As a new citizen of the United States, Charles Wilmot Ackom feels that he has truly won the lottery. And in his case, he really did. Ackom, a native of Ghana in West Africa, became a U.S. citizen this July. He credits his journey to the U.S. with the Diversity Visa lottery system. “In Ghana, if you want a chance to go to the U.S., you can apply for a visa via a lottery system,” says Ackom. “I applied for five continuous years before I got the email telling me I was accepted.” Ackom studied mechanical engineering in college, and after an internship with Guinness Ghana Breweries, a subsidiary of Diageo, he was hired as contract staff, then full-time in the maintenance department. Over seven years, he rose through the ranks from operator technician to project engineer. Despite having a career and fiancee in Ghana, Charles had long wanted an opportunity to emigrate to the U.S. “I wanted to come to the United States because while I had a good job in Ghana, I knew my opportunities here would be much bigger, and I also wanted to explore and see the outside world.” After an 8-month application process, including interviews with him and his fiancee separately (he credits date-stamped photos with corroborating their dating history and engagement timing), he arrived in the U.S. in April 2013 with a green card. He and his wife first lived with her parents in the Bronx, later settling in New Rochelle. Since his arrival, he moved on to a second job at Norwalk-based PDC International as a service technician, and has had two children. On finding his job at PDC, Charles says, “PDC was my employer of choice because of the family-oriented atmosphere it creates for its employees. Employees are appreciated, rewarded, and celebrated when necessary, and this means a lot to me. I was celebrated in a grand style when I got my citizenship and this made me realize I work with not colleagues but with family.” As a new citizen, Ackom says he feels elated, but sober at the same time. “I really feel above the sky, but also realize what a big step citizenship is. As an American, you have privileges, as well as opportunities - all over the world. I always felt that if you work hard, you will be able to get the most out of your life. This is a country where I believe that has proven the most true.” PDC International Corp. is a world leader in shrink sleeve labeling and tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For more information, please visit www.pdc-corp.com, or contact Gary Tantimonico at (203) 853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

A unique bi-coastal partnership between two family-owned machinery companies, Connecticut-based PDC International and Marburg Industries in California, has produced an economical shrink sleeve labeling system combining the best of both company’s innovative technologies. The system is a great value for an entry-level investment or when moderate speeds are needed. With the ability to add eye-catching shrink sleeve labels, the PDC/Marburg system is ideal for labeling food and beverage bottles as well as cans for beer and other beverages. The shrink sleeving system is a combination of a Marburg 625 FB Shrink Sleeve Applicator and a PDC KSA-70 Steam Shrink Tunnel. The Marburg applicator includes a 16-foot stainless steel conveyor that can handle speeds of 100 bottles per minute. The PDC KSA-70 is a three-zone steam tunnel. The first zone enables the anchoring of the label under the bottle’s bottom radius; the subsequent two zones cover the body and neck, focusing steam with pinpoint accuracy. Overall, the two machines offer simplicity of operation and ease of changeover. They occupy a small footprint on the plant floor and can easily fit on any production line.

About Marburg Industries

Marburg Industries, Inc. is a woman-owned, small business that has provided companies with a variety of shrink labeling, twin packing and tamper-evident packaging equipment for nearly 50 years. From sauces to mayonnaise, and cosmetics to cough syrup, Marburg services the needs of many industries.

About PDC

PDC International Corp. is a world leader in shrink sleeve labeling and tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. Visit their state-of-the-art, fully vertically integrated, manufacturing plant in Norwalk, CT. For more information, please visit www.pdc-corp.com, or contact Gary Tantimonico at (203) 853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

