Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 600 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and US) Flexible Packaging headquarters; Morganton, NC – Narrow Web headquarters; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Bois-des-Filion, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: With more than $1.125 billion in sales in 2018, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA is a worldwide leader in the field of packaging inks, recently adding inkjet inks for packaging to its portfolio of liquid inks. Siegwerk CUSA, the US and Canadian subsidiary of Siegwerk, is likewise a leader in the field of packaging in North America, and continued to expand its sales in the flexible packaging and narrow web ink markets.

Ralf Hildenbrand, president of the Americas for Siegwerk, said that the company did well in its core markets
in 2019.

“Siegwerk has seen nice growth in 2019 in its core business of flexible packaging and narrow web business units,” Hildenbrand said. “Overall, Siegwerk saw slightly lower growth rates within the industry, which is somewhat following macro-economic trends and the rising costs in raw material. Our new UV inkjet business we bought in 2018 from Agfa has seen excellent growth rates in 2019 of 50%.”

Sustainability is a main focus for the company, with more emphasis being placed on recyclability and deinking.

“We have seen a clear interest in the Circular Economy and providing solutions that fit within that trend, including improving the recyclability and re-use of packaging,” Hildenbrand observed. “Siegwerk is uniquely positioned to support customers in this way.

As members of CEFLEX, we are committed to ensuring full recyclability of printed packaging demands. Siegwerk has already developed initiatives in our core ink business and service sector to begin to tackle this challenge head-on, including developing deinkable ink solutions.”

Among its highlights, Siegwerk announced its partnership with Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. The Siegwerk Lab will help students gain exposure to real-world experience by building an innovative package design through ink technology.

Siegwerk has defined the Circular Economy as a strategic priority going forward in order to close the regenerative loop of materials used in packaging.  As a member of CEFLEX, Siegwerk is embarking on the journey to create products that have the environment in mind by enabling circle packaging solutions though its integrated know-how along with the value chain.  An example of current solutions are LED ink systems, and inks used for recycling with floatable films and a new de-inking approach.

Siegwerk has continued its growth momentum in the low migration UV printing inks for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications, including its SICURA ORBIS product line.

“The demand for UV printing inks is very high,” Hildenbrand added. “Narrow web printers want the highest level of product safety with  minimal migration risk, all coupled with optimal efficiency and short production times.”

Hildenbrand noted that there are various challenges the packaging and ink industries are facing today and will be facing in the coming years.

“The biggest one is definitely how to improve the recyclability rate of packaging of all kinds and increase recyclable resources and their re-use for marketable products,” he added. “Fitting within the Circular Economy and other reuse and recycling approaches will be key drivers for future growth. The whole industry will face a rethinking and redesign of packaging structures. It’s not only about inks anymore, but it’s also about integrated solutions as part of an overall framework of the whole packaging supply chain.”

“As a global ink manufacturer, we are actively cooperating with those initiatives as we are committed to increasing the recyclability of printed plastic packaging with our printing inks and varnishes addressing circular economy demands – today and in the future,” Hildenbrand noted. “We believe the focus of current innovation management is clearly on recyclable printing inks, varnishes and
packaging design.”

Hildenbrand noted that Siegwerk expects packaging printing to gain further momentum in 2020, and plans another year of growth by concretely supporting the needs of the value chain for new and increasingly sustainable technologies.

“The growing focus of printers and brand owners on sustainable packaging solutions will drive the development activities in all ink technologies in line with the general market demand for sustainable solutions,” he said. “Meeting the Circular Economy requirements will be the driving key trend across the packaging value chain. The demand for low migration solutions will also further increase worldwide. Furthermore, digital printing will gain market share as it enables manufacturers to react even faster to specific customer demands.

“Going forward, we will continue focusing on differentiation via innovation and digitalization to build new business opportunities while further investing in our infrastructure, technology and personnel to promote long-term growth for our future,” Hildenbrand concluded. “By continuing to produce high-quality products and by providing exceptional guidance and support, in terms of ink room management, color matching and product safety, we anticipate continued growth throughout 2020 and beyond.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 600 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and US) Flexible Packaging headquarters; Morganton, NC – Narrow Web headquarters; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Bois-des-Filion, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: Siegwerk CUSA is the US and Canadian subsidiary of Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, the fifth-largest global ink manufacturer. With sales of $1.1 billion in liquid and digital inks in 2017, Siegwerk is focused on the packaging industry. Siegwerk CUSA had an excellent year in 2018, with sales growing 10% to $220 million.

“Siegwerk finished the year strong in the marketplace as we have continued down the path of growth,” said Dave Hiserodt, president CUSA region for Siegwerk. “We continue to focus our efforts on expanding our core business of inks for package printing through major investments in people, capacity and technology. Our Business Units with the strongest growth potential remain Flexible Packaging and Narrow Web. With a combination of best-in-class ink performance, product safety and guidance and support, Siegwerk is making every effort to assist customers in addressing upcoming trends and meeting their individual needs with innovative solutions.

