Automated Packaging Systems, the world leader in high-reliability packaging systems, is celebrating its 50th year in business and the induction of its founders, Hershey Lerner and Bernie Lerner, into the 2012 PMMI Packaging Hall of Fame.
The Lerner brothers founded Automated Packaging Systems in 1962 and are still actively involved in the business today. These innovative brothers invented the pre-opened bag-on-a-roll concept called Autobag, and have grown the business into a global corporation with a full line of Autobag, SidePouch and AirPouch bag and protective packaging products.
Hershey and Bernie Lerner also invented many of the unique processes used in converting plastic film into preformed bags and protective packaging materials. Combined, they are responsible for most of the company’s 132 US patents. Art Gould, an original partner, was the company’s first salesperson and has helped shape the sales organization throughout the company’s history. All three partners were at a recent 50th Anniversary Celebration in Streetsboro, Ohio with more than 1000 employees and guests in attendance.
Hershey and Bernie Lerner will be inducted into the Packaging Hall of Fame October 30, 2012 at PACK EXPO International, the world’s largest packaging exhibition. The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) states, “Induction into the Packaging Hall of Fame is the highest honor a packaging professional can receive, and recognizes career-long contributions to the advancement and understanding of packaging.”
Cliff Brehm, President and Chief Operating Officer, Automated Packaging Systems, says, “Hershey, Bernie and Art had the vision to create an innovative organization that has withstood the test of time. They laid the foundation and instilled core values that created a very special culture, widely recognized as an elite company to work for and to do business with.”
Automated Packaging Systems has its world headquarters in Streetsboro, Ohio, one of five manufacturing facilities in northeast Ohio. The company opened its first European operation in 1984 in England and now has sales and service offices throughout Europe.
The company continues its global expansion with sales and distribution offices opening recently in Japan, India, Thailand, China, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and other countries around the world.
With more than 30,000 packaging systems in use around the world, Automated Packaging Systems has more installations than all of its competitors combined. The company manufactures more than 50 different materials at nine manufacturing facilities across the US, Europe and Asia. Bag materials include features such as reclosable zippers, tamper-evident perforations, resealable bags, gusseted bags, compartment bags and more.
Automated Packaging Systems- www.autobag.com
