New Full Line Digital Solutions To Be Unveiled at Corrugated Week 2022

New Full Line Digital Solutions To Be Unveiled at Corrugated Week 2022

 

August 25, 2022 – Weyers Cave, VA A.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer of innovative material handling equipment and technology, will release new digital technologies for their full line of equipment at Corrugated Week 2022, Booth #807.  All CorrWeek attendees are invited to See into The Future of corrugated productivity and collaboration at the exhibition.

Corrugated Week is a conference exhibition that brings together leaders in corrugated manufacturing and converting. Co-hosted by AICC and TAPPI, the event will be held September 19-21,2022 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.  A.G. is a proud Bronze Sponsor of Corrugated Week 2022 and a Sponsor of the Tuesday Night Rodeo Event and the Golf Tournament.

A new DUOdigital twin system developed for the eXT RDC stacker front end system, part of the new eSERIES equipment line, will be unveiled at the AG Booth #807. The patented eXT is modular, retrofittable and engineered for supreme sheet and scrap control at high RDC speeds, up to 20,000 KPH. Using the new digital twin systems, attendees can operate the eXT machine in a risk-free, virtual environment, view operator training processes, test job designs, and much more.  

SuperCorrExpo 2021 crowd favorite: eBREAK Bundle Breaker digital twin

A.G. will also unveil SIMCORRA™, a custom factory productivity simulation, tailored to the needs and goals of the corrugated industry.  New GO AG™ mobile app features will be showcased at the mobile technology station of the booth. The eBREAK bundle breaker DUOdigital twin and AR-enabled service demonstrations were crowd favorites at SuperCorrExpo 2021 and will return to Corrugated Week 2022. Refreshments will be served and A.G. sales, service and engineering staff will be onsite to discuss the the new systems and the future of the corrugated industry.  

“We had a great response to our digital twin systems at SuperCorrExpo 2021, and we look forward to taking that one step further this year at CorrWeek. With cutting-edge digital technologies connected to a full line of proven equipment solutions, we remain committed to innovating for the future of the industry,” concludes Joe Wunder, President.  

To learn more about AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week 2022 and to register for the event, visit www.corrugatedweek.org. 

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A.G. Stacker Hosts National Flag Day Ceremony

A.G. Stacker Hosts National Flag Day Ceremony

June 15, 2022 – Weyers Cave, VA A.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer of corrugated material handling equipment and technology, in partnership with the Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), hosted a National Flag Day Ceremony on June 14, 2022, in Weyers Cave, VA.

The annual holiday celebrates the symbolism and history of the American flag on June 14th, the anniversary of the flag’s inception in 1777. The 2022 Flag Day ceremony was organized to retire worn and barren flags, dedicate the new flag/flag pole installed at A.G. and honor local veterans and leaders on a historical day of reverence. The Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan society promoting patriotism and preserving and teaching American history, were integral in the organization of the event.

Pack 1 Scouts of the Virginia Headwaters Council successfully retire 250 American flags

Special guests include Senator Mark Obenshain; Augusta County Board Supervisor, Gerald Garber; Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court, Steve Landes; Emily Carneal of Congressmen Ben Cline’s Office; Rockingham County Clerk of Circuit Court, Chaz Haywood.

The Flag Day Ceremony began with the Pack 1 Scouts from the Virginia Headwaters Council successfully retiring over 250 flags with dignity and respect. The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard, dressed in full Patriot militia uniform and musket. A Prayer of Dedication was spoken for the retired flags, along with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps in honor and remembrance of our fallen heroes.

Randy Atkins, Wes Dove, and David Carpenter of the Fort Harrison SAR lead the event with the Pledge of Allegiance, SAR Pledge, and Guest Recognitions. Captain Ros Poplar, decorated US Navy veteran gave a moving keynote speech titled, Flag Day As Seen By A Veteran, covering the history of the American flag and the trials its defenders have faced for generations. “To put it in perspective,

Captain Ros Poplar, retired U.S. Navy Veteran, speaks on “Flag Day As Seen By A Veteran”

each one of the fifty stars that adorns our flag represents the death of roughly 27,000 American Soldiers, Sailor, Airmen, and Marines that paid for the freedom we enjoy today,” notes Captain Poplar, as tears formed in many attendees’ eyes. He continues with remembrance for the veterans he knew personally who died in combat throughout his military career or lost their lives during the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Capt. Poplar concludes, “Flag Day for many veterans is a solemn day, because every time we see the field of blue and its fifty stars, we can see the faces of our lost comrades who gave their lives for this great nation. That is why every time a veteran sees an American Flag, do not be surprised if there is a tear shed for a former comrade – we will never forget!”

