Hauppauge, NY-based Southern Container Corp. installs six new DT3000 automated samplemaker systems from Data Technology Inc., Wilmington, MA, at some of its corrugated-manufacturing plants. Facilities using the new equipment include Dayton, NJ; Deer Park and Camillus, NY; Devens, MA; Mooresville, NC; and Lancaster, PA, to turn out production-quality samples for next-day customer delivery.

Flex-pack converter Brand Packaging, based in Salford, Manchester, England, recently ordered its third Rotomec gravure press from Valmet Converting SpA in Italy. The Rotomec 4000-2 ES nine-unit press is expected to be in-stalled in April 2003. It will have a 40-in. web width and run at speeds to 1,350 fpm. The expanded gravure capabilities will help satisfy the demands of Brand's rapidly growing business, in addition to increasing production and quality for customers, the converter says. Specifically, a large contract recently received from Sonoco Europe has given Brand Packaging the opportunity to acquire this latest gearless-printing technology, it says.

NC-based flex-pack converter Plastic Packaging selects Microsoft® Axapta converting software from Concord Business Systems, Atlanta, for its two manufacturing locations. The enterprise business system features a strong con- verting-focused functionality and comprehensive on-line customer service, says Plastic Packaging. The company prints, slits, laminates and converts rolls, sleeves and bags at its plants in Hickory and Forest City, NC.