“Siegwerk is continuing to grow the low migration UV printing inks for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications” Hiserodt added. “The demand for UV printing inks is very high. Here, narrow web printers want the highest level of product safety with the minimal migration risk, all coupled with optimal efficiency and short production times.”

For Siegwerk, last year was an active year in the digital and packaging ink segments, beginning early in 2018 when Siegwerk and Agfa Graphics, a leading supplier in prepress offset and inkjet print, entered into an alliance for digital packaging inks.

“This union allows for a stronger network, access to know-how, intellectual property and services in the domain of UV curable digital inkjet inks for the single pass packaging and labels industry,” Hiserodt noted.

In August the Des Moines, IA facility opened its new warehouse spanning 44,000 sq. ft. that is located next to the corporate office. The aim is to grow the solvent-based operations with more robust processes to support increased Flexible Packaging customer demand.

In September, Siegwerk acquired Ultra Inks Inc. (Encres Ultra Inc.), a water-based flexo ink specialist headquartered in Bois-des-Filion, Québec, Canada.

“This acquisition further expands the Canadian footprint while strengthening its local service, infrastructure and portfolio for label and packaging printers,” Hiserodt noted. “With this purchase, Siegwerk continues to enhance its profile as a global supplier of inks for labels and packaging.”

Siegwerk also released a series of new inks this year, including its EB 730 flexible packaging solution, a hybrid EB curable ink system allowing the ink system to be printed in sequence without being fully cured until exposed to an EB unit downstream in the printing process. Also launched was a new ink system for narrow web, SICURA Flex ORBIS, a UV solution and a dual cure system called SICURA ORBIS LEDtec. They are the newest generation flexo series developed for a wide range of applications, including shrink sleeve. This series is formulated for high color strength and low viscosity.

Siegwerk is also working closely with brand owners to increase efforts to move towards “mono material” structures to increase the recyclability of packaging. This initiative will drive suppliers to formulate their brands to fit within this trend by reducing waste and increase the recyclability of packaging.

The raw material market remains volatile, with a supply of key ingredients like photoinitiators under pressure due to environmental regulations and other causes. Hiserodt noted that Siegwerk is focused on maintaining its supply duringthese difficulties.

“As in other challenging times, Siegwerk is working to mitigate these effects on its customer base through leveraging its global spend and utilization of alternative, qualified suppliers,” Hiserodt reported. “It is well known that certain raw materials, like photoinitiators, have been impacted negatively by changing environmental regulations. Securing the continuous supply of raw material is Siegwerk’s number one priority for its customer base.”

Higher transportation costs and tariffs are among some of the other issues facing the global ink industry.

“The entire ink industry is facing continuing price pressures due to a multitude of causes – escalating transportation costs, raw material supply disturbances, as well as global governmental impacts including enforcement of environmental policies in developing countries and tariff developments in the US and Canada,” said Hiserodt.

Overall, Hiserodt anticipates further growth in its core packaging business in 2019.

“Siegwerk expects package printing to gain further momentum this year. We are seeing increased demand for shorter runs driven by brand owners desiring regionalization and personalization as well as effect varnishes and special finishing of their product packaging. Also, the instability of the global economy will continue to provide challenges in terms of raw materials and trade barriers,” Hiserodt said. “As part of our differentiation strategy, Siegwerk will continue to work closely with customers to develop optimal solutions that fit their individual needs and support them with guidance and technical know-how for the best-in-class printing results they desire.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 600 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and U.S.) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Morganton, NC – Siegwerk Narrow Web headquarters; Spartanburg, SC; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: The fifth-largest global ink manufacturer, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA is dedicated to the packaging ink market, with sales of $1.3 billion in liquid and digital inks in 2016. Siegwerk CUSA, the company’s US and Canadian subsidiary, had a strong year, recording $200 million in sales in 2017.

Dave Hiserodt, president CUSA region for Siegwerk, noted that 2017 was a challenging year, but Siegwerk has risen to the challenge and the North American region has delivered a positive development.

“We continue to focus our efforts on expanding our core business of inks for package printing through major investments in people, capacity and technology,” he said. “Our business units with the strongest growth potential remain Flexible Packaging and Narrow Web, where we saw well above market growth rates in 2017.”

Siegwerk enjoyed a number of highlights during the past year, including construction in Des Moines, IA, and Morganton, NC.

“In 2017, Siegwerk started the construction of a new 44,000 sq. ft. warehouse next to the corporate office of our Center of Excellence (COE) in Des Moines, IA,” Hiserodt said. “This will expand Siegwerk’s local footprint and further position us for the future – especially in the Flexible Packaging business. The aim of this extension is to grow the solvent-based operations with more robust processes to support increased Flexible Packaging customer demand. The move-in-ready facility is planned to be complete in August 2018. We have also made a number of investments in our UV manufacturing in Morganton, NC, to increase capacity and efficiencies due to double-digit growth in 2017.”

