Travels with Larry - "It’s in my Blood"

 

The Corrugated Packaging Industry creates one of those unique situations where it becomes a part of you. To this day, I still consider dumpster diving to seek out the BMC on the bottom of a corrugated box, to discover who made it.

 

In early November I had the opportunity to visit with Peter Tracey, president of MICON Packaging Inc. in Oldsmar, Fla., USA.

 

MICON is one of Florida’s independently owned box manufacturing companies. Founded in 1977, with more than 38 years of experience, it has established itself as the go-to company in the industry. With its manufacturing, design and sales departments located in west-central Florida, MICON is strategically positioned to meet the growing quality and service that this area demands. The company is a true single-source for design and production of diverse packaging solutions. It supplies Corrugated Packaging, Fan Fold, Point of Purchase, Display, Structural Design, and much more.

 

MICON has 175,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space along with 60,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space. Talk about an outfit that truly understands customer service and just-in-time deliveries, they have one large customer that requires a two-hour turn-around. 

 

The majority of MICON's employees have been with the company for 7-35 years.They currently run 2-10 hour shifts and ramp up to 2-12’s when needed.

 

MICON has the normal equipment that you find in a corrugated box plant--corrugator, flexo-folder gluers, rotary die cutters, a flatbed D/C, laminators, and, I am told, the last curtain coater in the state of Florida.

 

They are currently working with nonstandard flute combinations in conjunction with non-waxed coatings for special applications.

 

MICON has been on a pace of 20%-25% sales growth year-over-year for the past three years.

 

 

Peter Tracey, president - MICON Packaging

 

When asked the genesis of his interest in the corrugated industry, Peter said that "it’s been in my blood for a long time."

 

Peter’s father had been in the industry in several capacities and finished his career as Sr. EVP with PCA. 

 

Peter’s career included positions,and relocations with, Bain Capital, Champion, IP, Stone, THARCO, and finally owner of his own company.

 

More information on MICON Packaging is available online. 

 

More information on TAPPI also is available online.

 

There are two types of people in our industry: TAPPI Members and those who should be.

 

Until next time...Larry.