 

Virginia SAR Color Guard stands in reverence after the new flag is hoisted at A.G.

Following the keynote, Penny Cummiskey of the Massanutten Daughters of the American Revolution recited the American’s Creed before A.G. Stacker veteran employees hoisted the American flag up their newly installed 50-foot flagpole. Pete Johnson of James Madison University sang the National Anthem as many attendees stepped out of the tent to salute the star-spangled banner.  With over 100 veterans, community leaders, scouts and citizens in attendance, “the rain couldn’t dampen Flag Day in Weyers Cave!” remarks Virginia Senator, Mark D. Obenshain.

 

The event concluded with a boxed lunch and Horn’s homemade ice cream. After the ceremony, A.G. Stacker conducted tours of their facility demonstrating various machining and cobot technologies alongside new digital twin solutions.

A.G. Stacker Owners Helen and Clarence Allen pose with Randy Atkins and Matt Philippi of the Fort Harrison SAR.

“We are proud to be an American manufacturer and it was an honor to host this event alongside our local Sons of the American Revolution,” says Joe Wunder, President of A.G. Stacker. “A special thank you to Randy Atkins, Wes Dove, Captain Ros Poplar, Kirk Sheap, David Carpenter, and Matthew Phillippi of the Fort Harrison SAR for their assistance in organizing this event. We also want to thank the Scouts from the VA Headwaters Council for doing an excellent job retiring our community’s flags. A final thank you to the local and national leaders in attendance for their time and support.” 

To learn more about the Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, visit www.fortharrisonsar.org. 

 

View the event photo gallery, HERE

A.G. Stacker Wins SVTC 2022 Innovation in Utilization Award

A.G. Stacker Wins SVTC 2022 Innovation in Utilization Award

May 25, 2022 – Weyers Cave, VA A.G. Stacker has been named the 2022 Innovation in Utilization award winner by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council (SVTC). A.G., custom manufacturer of corrugated material handling equipment and technology, received the award during SVTC’s 22nd Annual TechNite Ceremony, hosted on May 4th, at James Madison University.

For 22 years, the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council has recognized and awarded the achievements of local, technology-focused businesses, programs and initiatives. Innovations are recognized in 8 categories: Emerging Business, Community Impact, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Development, Utilization, Leadership and People’s Choice.   

In Spring 2022, A.G. was nominated for the Innovation in Utilization category as a result of their new digital twin assets and solutions, released Fall 2021. The Innovation in Utilization award “recognizes outstanding commercial growth and achievement by an established company that produces high tech products or services… where technology itself is not the core business purpose”. A.G. is proud to receive this award for their Innovation in Utilization of digital twin assets in corrugated machinery solutions. 

A.G. is among the first to apply and effectively utilize digital twin technology on commissioned machines in the corrugated converting market. The new technology is currently enabled on their eBREAK Bundle Breaker, Divert & Separate System DSS and eTAMP Servo-Tamper systems, with additional assets in development. Using this technology, A.G. customers can collaborate with A.G. engineers during the machine design process, improve operator training pre-install, test production runs/ configurations and more.  

 “A BIG thank you to our team and technology vendors for the work they do every day to bring this technology solution to market. We also want to thank Dynamic Aviation as the official sponsor of this award category and the SVTC for bringing awareness to the technology being developed in the valley. Our biggest reward is being able to offer innovative solutions that effectively meet the needs of our converter customers and the corrugated industry. Our team is committed to innovation because of their commitment to customers, and it’s humbling to have their work recognized among the tech leaders in our community,” says Joe Wunder, President of A.G.

To learn more about A.G. Stacker’s new digital twin technology, please contact Tim Connell, Director of Sales at (540) 234-6012 or tconnell@agstacker.com or visit the A.G. website at www.agstacker.com 

To learn more about the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council and view the full list of 2022 Tech Nite Innovation winners, visit www.svtc-va.org 

About A.G. Stacker Inc. 

A.G. Stacker has been a leader and innovator in the custom manufacturing industry since 1996. Their primary focus is the design of full-line solutions and custom manufacturing of industrial machinery for corrugated material stacking and handling operations. A.G. is one of the first OEMs to successfully implement digital twin solutions for several of their equipment lines. A proud American manufacturer, A.G. engineers, fabricates, and assembles all equipment and parts in Weyers Cave, VA. With a deep commitment to innovation. A.G. holds over 20 patents, along with numerous patents pending and innovative designs. For more information about A.G. Stacker, visit www.agstacker.com or call (540) 234-6012. 