Hiserodt said that he expects to see a lasting volume switch from conventional UV to migration optimized UV inks.

“The demand for UV printing inks is already very high today. That’s why we are continuing to further grow our low migration UV printing ink portfolio for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications,” he reported. “Here, narrow web printers want the highest level of product safety with the minimal migration risk, all coupled with optimal efficiency and short production times.

“We also expect the implementation of low energy curing inks will gain pace while LED UV curing inks will continue to be one of the growth drivers in the UV ink and printing industry,” Hiserodt added. “We will see more investment into LED assets, an area where Siegwerk is well positioned to support the market with leading ink technology.”

After a few years of relative stability, the raw material market is facing all kinds of challenges, with price increases and supply issues driving higher costs. In February 2018, Siegwerk announced price increases for all packaging inks and varnishes in North America, Latin America and Asia. Rising costs of solvents, titanium dioxide, azo pigments, photoinitiators, resins and petrochemical feedstocks have impacted the entire ink industry.

“Siegwerk has experienced continued rising costs in white pigments (TiO2) due to tight supply since 2016,” Hiserodt said. “In addition, stricter environmental regulations in China have significantly raised costs for colored (azo) pigments and photoinitiators beginning in 2017 and early 2018.

“Increasing prices for chemical commodities have also developed rapidly during Q4 2017 driven by higher oil and solvent prices. The outlook for chemical feedstocks into 2018 remains tight at elevated levels,” he added.

Hiserodt noted that Siegwerk is constantly working on getting as many new sources of raw materials qualified as possible.

“We are looking for alternate feedstocks and origins from various parts of the world to ensure our supply chain remains as stable as possible,” Hiserodt concluded. “It is always our objective to minimize the effect of potential supply shortages by having sufficient alternative suppliers and materials for the manufacture of our products and solutions.”

Hiserodt anticipates strong growth in 2018 and beyond.

“Siegwerk CUSA is heading into 2018 with ambitious goals to continue growing its strong position within the packaging market,” he said. “With continued investment in its infrastructure, technology and personnel, Siegwerk has a long-term focus promoting growth for its future and the future of its customer base. Within the US and Canadian packaging markets in general, Siegwerk sees raw material supply continuing to be tight and price pressures continuing upward for at least the first half of 2018. In addition, the Flexible Packaging and Narrow Web printing market and its supplier base will continue to consolidate. The overall themes among printers remain consistent with continuous improvement and innovation leading the charge.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, tobacco and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 600 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and US) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Morganton, NC – Siegwerk Narrow Web headquarters; Spartanburg, SC; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: With sales of $1.22 billion in 2015, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA is one of the five largest global ink manufacturers, and its focus on liquid inks has made it one of the leaders in the expanding packaging ink field.

As a result, Siegwerk CUSA, Siegwerk’s US and Canadian subsidiary, continues to grow along with its packaging customers, reporting sales of $200 million in 2016. David Hiserodt, president, CUSA region for Siegwerk, said that 2016 was a successful year for Siegwerk in the market place.

“Our Flexible Packaging Business Unit saw double-digit volume gains,” Hiserodt observed. “Our Narrow Web Business Unit did not fare as well, but saw some major customer wins in the back half of 2016, primarily in LED and low migration technology, which positions it strongly for 2017.

“We continue to focus our efforts on expanding our core business of inks for package printing through major investments in people, capacity and technology,” he added.

Siegwerk reported many highlights during the past year, beginning with some significant investments.

“In 2016, Siegwerk CUSA finished Phase 2 of its Supply Chain Management CAPEX Project Proteus,” Hiserodt said. “This project involves investments in the solvent-base manufacturing headquarters in Des Moines, IA. Investments in our Center of Excellence help to provide consistent product quality and efficiencies, allowing for a better response to our existing customer base, as well as new business opportunities.

From a technology standpoint, Siegwerk expanded its portfolio of low migration printing inks for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications, introducing the SICURA Nutriflex LEDTec low migration LED UV printing ink series.

“Here, printers want the highest level of product safety, all coupled with optimal efficiency and short production times,” Hiserodt noted.

Hiserodt anticipates further growth in packaging in the coming year, and sees LED UV curing as a technology that will continue to make inroads.

“Siegwerk expects package printing to gain further momentum this year,” he said. “We are seeing increased demand for shorter runs driven by brand owners desiring regionalization and personalization as well as effect varnishes and special finishing of their product packaging. As part of our differentiation strategy, Siegwerk will continue to work closely with customers to develop optimal solutions that fit their individual needs.

“We are already seeing a gradual volume switch from conventional UV to LED technology,” Hiserodt added. “We believe that LED UV curing will continue to be one of the growth drivers in our UV inks and throughout the printing industry. Further expansion of LED UV ink applications will enable printers to use these inks for the full range of products.”

Shorter print runs, improving efficiency and differentiating packaging on the shelf are challenges packaging printers are working on.

