Jul 05, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. On July 5 Smurfit-Stone announced the management consolidation of its Bedford Park and Hanover Park, Illinois, sheet feeder plants into Innovative Packaging, the company’s sheet feeder facility located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The consolidation of these facilities is in support of the company’s strategic initiatives, which include investment in state-of-the-art equipment, implementing best practices and driving operational efficiencies in key geographic markets. John Knudsen, senior vice president of manufacturing for the Corrugated Container division, stated, “Given the competitive nature of our business with our converting customers under intense margin pressure, we need to continue to pursue a lower cost business model to better serve our customers at the best possible price. The consolidation of our sheet feeder facilities will help improve customer service as we align these businesses closer to the needs of our customers.” Since its inception in 1997, Innovative Packaging has been recognized as a leader in supplying the independent sheet market in the Midwest U.S. This move will strategically align Smurfit-Stone’s sheet feeding business with the needs of this market segment while capitalizing on the strengths of Innovative Packaging’s culture and commitment to customers. John Lingle and Terry Paulson, two of Innovative Packaging’s original founders, will continue to manage this business. Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation is the industry’s premier integrated paperboard and paper-based packaging manufacturer. Smurfit-Stone is a leading producer of containerboard, including white top linerboard and recycled medium, kraft paper, corrugated containers, point-of-purchase displays, and solid bleached sulfate. The company is one of the world’s largest collectors and marketers of recovered fiber. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 200 facilities located primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and employs approximately 27 000 people.