In the ever-evolving world of packaging, only the most innovative and adaptable can thrive. Nowhere is this more evident than in the New York City metropolitan area, where the stakes are higher, and the pace is faster. Standing the test of time, Paige Company has embraced adaptability, ingenuity, and a commitment to excellence, carving out a legacy in one of the most competitive packaging hubs in the world.
Key to Paige Company’s success is their strategic investment in advanced machinery. Their adoption of Latitude Machinery Corp.’s (LMC) PP-Series Flexo Folder Gluer has been instrumental in increasing efficiency and meeting rising demand. With a second LMC PP-Series set for installation in 2025, Paige Company is further solidifying its position as a market leader.
A Legacy of Box-Making
Paige Company’s journey began with the Levine family’s deep roots in the corrugated packaging industry, stretching back to the 1950s. The family’s involvement in the business started with Irving Levine, who was a founding partner of MannKraft, an independent corrugated box plant initially based in Brooklyn, New York.
Irving’s son Allan Levine joined MannKraft in the early 1960s, contributing to the company’s success until it was sold in 1977. In 1987, Allan ventured out on his own and acquired Paige Company, a modest file box business known for pioneering an easy-setup file box.
Paige Company President Michael Levine (center) and staff in front of LMC PP-Series Flexo Folder Gluer.
Today, Paige Company has expanded exponentially to deliver various packaging solutions, from standard regular slotted containers (RSCs) to custom, value-added packaging. The company excels in litho mounting, display packaging, and e-commerce packaging, often incorporating specialized features such as inside and outside printing, die-cutting, and intricate gluing for items like auto-lock bottoms and four- and six-corner trays.
Paige Company Discovers Latitude Machinery Corp.
As the company continued to grow, Paige Company identified a need for a machine that could fulfill the changing needs of its operations. “We felt that we needed a mid-sized flexo folder gluer,” said Michael Levine, third-generation packaging professional and President of Paige Company. “It was a good, sweet spot for us to take some pressure off our mini, as we were running a lot of mid-sized boxes on that smaller machine.”
Paige Company President Michael Levine (center) and staff in front of LMC PP-Series Flexo Folder Gluer.
Paige Company’s introduction to Latitude Machinery Corp. (LMC) came in 2020 through their partnership with a leading global box maker. LMC offers gear- and servo-driven flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters in sizes ranging from Mini to Jumbo, catering to diverse operational needs. “I was talking to one of the senior engineers to get a sense of how LMC machines performed,” Levine explained. “They spoke very highly of the machines, noting that they were real workhorses, very consistent, durable, and offered great uptime.”
Inspired by the endorsement and firsthand observations, Paige Company decided to invest in an LMC 42”x98” PP2-1025, confident in its potential to deliver consistent, reliable performance for their growing operations.
Introducing the LMC PP-Series
The LMC PP-Series is a line of high-performance flexo folder gluers designed for efficient and precise production of corrugated packaging. Available in configurations from mini to mid-size, they can integrate multiple processes—including folding, flexographic printing, die-cutting, and gluing—into a single pass, enhancing productivity and ensuring consistent quality. The machines accommodate a variety of box styles, from simple RSCs to complex die-cut designs, and handles materials ranging from micro-flute to double-wall corrugated board. Equipped with advanced features such as rapid order changeover systems, “set while run” capability for seamless job transitions, scrap removal section, and automated quality control, the PP-Series offers versatility and reliability for high-volume packaging operations.
“The LMC PP-Series delivers excellent output based on our product mix. You could spend double on other equipment, but I’m not convinced the ROI would be there,” said Levine.
Equally crucial to ensuring long-term returns is having dependable maintenance and support—a cornerstone of Paige Company’s investment strategy. Since 2019, SUN Automation has been the exclusive representative for LMC machinery, parts, and support in North and Central America. “We heard excellent things from a leading box maker regarding SUN’s support after they took over LMC’s maintenance and spare parts responsibilities,” Levine noted. “Their service is fantastic—good parts availability, quick technician response, and minimal downtime.”
Operational Results and Impact
The LMC PP2-1025 allowed Paige Company to achieve significant gains in production efficiency, enabling them to run up to 400,000–500,000 square feet per shift and consolidate one of their production lines for a major record storage company: “We were running one of their main products, die-cutting it, and then using a special folder gluer,” explained Levine. “With the LMC PP2-1025, we moved it from two operations to one, allowing us to complete orders much more efficiently.” This streamlined approach also reduced the time and labor required, allowing them to offer competitive pricing while improving profit margins.
A standout feature was the machine’s advanced scrap removal unit, which uses beater bars, offset nips, blowers, and brushes to effectively remove die-cut scrap just before the boxes enter the folding rails. “The scrap removal unit is really the key to being able to run high-volume orders,” said Levine. “With the scrap removal on the PP2-1025, we are able to easily handle large amounts and waste and accept those challenging orders.”
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Paige Company is gearing up for significant upgrades and expansions. The company has a second LMC PP-Series on order – the LMC 27”x70” PP1-6618 – scheduled for installation in March 2025. Paige Company expects improved uptime and higher throughput, allowing for even smoother operations and enhanced productivity on their production line. “SUN and LMC have proven to be reliable partners, and we’re excited to continue growing with their support.”
The company plans to move into a new, state-of-the-art 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in New Jersey in less than two years. This new facility represents a culmination of the company’s progress over the last two decades and a foundation for continued success in the years to come.
Originally published in Board Converting News, March 3, 2025
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