The Esko-Graphics’ Kongsberg AutoCAD die cutter that Indiana State University uses for a variety of packaging-related projects was purchased and donated by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), an industry-led philanthropic organization dedicated to building a knowledgeable workforce for the corrugated packaging industry. ISU’s Dr. Marion Schafer, who heads the packaging program, calls the die-cutter table “wonderful…it is such a blessing for us.”
ISU is not the first school to be blessed by the generosity of the ICPF nor is it the last; since 1994, ICPF has placed corrugated-specific technology such as CAD software and programmable die-cutter tables valued at a total of more than $8.3 million in schools to enhance corrugated instruction for both students and industry employees. The ICPF was also responsible for the Kongsberg sample table that was shown in our March 2004 report on the packaging program at the California Polytechnic Institute (Smooth changeover at Cal Poly).
ICPF president Robin Jackson informs us that they have just purchased another Kongsberg table and software, an eight-color ink-jet printer and textbooks valued at over $8ꯠ for North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC. The table was shipped in September 2005. The ICPF is also purchasing a Kongsberg table for the new packaging program at the University of Florida in Gainesville that Jackson says should ship in December. It’s part of the ICPF’s “Send a CAD/CAM to College” campaign to improve student skills for the industry.
ICPF is supported by the industry’s two trade associations, the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and the Fibre Box Association (FBA). It is headquartered in Alexandria, VA. ICPF-Canada promotes corrugated education in Canadian schools to benefit that country’s corrugated industry.
See the story that goes with this article: ISU gains big assists from industry