“The challenges our customers are facing in the market today include the ability to do shorter print runs, efficiency gains from ink room to press room and the ever-evolving battle to gain shelf appeal,” said Hiserodt. “Siegwerk’s ink solutions and services have met these challenges head-on. As customers are facing the constant push for efficiency gains throughout the print process, Siegwerk’s Process Management & Consulting (PMC) and Global InHouse Harmonization (GIHH) efforts work with our customers to apply world-class processes both in the ink room and press room. By utilizing many different continuous improvement methods, efficiencies like standardization of color management processes can yield reductions in waste and press downtime.”

“To help customers enhance their product’s shelf appeal, Siegwerk’s Two-Component (2K) solutions provide the needed gloss or matte appearance required while also providing excellent resistance properties to the every-day challenges packaging must endure,” Hiserodt continued.

Hiserodt said that Siegwerk CUSA has very ambitious growth targets for 2017 in both Flexible Packaging and Narrow Web inks.

“Siegwerk CUSA is heading into 2017 with ambitious goals to continue growing its strong positions within the packaging market, and 2017 will see us begin our final phase of our Supply Chain Management Investment project, which will increase manufacturing capacity for solvent-based inks in Des Moines along with the final enhancements to our Narrow Web manufacturing in Morganton, NC,” Hiserodt said.

“With our additional investments in our Process Management and Consulting teams along with new product rollouts scheduled for UV flexo and low migration technology, we expect the marketplace to respond positively to our product and service offerings,” Hiserodt added, “By providing not only consistent, quality products, but by also leading the way in providing experienced guidance and support in terms of ink room management, ink performance, color matching and product safety, we have great expectations for 2017 and beyond.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 600 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and U.S.) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Morganton, NC – Siegwerk Narrow Web headquarters; Spartanburg, SC; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: Packaging ink remains a strong segment for ink manufacturers. Siegwerk CUSA (Canada and U.S.) is ideally positioned in this market, with a strong presence in the flexible packaging and narrow web fields. Dave Hiserodt, president of Siegwerk CUSA, reported that Siegwerk CUSA had a successful 2015.

“Both the flexible packaging and narrow web divisions showed overall growth as compared to a relatively stagnant market, thus enforcing Siegwerk’s value-added approach to the printing and converting industry of providing world-class guidance and support, leading-edge ink performance and reliable product safety,” Hiserodt noted.

Siegwerk CUSA is investing heavily in its manufacturing capabilities. In 2015, Siegwerk CUSA finished Phase 1 of its Project Proteus, creating Centers of Excellence in manufacturing on a regional level.

“This project began in Morganton, NC headquarters to Siegwerk’s Narrow Web division,” Hiserodt said. “Investments in automation and increased capacity within the manufacturing of water-based and energy curable products have helped to provide a more consistent quality and timelier response to the growing narrow web market share.

“Phase 2 of this project will involve investments in the solvent-based manufacturing headquarters in Des Moines, IA,” he added. “These investments will help to provide consistent product quality and efficiencies allowing for a better response to its customer base as well as new opportunities.”

From a technology perspective, a major highlight for Siegwerk’s Flexible Packaging business unit was the success of its ink technologies for high-speed flexo presses.

“As the industry evolves and more printers add new higher speed assets to their capabilities, Siegwerk has worked to provide customized solutions for these presses while still maintaining clean print quality and end-user properties required for the surface or reverse printed applications,” Hiserodt said.

A pilot extrusion laminator has been added Siegwerk CUSA’s Center of Printing Excellence, in conjunction with a pilot press to provide a closer correlation between lab development and what the customer will see on laminated structures. Extrusion lamination is difficult to duplicate on a lab basis, and this provides a way for Siegwerk to test ink solutions without taking time on a customer press.

In another important highlight, Siegwerk Environmental Ink received ISO 9001:2008 certification at the end of 2015 for manufacturing water-based and energy curable printing inks and coatings.

Printers are always looking for ways to become more efficient, and improved color matching is one way that ink manufacturers can help their customers.

“One area that is a growing trend among all printers and converters is the elimination of waste or improved efficiencies throughout the printing process,” said Hiserodt. “One way in which waste can be eliminated in the ink room is through the minimization of color match downtime. Siegwerk’s proprietary FastMatch – Color on Demand are calibration sets which work with X-Rite equipment to improve the accuracy of ink color matching to press. FastMatch helps to reduce downtime, which leads to less waste and quicker turnover time between jobs.

“In addition, Siegwerk CUSA has continued to expand on its efforts in On-Site Consulting (OSC),” he added. “OSC takes a deeper look at the full printing process from pre-print to printed package. While ink is our expertise, OSC is a more holistic approach to value-add guidance and support to printers. In 2015 additional resources were added to the team bringing know-how and expertise. By fully understanding its customer’s business, Siegwerk can help to optimize the total cost of ownership. By realizing that value can be provided in other ways than just the price per pound, Siegwerk partners with its customers to maintain a balance between packaging and printing efficiency and functionality.”