A.G. Stacker Hires Cody Brant to Support Midwest Equipment Sales 

A.G. Stacker Hires Cody Brant to Support Midwest Equipment Sales 

May 5, 2022 – Weyers Cave, VAA.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer of corrugated material handling equipment and technology, is proud to welcome Cody Brant to their National Sales Team, as Midwest Territory Manager. In this role, Cody will oversee and manage sales of equipment in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

A native of Chicago, Cody Brant is a highly motivated sales professional with a BA in Business Management. He has held numerous business development and sales manager positions at Bobst, W.H. Leary, and other well-known manufacturers in the corrugated converting industry. His easy-going personality, tech-savviness, and straightforward sales technique make him a great asset to the A.G. Stacker Sales team. 

“With our customer base growing rapidly in the Midwest region, we wanted to better support converters there by hiring a local salesperson. Cody is the perfect person to fill that gap and we look forward to the impact he will make in the Midwest, for A.G. and our customers.” says Tim Connell, Director of Sales. 

Midwest converters are encouraged to contact Cody Brant at cbrant@agstacker.com or (540) 830-0731 to discuss A.G.’s full line of solutions. 

Additionally, A.G. is currently seeking a Mechanical Assembler, Field Service Technician, Welder, and Electrical Technician to join their growing team. For further inquiries or to apply, visit https://www.agstacker.com/about/careers/ or call (540) 234-6012.

 

About A.G. Stacker Inc. 

A.G. Stacker has been a leader and innovator in the custom manufacturing industry since 1996. Their primary focus is the design of full-line solutions and custom manufacturing of industrial machinery for corrugated material stacking and handling operations. A.G. is one of the first OEMs to successfully implement digital twin solutions for several of their equipment lines. A proud American manufacturer, A.G. engineers, fabricates, and assembles all equipment and parts in Weyers Cave, VA. With a deep commitment to innovation. A.G. holds over 20 patents, along with numerous patents pending and innovative designs. For more information about A.G. Stacker, visit www.agstacker.com or call (540) 234-6012. 

A.G. Stacker featured in Control Design January ‘22 Issue

A.G. Stacker featured in Control Design January ‘22 Issue

January 21, 2022 Weyer’s Cave, VA USA – A.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer of robust material handling solutions for corrugated applications, was featured in the January 2022 issue of Control Design. The article showcases the successful collaboration between A.G. Stacker and Siemens on digital twin technology, as well as the expanded opportunities the technology provides manufacturers in the corrugated industry.

Control Design Featured Story

Control Design is a well-known automation and technology magazine with over 40,000 subscribers. Their editorials include topics on automation, digital technology, industrial controls, and original equipment manufacturing trends. On January 17, 2022, Control Design released a featured story titled “A.G. Stacker Expands Digital Twin Applications”, found at https://www.controldesign.com/articles/2022/a-g-stacker-expands-digital-twin-applications/.  Written by A.G. President, Joe Wunder, the article discusses the journey into developing digital equipment with Siemens and the expanded solutions that have stemmed from the technology’s wide range of capabilities.

Since 2020, A.G. Stacker has collaborated with Siemens, a globally renowned technology and automation innovator, to develop new digital twin assets for their material handling equipment. Though digital twin technology is traditionally known for its engineering benefits, A.G. has been able to expand their solution offerings with the new digital assets. Services such as pre-installation operator training, simulation testing and R&D, enhanced remote service and customer-engineering collaboration are just a few of the expanded business solutions made possible by the new technology. The Control Design article elaborates on each of these topics and is a recommended read for boxmakers seeking to better understand how digital twin technology can be used to improve equipment design/performance, technical service, and customer experience with their OEMs.

“For years, our team has worked incredibly hard to develop these new solutions and it’s great to see their hard work recognized in a publication like Control Design.  Being a featured story confirms that we are on the cutting edge of corrugated material handling technology and it motivates our team to continue testing the boundaries of innovation to better serve the industry,” concludes Wunder.

To read the full story in the Control Design, “A.G. Stacker Expands Digital Twin Applications”, visit https://www.controldesign.com/articles/2022/a-g-stacker-expands-digital-twin-applications/

To learn more about A.G. Stacker’s new equipment and technology, please contact Tim Connell, Director of Sales at (540) 234-6012 or tconnell@agstacker.com or visit the A.G. Stacker website at www.agstacker.com.

