ICG Reports Strong Growth Among Its Independent Folding Carton Converter Members, Despite Continued Industry Consolidation

The Independent Carton Group (ICG) is pleased to report that, despite continued consolidation in the folding carton industry, business growth among its membership remains strong. This is evidenced by the significant investments that ICG members continue to make in their own operations and the strength of their collective buying power.

ICG members are independently owned folding carton converters, those who do not own, nor are controlled by, a paperboard mill. All members participate in the group purchasing program. This enables them to capture volume discounts on paperboard and other raw materials, as well as supplies and equipment, from over 40 of the industry’s most reputable suppliers.

“Our members are all successful in their own right. Membership in the ICG doesn’t take away their advantages as an independent, but rather further improves their value proposition for customers,” said ICG executive director Jay Willie. ICG programs are aimed at helping members reduce costs, educate employees, apply best practices and implement disaster recovery plans.

Members invest millions annually in their operations.

ICG members maintain their competitive edge with continued infrastructure and equipment investments. Curtis Packaging (Sandy Hook, Conn.), Wausau Container (Wausau, Wis.) and Accurate Box (Paterson, N.J.) have new Koenig & Bauer Rapida presses. Accurate Box also installed robotic systems in its finishing department. ICG members had the opportunity to see the new equipment in action in November, when Accurate Box served as ICG meeting host.

All Packaging (Aurora, Colo.) added 30,000 square feet to its Salt Lake City facility, filling it with new employees and equipment, including a sheeter, die cutter and multiple folder-gluers. In the Midwest, all three Colbert Packaging (Lake Forest, Ill.) facilities are running new equipment, including a second Brausse die cutter, two Zünd cutting systems, a Signature folder-gluer and a Vijuk insert folder.