In addition to offering consulting services, Siegwerk also provides advice on safety for printers.

“Globally, Siegwerk is a leader in providing product safety in its products and in know-how,” Hiserodt noted. “In 2015, Siegwerk CUSA worked to build a team dedicated solely to product safety in regards to both regulatory compliance and brand owner requirements. This team is working closely with the global team to ensure that Siegwerk products are uniformly safe for the applications in which they are intended as well as ensuring they are safe for customers and employees to work around. There are also tools that Siegwerk has created to assist customers in risk assessment.”

Hiserodt sees great opportunities for Siegwerk in 2016 and beyond.

“Siegwerk CUSA is heading into 2016 with ambitious goals to continue outgrowing market,” Hiserodt concluded. “January has already started 11% ahead of 2015, continuing the growth trend across all businesses from last year. By providing not only a consistent, quality product but by also leading the way in providing experienced guidance and support in terms of ink room management, ink performance, color matching and product safety, we have great expectations for 2016 and beyond.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 575 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and U.S.) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Morganton, NC – Siegwerk EIC headquarters; Spartanburg, SC; Neenah, WI; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: The packaging ink field has been one of the strongest areas for the ink industry in recent years. For Siegwerk CUSA (Canada and U.S.), whose core business is in the packaging ink field, 2014 was a solid year for the company.

“Siegwerk CUSA fared well in 2014,” said Dave Hiserodt, president CUSA region. “We saw good results in new customer growth, particularly on our high speed ink technologies and energy curable portfolio. The stable raw material market kept margins at an acceptable level but certain cost areas were a challenge, particularly on the logistics side.

“Siegwerk CUSA saw little to no growth in the flexible packaging market in 2014,” Hiserodt added. “The label or narrow web market did see some growth in the energy curable arena. Customer consolidation continues to occur throughout both the flexible packaging and narrow web market segments.”

Among the highlights for Siegwerk during 2014 was the introduction of the Global InHouse Harmonization for Siegwerk globally, which allows the company to share and implement best practices throughout customer ink room locations, thus providing world-class guidance and support.

Another highlight was the introduction of Siegwerk EIC’s UV LED ink technology for shrink sleeves at Labelexpo.

Siegwerk’s flexible packaging division hosted its second INKday – a day of education and discussion between printers, end users and industry co-suppliers regarding ink. Siegwerk also invested in water-based manufacturing automation, and continued the development and commercial success in its high-speed ink platform for flexible packaging.

Hiserodt said that a key growth area for Siegwerk CUSA’s narrow web market is in energy curable products.

“In 2013, Siegwerk EIC completed its expansion and moved into a larger, more automated manufacturing facility. This facility also allows for expanded laboratory facilities,” Hiserodt reported.

New ink technologies for flexible packaging and overprint varnishes are also leading to growth for Siegwerk.

“From a flexible packaging perspective, a key technology which has helped Siegwerk gain a competitive advantage is its high speed ink technology,” said Hiserodt. “With proven commercial solutions, Siegwerk continues to provide a high speed answer to the ever changing market for printers. Another technology that has seen a growth in demand is matte as well as other tactile overprint varnishes. This unique offering provides a vibrant contrast on substrates, allowing for a different appearance or feel and ultimately providing increased shelf appeal for the brand owner.”

Regulatory mandates are of particular interest to food packaging manufacturers, and ink suppliers are working closely on meeting these needs.

“A key focus for Siegwerk globally is product safety and regulatory,” Hiserodt noted. “Siegwerk works hard to ensure that its products meet the strictest of regulatory standards. In addition, Siegwerk assists its customers by providing guidance and support of ink-related product safety topics. As brands become more and more global, product safety will play a more important role in every aspect of the packaging supply chain.”

Raw material prices have largely stabilized, but declining crude oil prices and the strengthening U.S. dollar are impacting costs.

“In the U.S. and Canada, raw materials have relatively stabilized and were not an area of concern in 2014 with the exception of certain materials,” Hiserodt said. “Moving into 2015, movement in oil as well as the strengthening U.S. dollar have had some effects on raw materials throughout the world. These effects vary in impact depending on the product category and sourcing region.”

Hiserodt said that 2015 will be a year for Siegwerk CUSA to continue to build on its efforts toward commercial, technical, supply chain, service and safety excellence, not only for its customer base but also for its employees.

“As we have recently completed our long-term planning process, we have outlined significant investments in production automation, additional technical resources both in development and customer support and new service programs to bring greater value to our customer base,” Hiserodt concluded.

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 670 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada and U.S.) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Morganton, NC – Siegwerk EIC headquarters; Spartanburg, SC; Neenah, WI; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Ontario, CA; Brampton, Ontario, Canada; Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: Siegwerk CUSA (Canada and U.S.) had a solid year in 2013, as the company’s core packaging markets continue to perform well.