Norwalk, CT- PDC International Corporation, a leader in shrink sleeve labeling and shrink tunnel technology, introduces its 140F Conform Series Steam Tunnel with Motorized Tunnel Lift. This tunnel is designed to meet the challenges of shrink sleeve applications such as highly shaped containers, including tall or hourglass shapes, long neck wine or beer bottles, or twin packs. The 140F provides solid brand-building advantages providing a clean, crisp appearance with exceptional graphics. The 140F Conform Series Steam Tunnel with its unique five-zones and Power Auto Lift is an amalgam of two proven PDC technologies. The 140F performs in one tunnel what would otherwise require two full tunnels to accomplish. The highly adjustable pre-shrink zone anchors the sleeve at the base of the container prior to entering the main zones of the tunnel. Most of the shrink occurs in the second and third thermostatically controlled standard tunnel zones that are electronically regulated with thermocouple and an electronic regulator. These central zones include a precise manual main regulator, gauges, condensate trap, and steam filter. The two final “finishing zones” allow targeted steam at specific locations on the neck or wherever steam is most needed. The unit also includes a venting manifold with stack dampers to precisely control steam outflow from the tunnel. The newest feature of the 140F is the optional Power Auto Lift Motorized Tunnel Stand, which allows the raising of the tunnel away from the conveyor if conditions require, or in the case of an emergency stop on the line. The 140F has an overall length of 140 inches and can run at line speeds of up to 300 cpm. It is made of complete stainless-steel construction. Coupled with PDC’s reliable shrink sleeve labeling machinery, the 140F allows for consistent packaging even for the most challenging shapes, bringing brands to life. PDC manufactures shrink tunnels for every shrink sleeving task, including convection hot air and radiant infrared systems, single and multiple-zone tunnels, and pre and post shrink systems. Tunnels can be fully integrated with application machinery, or operate independently. PDC International Corp. is a world leader in shrink sleeve labeling and tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For more information, contact Gary Tantimonico at PDC International, Norwalk, CT at 203-853-1516, sales@pdc-corp.com. Or visit www.pdc-corp.com

Norwalk, CT (March 8, 2019) - For companies looking to apply both shrink sleeves and tamper evident neckbands on their products, PDC’s 50 Series is a sleeving machine that does both. The 50 Series is especially ideal for tamper evident banding on foods, sauces, dressings, vitamins and pharmaceutical products. Extremely robust and highly efficient, the 50 is a rugged, reliable yet economical unit that provides high value at a low total cost of ownership. Tamper evident neck bands provide consumer confidence at the point of purchase, where critical buying decisions are made. Neck bands also cover the fill lines in clear bottles of sauces and dressings, and add marketing real estate to the neck area to help reinforce brand messaging. For brands requiring tamper evident bands, the Model 50 provides a wide range of flexibility. The 50 applies shrink bands around the upper portion of containers and closures, or full height safety seals over the entire body of the container and closure. In addition, the Model 50 can perforate both vertically and horizontally. When a sleeve is perforated horizontally and extends up over the cap, tamper evidence can be built into a full shrink sleeve label, combining two functions in one. PDC manufactures the 50 Series in a range of models to match a company’s application requirements. This series runs at a maximum speed of 130 per minute and sleeve sizes range from .375” to 3” in sleeve diameter and .625” to 7” in height. The 50 Series’ heavy-duty mechanical construction with stainless steel frame ensures super high efficiency and uptime. For ease of use, an Allen-Bradley PLC is standard on the unit, along with AB VFD drives and a touch screen. Also standard on the Model 50 are PDC’s patented cutting blades, which can be re-sharpened repeatedly. These blades are not the fragile spinning knives found on many sleeving machines, which dull quickly. PDC blades last for months, not days. Options on the Model 50 include various sensors, including those for fallen bottles or downstream jams. Conveyors, inspection systems and a wide range of shrink tunnels, including hot air and steam, are also available. PDC International Corp. is a world leader in shrink sleeve labeling and tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For more information, please visit our website, or contact Gary Tantimonico at (203) 853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

