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Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance

About

Paper Systems, located in Des Moines, Iowa, manufactures liquid bulk packaging— cleverly designed bags enclosed in recyclable, disposable cardboard boxes, making the transport of nonhazardous liquids more convenient and economical.

The Challenge

The company aimed to streamline the box-laminating process by bringing it in house and enhancing efficiency through automation. Paper Systems collaborated with two different companies to create two separate machines. However, the process was still less efficient than expected. Five people were required to operate the machines, and two more employees had to flip the cardboard panels between them.

CIRAS came out, analyzed the situation, and helped us talk through our ideas and what was needed. The more we discussed potential designs with them, the more we realized we had the in-house resources to design and build the solution ourselves. They helped us affirm that our designs were the best solution with today’s available technology. Ty Hill and his team quickly understood what we needed to achieve, which made it easier for us to determine whether the proposed solutions were viable. The support we received from CIRAS reassured us that we were making the right decision to invest more in automation.

— Melissa Mauro, Vice President

MEP's Role

CIRAS, part of the MEP National Network™, helped Paper Systems automate the cardboard-flipping process to reduce labor costs. CIRAS coached the company through the process of identifying project objectives, technology options, and risks to pinpoint companies that could bid on the project. President and Owner William Chase, who has designed many of the company’s other machines, created the design for the cardboard flipper.  CIRAS facilitated the process of obtaining budgetary quotes from two qualified vendors. After receiving the quotes, the company decided to build it internally. A Paper Systems staff engineer drew up the plans, and the company’s special projects maintenance person, along with the operations manager, built the flipper in the company shop. 

Created January 22, 2025