Featured Stories
-
The Past, Present and Future of Corrugated Die Cutting
Die cutting has long been a cornerstone in package manufacturing, playing a pivotal role in producing boxes efficiently and accurately. -
Innovating Safety Child-Resistant Stand-Up Pouches that Meet Sustainability Goals
In the past, brands sometimes had to choose between child-resistant packaging features and sustainability. -
Ultrasonic Drying of Biodegradable Molded Recycled Paper
This first of a three-part series will discuss a test program conducted by Heat Technologies, Inc.'s Spectra HE UltraTM drying system
News | New Products
-
Eagle Flexible Packaging, Inc. Acquires State-of-the-Art SOMA Optima2 Wide Web Flexographic Printing Press
Eagle Flexible Packaging, Inc. (Eagle), a leader in the flexible packaging industry, proudly announces the acquisition of a SOMA Optima2
-
Insignia Die-Cutting Series Wins PRINTING United Alliance 2024 Pinnacle Product Award for Die-Cutting Equipment
Rollem International has announced the Insignia Die-Cutting Series received a coveted PRINTING United Alliance 2024 Pinnacle Award for Die-Cutting Equipment.
-
NIRI Strengthens Fiber, Filament, Fabric Extrusion Capabilities with Appointment of Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche
Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche will lead NIRI’s extrusion research and development capability.
-
Take a New Approach to ESD Packaging for Electronics
In the world of electronics manufacturing, ESD managers have the critical role of ensuring that components do not get damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD).
-
TAPPI/AICC Announce Cris Carter to Keynote at SuperCorrExpo® 2024
TAPPI and AICC, co-producers of the mega corrugated event SuperCorrExpo® 2024
-
E&R Specifies Vetaphone for Innovation & Application Centre
Founded in 1918 and renowned for expertise in the design of sophisticated laboratory scale and pilot production machinery
-
Winpak's Zero-error Approach Reshapes Packaging
With a 47-year history of success, Winpak recognized the intricate nature of packaging printing, particularly when handling dense information for product labeling.
Expert Advice
James B. Hamilton
- Published: January 01, 2007
Experience Speaks
How did you get into the converting business?
After serving in the Air Force overseas, I returned to Chicago in 1976 to a sales training position with Colbert. By then I had held many production jobs during summer internships by networking with my father, who worked at Colbert.
Describe your management style.
I surround myself with excellent people I can empower to make decisions and hold accountable for their actions. I guess that would make me the opposite of a micromanager.
What is the key to retaining good employees?
Positive reinforcement. Every employee needs to be praised for a job well done in order to feel like a key player.
![](/images/mag/L0107Hamilton.jpg)
What is the biggest threat to the converting industry right now?
Overcapacity, which is due to more efficient machinery. Market growth has not kept up with the production capabilities of our high-tech equipment.
What is the best advice you ever got?
As a young man, my father taught me to practice empathy, accept diversity, and treat employees as family members.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
The converting industry has a great history and someone starting out in this business should learn from it. Employees on the shop floor are the backbone of the company, and their guidance is often overlooked.
At a Glance |
---|
Colbert Packaging Corp. 28355 N. Bradley Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045 |
Founded 1959 |
4 plants; 250 employees |
Folding cartons, labels, rigid set-up boxes, contact packaging, and specialty paperboard products. |
What is the worst advice you ever got?
Always purchase the cheapest motel room on a business trip!
Do you have a personal hero?
I have a friend who started out as a customer years ago. I have had the opportunity to witness his business success and to admire his family values. Steve has always been involved in community service; recently he extended that community to South Africa where he adopted a village in need. I believe the world could use a few heroes who challenge themselves by caring for others.
What are you most proud of in your business?
Recently, Colbert Packaging was awarded its first patent. A new product line represents creativity, teamwork, increased financial stability, and client satisfaction.