“Siegwerk CUSA had a strong year of growth, development and investment in 2013,” said Dave Hiserodt, president CUSA. “Siegwerk continues to see growth in its energy curable segment for the narrow web market. In the flexible packaging market, Siegwerk continues to see growth in high speed printing with its commercial offerings NC 536 for lamination applications and NC 537 for surface print applications.”

“Siegwerk experienced growth throughout its customer base as compared to 2012,” added Chris Booher, president Narrow Web CUSA. “The packaging industry continues to consolidate and invest in growth and improvements to their current capacity.”

Hiserodt said that in terms of company highlights, 2013 was a major year for Siegwerk CUSA, adding new facilities in Canada and the U.S.

“Many investments were made to reinforce Siegwerk’s presence and dedication to the U.S. and Canada,” Hiserodt reported. “First, Siegwerk Canada relocated its site previously in Prescott, Ontario to Brampton, Ontario, which brings Siegwerk closer to its customer base in the Greater Toronto Area while maintaining its location in Laval, Quebec, thus reinforcing its commitment to the Canadian market. Siegwerk EIC also finished the building of its new UV manufacturing facility, which significantly expanded capacity. The expansion will allow for a dedicated low migration production cell and solidify Siegwerk EIC’s marketing leading position in the narrow web market.”

After a year of work with the ground-breaking beginning August 2012, Siegwerk’s Center of Printing Excellence became fully operational with its new pilot press at the company’s Des Moines, IA headquarters. The pilot press offers gravure and flexographic print capabilities for solvent-based or water-based inks.

“Siegwerk invested in its Center of Printing Excellence, which houses its pilot press for co-development and accelerated commercialization, providing savings in time, resources and waste for Siegwerk’s customers and co-suppliers,” Hiserodt noted.

Booher said that raw materials stabilized during the past year, but added that Siegwerk is continuously looking for new ways to protect customers from potential price and availability issues. “The past 18-24 months have been stable, but trends and recent raw material increase announcements further require Siegwerk’s continued diligence in alternative material qualification and process improvements to mitigate the impact of raw material cost increases,” Booher added.

Hiserodt said that Siegwerk has high expectations for the coming years, as the company continues to invest in new expansions.

“With many 2013 initiatives carrying over into 2014, Siegwerk continues to invest in its future and commitment to the CUSA packaging market place,” Hiserodt said. “The last six months have shown a 6% organic growth in business, therefore continuous improvements and investments are essential. In particular, Siegwerk is moving forward with a major manufacturing expansion and efficiency project starting in its Narrow Web Business Unit, and then moving into the Flexible Packaging Business Unit. With these investments, Siegwerk demonstrates its optimism towards the future.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 670 (CUSA)

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – CUSA (Canada & U.S.) headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Spartanburg, SC; Neenah, WI; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Morganton, NC; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Ontario, CA; Prescott, Ontario, Canada; Oakville, Ontario, Canada; Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Comments: Siegwerk CUSA had a good year in 2012, as the company focused on new projects, such as its new Center for Printing Excellence as well as new manufacturing facilities.

“Siegwerk CUSA improved performance in 2012 over 2011 in all key metrics,” said Dave Hiserodt, head of Flexible Packaging BU CUSA. “While there was still some movement within the ink raw material market, Siegwerk was able to maintain a year of relative stability, thus allowing Siegwerk to concentrate on projects which truly impact its value-added solution to the customer. Siegwerk is welcoming the future throughout 2013 and beyond.”

Toward this, Siegwerk CUSA began construction of its Center for Printing Excellence in 2012, which is slated to be finished in 2013. This center will house a pilot press to be utilized for R&D projects, customer qualifications, as well as customer and supplier joint development projects.
“This proactive approach will allow customers to save time and money during qualifications of new Siegwerk materials,” Mr. Hiserodt added.

While the Siegwerk CUSA team continues to fully integrate the Environmental Inks organization into the Siegwerk global family, other investments have begun in shaping Siegwerk CUSA’s future.

“Environmental Inks has begun its construction of a new UV manufacturing facility, which will include a cell for low migration ink manufacturing,” Mr. Hiserodt noted. “This will provide a significant capacity expansion in Environmental Inks’ UV manufacturing capabilities for North America. This new facility will be built utilizing tools from Siegwerk’s excellence initiative Xceed for lean accurate and predictable processes.”

Technically, Siegwerk has continued its focus on constantly improving its commercial offering for high speed flexo inks with measurable successes. Also, Siegwerk’s commitment to the industry is exemplified through the expansion of its Global Innovation Network (GIN) into the region.

GIN allows for a global exchange of knowledge while continually improving the quality of Siegwerk products globally. GIN personnel work on long-term projects to carry Siegwerk into the future; for example, GIN laboratories are working to increase renewable content of printing inks in order to provide a more sustainable product to its customers.

Flexible packaging and UV/EB label inks are areas of growth for Siegwerk CUSA. Siegwerk will be expanding its efforts in the flexible packaging market.

