CHICAGO, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smurfit-Stone Container
Corporation's Automated Packaging Systems Group (Nasdaq: SSCC) will unveil
three new machines from its Meta(R) packaging equipment line this week at Pack
Expo International at Chicago's McCormick Place.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070129/SMURFIT-STONELOGO )
These industry-changing machines help customers reduce their material and
shipping costs while improving the sustainability of their business model.
The Meta(R)-8 case and equipment line builds on the full-line integration
capabilities of Smurfit-Stone's Automated Packaging Systems, and represents a
significant new phase in Smurfit-Stone's package design and manufacturing
technology. The unique eight-sided case provides compression strength 18
percent greater than a regular slotted container (RSC) using 6 percent less
fiber as tested, or can maintain existing compression strength while using 17
percent less fiber. Benefits to customers include reduced costs and help in
meeting sustainability goals.
The increased stacking strength of the eight-sided cases allows up to 30
percent more boxes to be placed on a single truck, resulting in fewer dock
deliveries and reduced labor and fuel costs.
Smurfit-Stone introduced the Meta KD-8 case erector -- capable of erecting
eight-cornered knockdown cases at speeds up to 25 cases per minute -- at the
2007 Pack Expo in Las Vegas. This year, Smurfit-Stone is expanding the
reliable Meta(R) family of case formers with three new models: the Meta(R)
Wrap-8, Meta(R)-FS and Meta(R) Tray-8.
-- Meta(R) Wrap-8 - Manufactured for Smurfit-Stone by Douglas Machine, the
Meta(R) Wrap-8 utilizes electronic motion controls to maximize machine
flexibility and speed, dramatically enhancing changeover repeatability for
multiple case configurations.
-- Meta(R)-FS - Using full servo, or smart motor technology, the
Meta(R)-FS forms the Meta(R)-8 case around a fixed mandrel, allowing quick
changeover to different heights for boxes that share the same footprint.
-- Meta(R)Tray-8 - Applying the eight-corner case benefits to the tray,
the Meta(R) Tray-8 is capable of running any depth of tray with or without
flaps.
Smurfit-Stone's Vice President of Automated Packaging Systems John Eaton
will be available at booth #2266 to discuss how this revolutionary equipment
line can help customers improve manufacturing efficiencies, reduce product
damage and waste, shrink labor and material costs, improve fiber utilization,
meet recycling and sustainability expectations and boost retail sales.
To schedule an interview, contact Mike Mullin, director of media relations
& public affairs at (904) 910-3920, e-mail: mmullin@smurfit.com; or Tim
Rowden, manager of media relations at 314-809-8832, e-mail:
trowden@smurfit.com.
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (Nasdaq: SSCC) is a leading integrated
containerboard and corrugated packaging producer and is one of the world's
largest paper recyclers. The company is a member of the World Business Council
for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R), and the
Chicago Climate Exchange. Smurfit-Stone generated revenue of $7.4 billion in
2007, has led the industry in safety every year since 2001, and conducts its
business in compliance with the environmental, health, and safety principles
of the American Forest & Paper Association.
SOURCE Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
