Golden, CO-based converter Graphic Packaging purchases two Genius defect-detection systems from BST Pro Mark, Elmhurst, IL. The units, which inspect for print defects and perform automatic color and bar-code monitoring, will be installed at Graphic's Lawrenceburg, TN facility. They will operate on wide-web gravure presses that print up to 8 colors on various films.

Turners Falls, MA-based filmmaker New England Extrusion orders a state-of-the-art coextruded-film line to help increase production capacity by more than 30 percent. This Reifenhauser (Ipswich, MA) equipment, which produces roll diameters up to 47 in., will be in place by August 2002. NEX says the additional capacity will be targeted at the food and medical packaging markets.

Canadian packaging manufacturer Kruger, Inc. invests $5 million in its Ontario and Quebec plants. In Ontario, the operations of Craftwell Containers and Packaging Ltd. have been integrated with the Kruger Rexdale (Toronto) plant's operations. These investments will also allow modernization of the Rexdale plant's corrugator and installation of a state-of-the-art multi-flute single facer and the purchase of a 4-color unit with drying system for the recently installed McKinley die cutter. In Quebec, the Kruger LaSalle box plant will install a new three-color rotary diecutter press; the second within eight months.