Norwalk, CT (November 28, 2018) - PDC International Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of tamper-evident packaging and sleeve labeling machinery, has introduced a special version of its R Series, the R-300 Aerosol Twin Packer Shrink Sleeve Applicator. The R-300 is ideal for producers of aerosols for foods, health & beauty, household products, paints, sprays and insecticides, as well as club store suppliers and producers looking for in-house twin packing capabilities to minimize costs. The PDC R-300 Aerosol Twin Packer offers distinctive features that make it ideal for aerosol products. It quickly and easily reconfigures from shrink labeler to multipacker, and back again. The R-300 Twin Packer also accommodates the unique safety issues associated with aerosols and other potentially explosive packages, including product counters at the infeed and discharge of the shrink tunnel. These detect fallen containers and tunnel jams so they can be quickly cleared without incident. PDC Auto-lift Tunnel Stands, for either hot air or steam tunnels, lift the shrink tunnel away from the conveyor automatically, removing the heat source from around the aerosol package, avoiding can explosions. The R-300 Aerosol Twin Packer is a high-speed shrink sleeve applicator engineered for continuous 24/7 use for a large range of sizes and shapes. The system is compatible with rigid packages, cartons, bottles and cans, and for container sizes ranging from 2 oz. to a gallon. The R-300 is a mandrel-style shrink sleeve applicator that opens and forms the sleeve into various shapes such as oval, square and rectangular. Most importantly, the R-300 replaces the quick-dulling “spinning knives” typical on other sleeving machines with a proprietary heavy-duty knife assembly. PDC’s knives deliver clean, consistent cuts for months, without “hairs” or the ragged cuts produced by rotary cutters. PDC blades last months, not days. R-300 systems run thinner gauge material, 1.25 to 2 mil (30 to 50 micron) at speeds up to 400 cpm, over extended periods – a huge advantage for high volume producers. PETG, PVC, OPS and PLA films are all suitable. The machine also includes Zero-Downtime Splice-on-the-Fly Accumulators for roll changes that maximize uptime. Available modules perforate vertically or horizontally, and provide precise servo-controlled cutoff registration. Graphic orientation on the sleeve is precisely maintained so that the front facing graphics are always facing the consumer on the store shelves. PDC’s Gate Style ejection system gently diverts non-conforming packages onto a rotary table or eject conveyor. The R-300 can be built in all-stainless steel for sanitary environments, and like all PDC systems, uses off-the-shelf components, which minimizes maintenance costs over time. Systems are fully enclosed, with static eliminators, and can be supplied with zero-access guarding. Electrical panels can be UL certified; control is via an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC and touch screen. R-300 Multipackers can be supplied alone, or with conveyors, shrink tunnels, printers and vision systems. PDC International Corporation is a world leader in shrink labeling and tamper evident banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For demonstrations of the R-300, contact Gary Tantimonico at 203-853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com. For more information on PDC, visit www.pdc-corp.com

Norwalk, CT (October 18, 2018) – PDC International Corporation, a leader in shrink sleeve labeling and shrink tunnel technology, has introduced an agile new steam shrink tunnel, the KST 80-712, with integrated dual compact 30 Kw steam boilers. Once attached to utilities, the KST 80’s boilers provide a plumbed and complete steam tunnel system, eliminating the need to install a costly, separate, remote boiler.

KST 80-712 Features

The KST 80-712 is a dual-zone system with five rows of steam distribution tubes on both sides of each zone for a total of 20 steam runs. Each run is externally adjustable for steam flow and rotary position so adjustments can be made without waiting for the tunnel to cool. Steam regulation is key to consistency, so PDC precisely regulates steam flow in five distinct ways: step-down regulators, condensate traps, steam filtering, a proprietary steam valve and electronic regulation. Each tunnel includes a stainless-steel vent manifold with adjustable dampers to closely regulate the steam exhaust drawn from the tunnel. PVC, PETG, OPS and PLA films, in gauges as thin as 30 microns, all shrink uniformly in the KST 80 steam tunnel. The Electronic Regulator developed by PDC monitors tunnel temperatures in real time and makes continuous adjustments in steam release to compensate for the “thermal loads” of incoming product. This is particularly useful when the system is running full or cold containers.

