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packed With integrity

costcutters

A Turn-Key Solution Engineered for Pearson Pearson NCS is a leader in the field of assessment, testing, survey, and data management. Their proven automated business and education solutions include OMR scanners (optical mark read), imaging, OMR scan forms, test scoring machines, as well as a full complement of professional and outsourcing services.

Recently, Pearson was contacted by their authorized distributor in Libya regarding their customer, the Libyan Ministry of Education, to assess the achievement level of over 100,000 students leaving high school. The project included establishing and providing all the equipment for four test-processing centers in Libya. The equipment included test forms, high-speed imaging scanners and test form carts.

The test form carts ensure the tests flow orderly through the following assessing process:

Pearson contacted Packnet to produce sixty test form carts that would be needed at the Libyan test-processing centers. While Pearson had carts they were using at their headquarters processing facility, Packnet engineered an improved CNC- routered plywood cart design that provided the following benefits and improvements:

• The carts were stronger and had significant caster improvements. • The carts were safer to use – Packnet eliminated sharp corners and slivers with precise CNC machining. • All holes were precisely drilled for easy assembly in Libya. • A unique knockdown design reduced shipping costs.

Once Pearson approved the cart design, Packnet worked with Pearson to develop and produce user-friendly, step-by-step assembly instructions using Microsoft PowerPoint. After meeting the tight production deadline, Packnet then packaged the carts for overseas shipping.

Packnet continues to research and provide cost-saving alternatives to meet companies’ material handling and lean manufacturing initiatives. Call us and we’ll engineer the best solution for your specific packaging or material handling needs.

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1172 E. Cliff Road • Burnsville, MN 55337 • Phone 952-944-9124 • Fax 952-944-91053535 Industrial Drive, Faribault, MN 55021 • Phone 507-333-2821 V o l . 1 6 I s s u e 2 W i n t e r 2 0 0 7

Wood Packaging• Fully Enclosed Crates & Boxes• Custom Skids & Pallets • Reusable Crates • Ramps• Slat Crates• Slot-Lock Containers

Precision Cutting Services• Cut-To-Size Panel Products• CNC Routered Parts• Cut-To-Length Products• Die Cut Components and Parts• Custom Depth, Width and Angle Cutting Services• Component Assembly and Kitting

Reusables• The “Perma Pal 100” Pallet Box • Bulk Containers • Totes & Parts Boxes • Plastic Pallets • Metal Reusables • Nail-Less Wood Returnables

Crating & Packaging Services• In-house Product Packaging • On-site Product Packaging • Ocean Containerization • Product Un-packaging & Re-packaging • Skidding & Palletization • Mil-Spec or Dangerous Goods

Corrugated Plastic• Containers, Trays & Totes• Partition Systems & Pads • Screen Printing

Specialty Packaging Products• Cortec® VCI• Shock & Tilt Watch • Temp & Humidity Indicators • Monitors with Date/Time Stamps

Triple Wall Corrugated• Sleeves, Trays, RSC Boxes • Wood/Corrugated Kits

Foam Packaging• One-of-a-Kind Foam Cushions • High Production Runs of Liquid Foam-In-Place Molded Cushions• Polyethylene and Polyurethane Foam Assemblies

Wholesale Lumber• Aspen (Hardwood) • Pine/Spruce (Softwood) • Plywood, OSB, MDF

We help you achieve the greatest return for your packaging and

precision cutting services.

Internetcornerwww.woodencrates.org Additional packaging and crating resources. Locate out-of-state packing companies and more.

www.packnetltd.com View our updated web site to find new products and information on how we can help you with all your packaging needs!

www.mda.state.mn.us Detailed information about the EAB and other pests.

trIvIaPollutIonsolutIon

What is E85?More than five million American cars are already capable of running on E85 ethanol, a gasoline alternative made up of 85% ethanol and 15% regular gasoline.

Ethanol is made from a variety of crops grown here in America. Right now, most ethanol in America is produced from corn. In the future, increasingly, a wider array of crops will produce ethanol.

There are a number of reasons why E85 ethanol is better than gasoline:

It is cheaper. Ethanol typically sells at 50 or 60 cents less per gallon of fuel.

E85 is clean. E85 is much cleaner than gasoline, and emits a smaller amount of smog precursors and greenhouse gases for every gallon of fuel consumed.

E85 is renewable. Getting more homegrown ethanol is simply a matter of planting new crops. The United States has the capacity to produce an enormous amount of ethanol.

E85 is American. Instead of supporting foreign regimes that can hold our foreign policy hostage, E85 promises to help liberate us from foreign energy dependence. At the same time, E85 can help create jobs in the US for farmers and refiners.

To be clear: E85 is just part of a broader solution. But, E85 is an important part — and it is one of the easiest steps to take right away.

