hour, based on experience.
Advance estimates the new employees will start in late summer.
The company is currently hiring a total of 25 employees, including the BentLine crew.