Built for a Variety of Containers

The KST 80-712 has stainless dual wall construction and opening dimensions of 7” in width x 12” in height. It is compatible with the widest range of containers for speeds up to 200 containers per minute depending upon container shape. Containers can be filled or empty, and virtually any shape, including round, oval or square. The system is designed to mount over existing conveyors, or PDC can provide conveyors specifically constructed for use in steam. Options include a Heated Shroud that shields the top of the empty containers inside the tunnel, a condensate diverter package, a culinary grade steam filter that purifies incoming steam and a blower stand with variable frequency drive. Like all PDC steam tunnels, the KST 80 is manufactured in the USA using high quality, standard components that are readily available. PDC manufactures shrink tunnels for every shrink sleeving task, including convection hot air and radiant infrared systems, single and multiple-zone tunnels, and pre and post shrink systems. Tunnels can be fully integrated with application machinery, or operate independently. For more information, contact Gary Tantimonico at PDC International, Norwalk, CT at 203-853-1516, sales@pdc-corp.com. Or visit www.pdc-corp.com

Norwalk, CT (September 26, 2018) – Shrink sleeve labeling on beer cans has gained widespread acceptance in craft and micro-breweries. PDC’s R-300 is the ideal machine to tackle the job of shrink sleeving beer cans, allowing micro-brewers to avoid the large minimum quantities required to print aluminum cans, and to purchase and label smaller quantities as needed. In addition, the R-300 has the speed, technology and cost-effectiveness that small craft brewers are looking for. A great benefit of shrink sleeving is the ability to design highly attractive, graphic labels. Shrink sleeve labels are printed using multiple printing technologies on flexible shrink film, then formed into tubes. They come to the plant either in roll form for machine application or pre-cut for hand application. Once heated through a shrink tunnel, the film shrinks in size and conforms tightly to the shape of the can, producing an eye-catching product.

About PDC’s R-300

The PDC R-300 Can Labeler runs at speeds in excess of 300 cans per minute on either empty or full beverage cans. Other PDC models are appropriate for speeds under 100 per minute, and all speeds in between. R Series Can Labelers are mandrel-style machines that use PDC’s proprietary blade technology – a rugged and longer-lived alternative to the fragile “spinning knives” that are standard in many other shrink sleeving systems. Complete labeling systems include the label applicator, tooling, conveyor, inspection/ejections systems, steam shrink tunnels and various options. Fully stainless steel versions are available for wet and washdown environments. Important to beer breweries, PDC offers optional culinary grade steam filtration, which purifies the steam used in the shrinking process. A proprietary Heated Shroud shields the empty can opening as they pass through the steam tunnel preventing condensate drip and assuring cleanliness. An optional integrated zero-downtime label accumulator optimizes productivity by allowing roll changes at production speed – no lost production. Like all PDC packaging systems, the R-300 is made in the USA using high quality, off-the-shelf components, assuring that the cost of ownership remains low throughout the system’s long life. Systems incorporate field-proven controls technology and an industrial main electrical panel that can be UL certified. For craft and micro-breweries considering shrink sleeving their product, PDC can run your product at its Development Lab, one of the industry’s foremost facilities for prototyping and package development. Our technicians will videotape your product and send you the resulting samples. PDC International Corporation is a world leader in shrink labeling and tamper evident banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For more information, visit www.pdc-corp.com or contact Gary Tantimonico at PDC International, Norwalk, CT. 203-853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

Norwalk, CT (June 15, 2018) - PDC’s new KRC 18-46-144 is the ideal tunnel for food environments, including all the features required to maintain high sanitary standards. The KRC 18-46-144 Shrink Tunnel is used for shrinking tamper evident seals to secure the lids onto clear tubs and trays, such as those used for fresh fruits and vegetables to be sold in supermarkets and C stores. The KRC 18-46-144 has numerous special features such as an extra wide opening dimension of 14” to accommodate the widest trays and tubs of up to 12" in width. It also features a top electrical box housing the digital temperature controller, which is elevated by 3” to allow easy cleaning beneath it. The tunnel controls are housed in upgraded NEMA-rated stainless steel electrical enclosures, which are UL approved. Electrical boxes are sloped so no food waste can rest on them. The base framework on the tunnel stand features square tubing angled at 45 degrees rather than flat. This also allows no food or waste to rest on it. Cleaning is simple and accessible. The tunnel includes further upgrades to the blower fan controls providing variable speed controllers to fine tune airflow through the unit, minimizing turbulence in the tunnel chamber. The tunnel stand is a Power/Auto Lift system, allowing for motorized height adjustments, as well as automatically raising the tunnel in the event that the conveyor stops. PDC International Corp. is a world leader in shrink sleeve labeling and tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. For more information on the KRC 18-46-144 or other other PDC machines for the food and dairy industry, please visit www.pdc-corp.com, or contact Gary Tantimonico at (203) 853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