“Through substantial product development and research as well as capital investments in R&D, manufacturing and its Center for Printing Excellence, Siegwerk is well poised to further grow within this existing key focus market,” Mr. Hiserodt said.

Siegwerk sees UV/EB inks and coatings, specifically low migration technology, for the labels market to be a large growth area for moving into the coming years. With the combination of technology from both Siegwerk and Environmental Inks, the labels market is projected to continue to be a key growth driver for both Siegwerk and Environmental Inks.

Mr. Hiserodt noted that with the raw material markets stabilizing for the most part in CUSA, the printing and ink industries were able to concentrate on preparing for the future.

“While some materials have shown increases into 2013, these are not at the unprecedented levels experienced in 2011,” Mr. Hiserodt added. “Siegwerk works to leverage its global supplier network, not only to mitigate any impending increases, but also to forecast future changes in the marketplace so that it is able to better prepare its customer base regarding the raw material markets.”

With all of its investments into technology and people, Mr. Hiserodt believes that Siegwerk CUSA is well positioned for the future.

“In 2013 and beyond, Siegwerk welcomes the future through continuing investments in technology, R&D, processes and people, to further improve the solutions and services provided to its customers,” Mr. Hiserodt concluded.

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 820 (U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America).

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – NAFTA headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Spartanburg, SC; Neenah, WI; Drums, PA; Vacaville, CA; Morganton, NC; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Ontario, CA; Prescott, Ontario, Canada; Oakville, Ontario, Canada; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Toluca, Mexico; Guadalajara, Mexico; Queretaro, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Comments: The North American ink industry faced numerous obstacles during the past year, and Siegwerk was no exception, as higher raw material costs took its toll on profitability. Still, the company enjoyed success as well, as it celebrated its 100th anniversary and integrated Environmental Inks, which it acquired in November 2010, into its operations.

Dr. Ansgar Nonn, president NAFTA region for Siegwerk, noted that 2011 was a challenging year for the industry.

“Gross margin management, due to unprecedented key raw material cost increases, was the key focus for the year,” Dr. Nonn said. “Siegwerk was able to work with its customers to pass along portions of the impact without sacrificing quality, safety or supply continuity of its products.It was a tremendous year that resulted in increased cooperation and dialogue with Siegwerk’s key suppliers and with all customers.”

The November 2010 acquisition of Environmental Inks, a water-based ink specialist, provided Siegwerk with an added presence in the narrow web market as well as new technologies. Dr. Nonn said that the combination has been excellent.

“A major highlight for Siegwerk NAFTA last year was the integration of Environmental Inks into the Siegwerk team,” Dr. Nonn said. “This union has proven to be an excellent fit in terms of expanded technical offerings, stronger infrastructure and manufacturing synergies for both organizations.This acquisition also allows Siegwerk and Environmental Inks to further develop sustainable solutions for our customer base.

“Siegwerk and Environmental Inks see UV/EB inks and coatings for the label market to be a large growth area for moving into the coming years,” Dr. Nonn added. “With the combination of technology from both Siegwerk and Environmental Inks, the label market is projected to be a key growth driver for both Siegwerk and Environmental Inks.”

Dr. Nonn also noted that Siegwerk will be expanding its efforts in the flexible packaging market. “Through substantial product development and research as well as capital investments in R&D and manufacturing, Siegwerk will be well poised to further grow within this existing key focus market,” he said.

Mexico’s printing and converting market is growing at a fast pace, and is also an excellent growth opportunity for Siegwerk NAFTA.

“With the addition of Environmental Ink’s technology portfolio, additional opportunities have been opened for Siegwerk Mexico,” Dr. Nonn said.

Dr. Nonn noted that raw materials remained a major focus for ink manufacturers throughout 2011.

“Siegwerk has not perceived 2011 as a year driven by improvements in the industry,” Dr. Nonn observed. “The past year was mainly driven by the industry’s focus on managing the raw material environment.”

“In the first month of 2012, some raw material costs have stabilized,” Dr. Nonn said. “However, titanium dioxide and other key raw materials continue to pose risks due to supply/demand deficiencies within their global supply chain.Macroeconomic signals such as an impending recession in Europe and slowed growth in China indicate a calmer 2012.However, as we learned in 2011, the environment can change direction very quickly.

“Siegwerk’s position as a global supplier positions us well to forecast and if possible mitigate impending increases,” Dr. Nonn added. “Siegwerk will continue to work closely with its customers to keep them abreast of the ink raw material environment in 2012.”

In order to reduce the impact of higher raw material costs, Siegwerk continued to work to further drive costs out of its internal processes through the implementation of Siegwerk’s Xceed process improvement initiatives.

“This Xceed program is a global initiative throughout Siegwerk and has proven quite beneficial in the improvement of supply chain and manufacturing processes,” Dr. Nonn said.

Dr. Nonn reported that Siegwerk is continuing to invest significant resources into the NAFTA region.