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1172 E. Cliff Road • Burnsville, MN 55337 • Phone 952-944-9124 • Fax 952-944-91053535 Industrial Drive, Faribault, MN 55021 • Phone 507-333-2821 V o l . 1 6 I s s u e 2 W i n t e r 2 0 0 7

Wood Packaging• Fully Enclosed Crates & Boxes• Custom Skids & Pallets • Reusable Crates • Ramps• Slat Crates• Slot-Lock Containers

Precision Cutting Services• Cut-To-Size Panel Products• CNC Routered Parts• Cut-To-Length Products• Die Cut Components and Parts• Custom Depth, Width and Angle Cutting Services• Component Assembly and Kitting

Reusables• The “Perma Pal 100” Pallet Box • Bulk Containers • Totes & Parts Boxes • Plastic Pallets • Metal Reusables • Nail-Less Wood Returnables

Crating & Packaging Services• In-house Product Packaging • On-site Product Packaging • Ocean Containerization • Product Un-packaging & Re-packaging • Skidding & Palletization • Mil-Spec or Dangerous Goods

Corrugated Plastic• Containers, Trays & Totes• Partition Systems & Pads • Screen Printing

Specialty Packaging Products• Cortec® VCI• Shock & Tilt Watch • Temp & Humidity Indicators • Monitors with Date/Time Stamps

Triple Wall Corrugated• Sleeves, Trays, RSC Boxes • Wood/Corrugated Kits

Foam Packaging• One-of-a-Kind Foam Cushions • High Production Runs of Liquid Foam-In-Place Molded Cushions• Polyethylene and Polyurethane Foam Assemblies

Wholesale Lumber• Aspen (Hardwood) • Pine/Spruce (Softwood) • Plywood, OSB, MDF

trIvIa BytheBook

The TSA Strengthens Cargo Security MeasuresToday, more than ever before, it is imperative to work with a bona fide packaging and shipping agent.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, air cargo security measures have been and continue to be enhanced on both passenger and all-cargo aircraft. The TSA’s strategy involves every component of the air cargo shipping system – freight forwarders, domestic and foreign aircraft operators, and the people that have access to cargo at every point throughout the supply chain.

Transporting cargo by air is as critical to our nation’s economy as it is to the airlines industry that provides this function. It produces an estimated $4.7 billion in annual revenues for U.S. passenger airlines and $21.1 billion for all-cargo airlines, and accounts for more than 100,000 U.S. jobs. These facts magnify the need for pursuing a R&D program focused on emerging technologies that may someday be effective against all cargo security threats.

On October 23, 2006, the TSA issued additional security measures that may subject your cargo to inspection. The new measures require freight forwarders, shippers and air carriers to implement additional procedures. On January 8, 2007, the TSA issued seven new security programs to the air carriers, all-cargo carriers and indirect air carriers. These new programs were implemented effective March 12, 2007 and involve cargo security changes that affect all modes within the air cargo supply chain. Some of the new requirements may require shippers to provide personal information/data to their transportation service providers and may subject their cargo to inspection.

At Packnet, our packaging systems are set up to comply with the latest air cargo regulations. Ensure you are compliant shipping your packaged product via air carrier, call Packnet at 952-944-9124.

For more information on air cargo programs visit www.tsa.gov and www.airlines.org.

FOOTBALL TRIVIA

1. What NFL teams had the most wins in the 1980s? • Jacksonville Jaguars • San Francisco 49ers • Houston Oilers • Chicago Bears

2. In 1994, what receiver became the NFL’s all-time touchdown leader? • Jerry Rice • Jimmy Smith • Shannon Sharpe • Steve Young

3. For which of the following is the definition, ‘a pass rush by one or more players from the backfield’? • run and shoot • blitz • stunt • punt

4. Which of the following quarter-backs threw a record 6 touchdown passes in one Super Bowl in 1995? • Troy Aikman • Steve Young • Brett Favre • Doug Flutie

5. Who was the coach of the University of Florida Gators football team in the late 1990s and early 2000s? • Steve Spurrier • Terry Bowden • Bobby Bowden • Lou Holtz

6. What team had the first cheer-leading squad in the NFL in 1972? • Dallas Cowboys • New York Giants • San Francisco 49ers • Detroit Lions

ANSWERS:

1. San Francisco 49ers2. Jerry Rice3. blitz4. Steve Young5. Steve Spurrier6. Dallas Cowboys

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We help you achieve the greatest return for your packaging and

precision cutting services.

1172 E. Cliff Road Burnsville, MN 55337

www.packnetltd.com

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Is the Emerald Ash Borer Coming to Minnesota?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), is a pest of ash trees native to Asia andfirst discovered in North America in 2002. It’s believed EAB arrived in the U.S. on solid wood packing materials carried in cargo ships or airplanes from Asia.

More than 20 million ash trees have been destroyed in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada, by the shiny green beetle and its larvae which bore into the bark of

the tree, depriving it of nutrients and eventually killing it. Other outbreaks have been detected in Illinois and Maryland. Unable to travel more than a few miles on its own, EAB is most likely to move via firewood into other states in the Great Lakes region and beyond, experts believe. The non-native insect has been making a slow and deadly migration toward Minnesota, although no infestations have been found here.

EAB DistributionThe natural spread of EAB likely is generally considered slow (estimates range from ½ to 2 miles annually). Even if we assume a very generous annual rate of natural spread of 5 miles, it would still take about 60 years (300 miles) for EAB to reach the St. Paul/ Minneapolis area from the infestation near Chicago. Or, EAB could be brought to Minnesota tomorrow in a load of firewood.

Preventing the arrival of EABVarious agencies are conducting education campaigns and enacting regulations to stop the movement of firewood. Minnesota DNR restricts campers from bringing their own firewood into state parks.

APHIS is reviewing its ability to implement a domestic – state to state – IPPC program that may be similar to the treating and marking requirements of ISPM15! There is no guarantee a domestic program will occur. However, as the EAB outbreak areas continue to expand the likelihood of APHIS implementing a domestic program continues to increase.