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A.G. Stacker Reflects on 25 Years of Innovation

A.G. Stacker Reflects on 25 Years of Innovation

– Founded by Clarence and Helen Allen in 1996 with a Commitment to Innovation–

December 14, 2021 – Weyers Cave, VA— The year 2021 marks the 25th anniversary for A.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer and innovator of corrugated material handling equipment. Founded in 1996 by Clarence and Helen Allen, A.G. Stacker was created with a commitment to innovation that remains alive to this day.

A History of Innovation | 1996 – 2021

A.G. Stacker began as a full-service rigging company for custom plant moves, installations and redesigns. After years in the corrugated industry, the Allens gravitated towards innovation in rotary die cutter stackers and were inspired to pursue new, patent-seeking designs to improve the productivity, safety and longevity of this sector. With the first piece of original A.G. equipment released in 2000, the founders began selling and retrofitting stackers with A.G. equipment and upgrades. In 2007, the XRI Stacker came to market and has served as a proven stacker design that A.G. continues to build on to this day.

In 2008, A.G. received its first, of now 21, patents and currently has multiple patents pending with the USPTO. As the spirit of innovation continued to increase throughout the years, so did A.G.’s product offerings, with the addition of the X12 Pitless Lift Conveyor and the Bundle Conveyor System in 2012. In 2016, the G3 Stacker entered the market, building on the X12 platform and adding divert and separate, sample quality rejection and servo-driven tamper patented technologies to A.G.’s equipment lines.

New Digital Twin Technology unveiled at SuperCorrExpo 2021

With the appointment of Joe Wunder as President in 2017, A.G. shifted their innovation internally and put an emphasis on people, processes and technology. This sparked a full digital transformation whereby all A.G.’s operations, engineering, service and production are connected and available, any time and any where. By 2020, A.G. had developed multiple digital technologies, including augmented reality service options, a mobile application, a virtual reality factory environment, digital twin technologies and other internal processes. This set the stage for the new eSERIES equipment line – A.G.’s fully electric, fully integrated systems including the eBREAK Bundle Breaker and eZF Load Former – unveiled first at SuperCorrExpo in 2021. At the event, A.G. celebrated their 25th anniversary with many partners and customers with cake and drinks at their booth, as well as holding a party at their Weyer’s Cave, Virginia facility for employees, vendors and family.

25 Years of Achievements

In the past quarter century, A.G. has accomplished many notable achievements, including but not limited to the following:
• 21 Patents Issued with 10+ Patents Pending
• UL-508A Certification
• TUV Rheinland Certification
• A Feature on Fox Business News’ Manufacturing Marvels Segment
• An In-House Digital Innovations Lab equipped with digital twin, AR and VR technology
• 3 Digital Twin Assets and Counting

 

A Note from A.G. Leadership

Founders, Clarence and Helen Allen, in A.G. Stacker’s Weyers Cave, VA facility

“The key to our success these past 25 years is our people. Our Engineers continue to test the limits and bring new ideas to the table. Our production staff are some of the best welders, electricians and mechanics in the country and strive for excellence in their work. Our administration staff is eager to find new ways to improve efficiency and accuracy in our processes and procedures. And our sales representatives do an incredible job communicating the value of A.G. systems to our customers. We couldn’t have made it this far without them and we are incredibly thankful for the positive attitudes and creativity they bring to work every day. If you want to achieve 25 years of consistent growth and innovation, it’s all about investing in your people and the technology that makes their job easier.” Says Helen Allen, Co-Founder of A.G.

Clarence Allen, Co-Founder, adds “Thank you to our valued customers. Often, it is customer collaboration and feedback that has sparked the many innovations at A.G. and we’re so thankful for their openness and input. Together, we can continue to create systems and technology that converters truly want and need, for the next 25 years and beyond.“

Joe Wunder, President of A.G., states, “It’s amazing to see how far A.G. has come over the past 25 years and I’m honored to be apart of it. Our team is extremely passionate about what they do, and it shows. With the new digital transformation, the eSERIES equipment line and more innovations on the horizon, I have no doubt that A.G. will be leading the market in stacker and full line solutions for many years to come. Thank you to all of our valued customers, our awesome employees and our quality vendors and partners for helping us get to where we are today. The best is yet to come!”