“Siegwerk’s commitment to the industry is exemplified through ambitious product development plans and capital investments in R&D, as well as, manufacturing modernization,” he said. “The region is increasing its research capabilities with the expansion of Siegwerk’s Global Innovation Network (GIN) into the region. GIN allows for a global exchange of knowledge while continually improving the quality of Siegwerk products globally.”

Dr. Nonn said that the major efforts that Siegwerk has put into its personnel, capital investments and technologies will ultimately pay off as the company moves forward in the coming years.

“For 2012 and beyond, Siegwerk welcomes the future through investments in technology, R&D, processes and people to further improve the solutions and services provided to our customers,” Dr. Nonn concluded. “Global economic uncertainty may continue to cast a shadow on the short term, but despite these challenges, Siegwerk and Environmental Inks are well-positioned to continue to be a value-added supplier to the packaging industry.”

Major Products: Solvent-based, water-based, energy curable and specialty liquid inks and coatings and related point-of-use services for the flexible packaging, label, sheetfed, tobacco, liquid food packaging and paper and board industries using flexo, rotogravure and offset printing.

Number of Employees: 820 (U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America).

Operating Facilities: Des Moines, IA – NAFTA headquarters and two manufacturing locations; Spartanburg, SC; Neenah, WI; Drums, PA; New Hope, MN; Vacaville, CA; Morganton, NC; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Dallas, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Ontario, CA; Prescott, Ontario, Canada; Oakville, Ontario, Canada; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Toluca, Mexico; Guadalajara, Mexico; Queretaro, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Salvador, El Salvador.

Comments: In terms of printing, the packaging market has fared relatively well during the global recession, and consolidation is playing a major role on the ink side of the business. In a major move, Siegwerk acquired Environmental Inks & Coatings (EIC), one of the largest ink suppliers to the narrow web label market in the U.S. and Canada, on Nov. 30. A family-owned company, EIC is noted for its emphasis on water-based inks, which meshes nicely within Siegwerk.

“Siegwerk’s greatest highlight of 2010 was the acquisition of Environmental inks & Coatings, headquartered out of Morganton, NC,” said Jim Ross, president of Siegwerk U.S. and Canada. “This acquisition was a great fit for both companies. It reinforced Siegwerk’s sustainability movement and broadened its product portfolio while also giving Siegwerk a greater footprint into the narrow web market in the U.S. and Canada. Environmental Inks gained better positioning with a global network of knowledge and infrastructure to further grow its already strong presence in the narrow web market.

“Moving forward, Siegwerk’s narrow web business unit will be doing business as ‘Environmental Inks – a member of the Siegwerk group,’” Mr. Ross added. “Siegwerk’s wide web business remains under the Siegwerk brand.”

The addition of Environmental Inks will be a big help as Siegwerk looks to strengthen its narrow web business unit will be doing business as ‘Environmental Inks – a member of the Siegwerk group,’” Mr. Ross added. “Siegwerk’s wide web business remains under the Siegwerk brand.”

The addition of Environmental Inks will be a big help as Siegwerk looks to strengthen its narrow web position, while the company also is looking to add to its wide web efforts.

“Siegwerk NAFTA has two growth areas that it would like to strengthen throughout its company,” Mr. Ross noted. “While continuing to support and exceed the expectations of our larger customer base, Siegwerk’s wide web business unit is also working to grow its mid- to small-sized customers beginning in the Midwest region. Also, Siegwerk is working to grow its narrow web business unit specifically through the Environmental inks & Coatings acquisition. With integration process in full force, Environmental Inks – a member of the Siegwerk group is looking to position itself as a narrow web market leader.”

As for 2010, Mr. Ross noted it was a challenging year for the ink industry, with procurement of raw materials being at the forefront.

“The printing industry remained fairly conservative throughout 2010,” Mr. Ross said. “While 2010 started off much stronger than the previous two years’ performance, 2010 ended slower than anticipated. Siegwerk, both globally and regionally, maintained its focus on the customer while looking internally to continue on process improvement efforts and cost reduction measures.

“Siegwerk’s main focus remains to provide a quality product to its customers,” Mr. Ross added. “Raw material costs and supply issues have made this process much more difficult. With supplier consolidation and regulatory restrictions, ink manufacturers are finding it difficult to procure the raw materials needed at a reasonable price. Siegwerk NAFTA continues to leverage its global network to negotiate raw material purchases and secure product.”

Consolidation remains a major issue for the ink industry.

“Suppliers and customers continue to merge, thus taking raw material supply options and market share out of the industry through consolidations,” Mr. Ross said. “Siegwerk actively looks for new and emerging regional and product markets in order to remain a total solution provider to its customers.”

Mr. Ross said he expects raw materials to remain a concern going forward, and added that there is much enthusiasm as Siegwerk blends in the Environmental Inks personnel.

“Siegwerk NAFTA expects raw material price increases and raw material procurement to be even more of a factor for the ink industry in 2011,” Mr. Ross concluded. “Also in 2011, Siegwerk NAFTA looks forward to integrating the Environmental Inks team into the Siegwerk family.”