Industry watch

COMPANIES

Precision Automation® Co., Inc. announced a strategic partnership with SMC Packaging Machines S.r.l., Udine, Italy, where Precision Automation will market, sell, manufacture, install, and service SMC's automated sandwich line equipment in North America.

The Arpac Group formed Arpac Europe. Tony Hacker was hired as general manager.

Multisorb Technologies will provide direct sales, service, and support in Canada effective Feb. 1, 2011.

Intelligrated® opened a fulfillment center in Cincinnati for aftermarket support.

Printpack Inc. acquired the Marshall, NC, manufacturing location of Amcor's Medical Packaging group.

Rockwell Automation and Minnesota-based Alexandria Technical & Community College signed a memorandum of understanding that will expand worker access to automation training in outstate Minnesota.

PEOPLE


Kevin O'Donnell, ThermoSafe Brands, was elected to the United States Pharmacopeia's Expert Committee for General Chapters on Packaging, Storage, and Distribution.

Allen Hallberg was named general manager of WS Packaging Group—Automated Systems.

Christa Mödinger was appointed head of global marketing for Bosch Packaging Technology.

Bill Long was named Latin American sales manager, end of line, for Pro Mach Inc.

Nick Wilson, Morrison Container Handling Solutions, was elected chairman of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute's board of directors.

Rob Shoemaker, formerly with Orion Packing Systems, has been appointed exclusive West Coast representative of Phoenix stretch wrappers.

Kevin Baudhuin was named president, global protective packaging, for Pregis Corp.

Vince Knoch and Tom Rapuzzi were appointed regional sales managers, food division, for Multivac.

Robert Jacobs was appointed West Coast regional sales manager, Pharmaceutical Div., for Tekni-Plex.

Joe Campbell was appointed vice president, U.S. Robot Products group for ABB Robotics.

John Neumeister joined Rexam Beverage Can North America as vice president of commercial development.

B&H Labeling Systems' Mexico office, BH Labeling Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., promoted Rodrigo Melo to Mexico field service manager and added Miguel Angel Castillo Alvarez and Roberto García Bañuelos as field service engineers.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Orion Energy Systems received Coca-Cola Enterprises' first-ever 2009 Supplier Excellence Award for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.