J.S. Machine is the 2018 Innovator of the Year

October 10, 2018 Off By Sebastian Reisig

Capturing the attention and vote of the majority of AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week attendees, held recently in Indianapolis, Ind., the “IBS Intelligent Plant Logistics – Seamless Automation” entry by J.S. Machine won the 2018 AICC/Board Converting News/Corrugated Today Innovator of the Year Award.

The system provides seamless automation across all plant equipment designed to achieve maximum efficiencies. It leverages new technology and control systems to experience previously unattainable savings and efficiency to include savings in labor and waste, shorter production cycles and reduction of project running costs.

This year’s competition was open to all AICC Associate members and gave companies the opportunity to showcase non-machinery innovations. The non-machinery category is defined as an innovation manufactured by an industry supplier that does not touch the board including, but not limited to; computer systems, software and consulting; linerboards and new substrates; quality and management controls; administrative support; financial services.

Second place was awarded to Kruger Packaging for their “Process for Re-Fibering the Corrugated Structure” entry and third place was awarded to EFI for their “A System for Accurately Predicting Order Delivery Dates” entry.

The additional finalists were Arden Software North America for their “Customer-Facing Store Front for Direct Packaging Sales” entry and Amtech for their “A Digital Gateway Connecting the Plants Business System to Its Digital Manufacturing Equipment” entry.

Developed twenty-eight years ago as a forum for boxmakers and suppliers to put forward their best innovations, the Innovator of the Year has since evolved into a highly competitive arena that highlights the technological innovations of AICC members in production, material handling, manufacturing, training and administration. Sponsored by AICC, Board Converting News, and Corrugated Today, the competition alternates its focus between box makers, suppliers, and non-machinery aspects of the converting industry.