Founded in Wisconsin - Appvion of Appleton, WI
- greenwoodphilip
- Nov 30, 2024
- 6 min read
From Paper Coatings to Advanced Solutions
Appvion, headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, has a distinguished history dating back to 1907 when it was founded as The Appleton Coated Paper Company. Initially a small paper coating operation, the company has evolved into a leader in the specialty materials industry. By consistently embracing technological advancements and responding to market demands, Appvion has expanded its product offerings beyond coated paper to include advanced materials for packaging and printing. A cornerstone of its success is a strong focus on research and development, which fuels innovation and maintains its competitive edge. Appvion is also committed to sustainability, emphasizing responsible manufacturing practices to minimize environmental impact. With a legacy characterized by resilience and adaptability, Appvion is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of the specialty materials sector, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a dedication to customer satisfaction.
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The Visionary Beginning
Charles Samuel Boyd, born in 1871 in Appleton, Wisconsin, was a determined entrepreneur who adeptly leveraged the area's natural resources and industrial capabilities. After completing his education at Lawrence College and the University of Chicago, Boyd established The Appleton Coated Paper Company at 36. His innovative idea involved applying specialized coatings to paper to enhance its printability and quality, catering to the printing industry's needs and revolutionizing paper manufacturing. Boyd strategically located his company in Appleton, near the Fox River, to ensure a steady supply of base stock from nearby paper mills. This strategic positioning, combined with his innovative approach, fueled the company's rapid growth and established it as a leader in the paper industry.
Century of Milestones
Appvion's evolution throughout the 20th and into the 21st century is marked by continuous innovation and adaptability:
1963: The introduction of thermal paper represented a significant advancement in printing technology, playing a crucial role in NASA's lunar missions. This specialized paper facilitated high-quality, rapid printing without ink, essential for precise communication during space exploration. Its versatility extended beyond aerospace, becoming integral in retail, transportation, and medical sectors, revolutionizing information recording and processing.
1967: The establishment of specialized research and development facilities signified a major investment in innovation and technology. These facilities were designed to encourage creativity and collaboration among scientists and engineers, enabling the company to explore new materials and processes.
1970-1971: Expanding the product range during these years was a strategic move to broaden the company's market presence. By diversifying its offerings, the company addressed a wider array of customer needs, tapping into new industries and applications. This growth period not only increased revenue streams but also laid the foundation for future innovations, enhancing the company's reputation as a versatile and reliable supplier.
1985-1986: The company focused on quality initiatives, enhancing product reliability. These initiatives involved rigorous testing and quality control measures, ensuring every product met high performance and durability standards. The commitment to quality bolstered customer trust and satisfaction, positioning the company as a benchmark for excellence within the industry.
1994: Introducing security features in paper products was a proactive response to emerging market demands for enhanced protection against forgery and tampering. These features, including watermarks and holograms, provided customers peace of mind, especially in finance and government sectors where document integrity is critical.
2006: Leading the BPA-free movement demonstrated the company's commitment to environmental responsibility and consumer health. By eliminating bisphenol A (BPA) from their thermal paper, the company addressed public concerns over the chemical's safety and positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable practices within the industry.
2013: The transition from Appleton Papers to Appvion marked a significant rebranding effort, emphasizing innovative materials and technologies. This change represented a strategic shift towards a more diversified portfolio, including advanced thermal, carbonless, and specialty papers.
2014: The launch of phenol-free thermal paper was a groundbreaking advancement that solidified the company’s reputation as a leader in eco-friendly solutions. By eliminating phenols, harmful to health and the environment, the company met growing market demand for safer, environmentally-conscious products.
2019: The introduction of CleanSlate™ technology continued the tradition of innovative breakthroughs. This technology enhanced performance and usability across applications, demonstrating the company's commitment to research and development. CleanSlate™ improved printing process efficiency and set a new quality standard in thermal paper products, keeping the company at the forefront of industry advancements.
2020: Achieving certification as a food packaging partner marked a significant milestone, allowing the company to enter new markets and expand its product offerings. This certification underscored the company’s dedication to safety and quality in food packaging solutions, critical for maintaining food product integrity.