Norwalk, CT (June 7, 2018) - PDC International Corp., a world leader in tamper evident neck banding technology for packaging in the food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries, recently introduced a special customized version of their shrink sealer for tamper evident banding, the Model 50-E. The Model 50-E is ideal for pharma and medical device packaging engineers and automation companies requiring the specialized knowledge to integrate tamper evident equipment into large manufacturing systems. Utilizing special product handling, the machinery provides security and package integrity, which is crucial in maintaining product safety for high value medications or medical devices.          Utilizing PDC’s patented Tetrahedron Wedge technology, the Model 50-E mechanically handles sleeving material through the feeding, cutting and application process. Similarly, the product is also handled in a positive manner, never letting it out of machine control throughout the banding process. This machinery is rated for shrink sleeving application speeds up to 130 containers per minute. In addition, the Model 50-E has the capabilities to run either a full sleeve or solely a neck band depending on container specifications. Standard features include: stainless steel frame and covers, timing screw drive, motorized unwind reel and static eliminator. This model is part of a series of PDC shrink sealers that are rugged, reliable, and provide customers with a high value for the price.    PDC engineers are experts at integrating customer’s specialized product handling, such as escapements for special pallets on which the product is carried, as well as integrating sleeving systems, sleeve applicators and shrink tunnels into medical device assembly equipment for large pharmaceutical production lines. Additionally, the machine configuration can be customized and special electrical panel designs can be provided to comply with line space constraints. As always, the PDC engineering team closely communicates and collaborates with customers to produce the final optimized production line, and PDC electrical engineers program the communications with line controls for system integration. For more information on PDC’s Model 50 or integrating other PDC machines for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, please visit www.pdc-corp.com, or contact Gary Tantimonico at (203) 853-1516 or sales@pdc-corp.com.

Norwalk, CT (May 17, 2018) - - - PDC International Corp. reaches a milestone this year as it celebrates 50 years of engineering and packaging machinery innovation. The company, founded and still headquartered in Norwalk, CT, specializes in fine packaging machinery for the application of heat shrinkable sleeve labels and tamper evident seals. In 1968, Anatole Konstantin, a mechanical engineer, founded PDC as an automation company. He was joined by his brother Bill a few years later. The direction of the company was initially determined via a large automation project - making, collating and packaging emery board nail files for the Bassett Company of Shelton, Connecticut. Since then, it has established itself as an industry leader under the guidance of Anatole’s son, Neal, who took over as president in 1992, and Gary Tantimonico, Vice President. PDC has expanded over the decades. From humble beginnings in a 400-square foot office in the Lock Building in Norwalk, CT, to a three-car garage, then a former furniture mill, PDC now occupies a nearly 30,000-square foot facility in South Norwalk overlooking the Long Island Sound. PDC has a strong commitment to Connecticut, its workforce and quality of life.“The history of PDC is a classic story of the American dream: immigrant brothers arrive in the United States after World War II as ‘Displaced Persons’, with only the clothes on their back. After working their way through school and entry-level jobs, a small company is born, which then thrives for the next 50 years,” says PDC President Neal Konstantin. “We continue to embody that American spirit of entrepreneurialism, ingenuity and encouragement among our employees, which has allowed us to thrive and grow over the years.” In 1983, PDC Europe, was started in Montdidier, France to supply machinery for the European and other overseas markets. Today, PDC designs and manufactures shrink sleeve labeling and tamper-evident packaging machinery for products ranging from popular foods and beverages to personal care and household goods. It serves customers around the world, including J&J, Kroger, Bayer, Unilever, Pfizer, Alcon, Safeway, Del Monte, Diageo and many other small, medium and large companies. Anatole Konstantin, now 90, has published his memoires of growing up under Stalin, in the widely acclaimed “A Red Boyhood”, and the story of his first years in the US after WWII, including the formative years of PDC, in “Through the Eyes of an Immigrant”. For more information on PDC and its Total Sleeving Solutions, visit www.pdc-corp.com, or contact sales@pdc-corp.com.