2021: Innovating direct thermal film and launching Mission Zero™ technology demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Mission Zero™ aimed to reduce the company's environmental footprint through sustainable manufacturing processes and materials. Introducing direct thermal film enhanced the product line, offering customers high-quality, environmentally-friendly options that align with modern sustainability goals.
2022: Celebrating the 115th anniversary was not only a recognition of the company’s rich history and legacy but also an opportunity to initiate new sustainability projects aimed at further reducing environmental impact.
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Beyond Paper: A Diverse Portfolio
Currently, Appvion stands as a prominent and leading provider of direct thermal paper and film products within the expansive market of North America. The company's strategic vision and commitment to innovation have allowed it to broaden its expertise significantly, thereby enhancing its product offerings and market reach. This diversification has not only solidified Appvion's position in the industry but has also paved the way for new opportunities and growth. The company has expanded its capabilities to encompass a variety of specialized areas, including:
Renewable, fiber-based solutions for consumer and industrial packaging, which are designed to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging options. These solutions are not only beneficial for the environment but also cater to the evolving preferences of consumers who are increasingly seeking products that align with their values regarding sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Specialized coatings for tickets, tags, labels, and packaging materials, which enhance the functionality and durability of these products. Through the application of advanced coating technologies, Appvion ensures that its offerings provide superior performance, whether it be in terms of print quality, resistance to environmental factors, or overall longevity, thereby meeting the diverse needs of various industries.
Advanced chemistry and coating technologies that reflect the company's commitment to research and development. By investing in innovative solutions and staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Appvion is able to provide high-performance products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of its customers. This focus on advanced chemistry allows for the creation of unique formulations that can address specific challenges faced by clients in different sectors.
This significant diversification has enabled Appvion to effectively serve markets in an impressive 25 countries around the globe, showcasing its ability to adapt to different regional demands and preferences. As of 2024, the company has achieved an estimated annual revenue of $685.2 million, with a dedicated workforce of approximately 661 employees.
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A New Chapter: The Wynnchurch Capital Era
In December 2021, Appvion embarked on a transformative journey following its acquisition by Wynnchurch Capital L.P. This acquisition catalyzed significant advancements: Appvion broadened its product portfolio and market presence by acquiring Nekoosa Coated Products and Decorative Films in 2022. In May 2022, a major investment in new coating equipment was announced, representing the largest investment in the Appleton plant in recent years. Leadership transitioned with Paul Charapata, the former CEO of Nekoosa Coated Products, assuming the role of CEO in December 2022, bringing new insights. These strategic initiatives have positioned Appvion as a leader in the engineered media and solutions market, in line with Wynnchurch's focus on exploring growth opportunities and expanding the platform.
Innovation and Sustainability: Core Values
Appvion has positioned itself as an industry leader through a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability. By leveraging materials science, the company develops advanced solutions across diverse markets such as retail, healthcare, transportation, and food packaging. This adaptability reflects Appvion's forward-thinking approach, enabling it to meet the dynamic needs of these sectors. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, Appvion enhances quality and efficiency, ensuring its products meet high standards of performance and sustainability.
Appvion's sustainability efforts are exemplified by its impressive waste management, diverting 96.49% of process waste from landfills, and the introduction of a water balance tool in 2021 to optimize water usage. These initiatives demonstrate Appvion's dedication to environmental stewardship, aligning with consumer demand for eco-friendly products and highlighting a societal shift towards sustainability. By prioritizing these efforts, Appvion strengthens its reputation among environmentally conscious consumers and positions itself favorably in a marketplace that values corporate responsibility.
Looking to the Future
Appvion, with a distinguished 115-year history of innovation, is strategically positioned for ongoing success, driven by its resilience and forward-thinking approach. Initially a paper coating company, Appvion has evolved into a leading provider of specialty materials, catering to a wide range of industries. Supported by Wynnchurch Capital, the company is well-prepared to address changing customer needs and confront the challenges of the 21st century. Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion respects its heritage while expanding its global presence, offering innovative solutions that satisfy both current and future demands. In the face of rapid technological advancements, Appvion demonstrates how a clear vision and adaptability can secure longevity. Dedicated to innovation, the company continues to explore growth opportunities, upholding the pioneering spirit of its founder, Charles Samuel Boyd, and delivering exceptional value on a global scale.
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