Container Graphics Corporation
Container Graphics Corporation is a privately held US manufacturer of rotary and flat cutting dies, flexographic printing plates, pre-press services and tooling workflow software for the corrugated packaging and brand packaging industries, serving consumer product companies, web-flexo converters and corrugated manufacturers across North America and international markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1960
- HeadquartersCary, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Container Graphics Corporation does
Container Graphics Corporation (CGC) is a privately held US-based industrial manufacturer founded in 1960 by Phil Saunders in Toledo, Ohio, now headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. The company designs, manufactures and distributes cutting dies (rotary and flat), flexographic printing plates (liquid and sheet photopolymer), and related supplies for the corrugated packaging, web-flexo converting, and consumer product industries. CGC also operates the CGC Color Center for high-end pre-press and platemaking services and offers SNAP and CODA software for graphics automation and tooling order management, maintaining 16+ manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada, with international coverage through licensed manufacturers and certified distributors across Latin America and Europe, supported by 50+ patents in rotary die cutting technology.
CGC employs 251-500 people and generates revenue through a combination of one-time sales of dies and plates, transaction-based supplies and consumables, and professional services for pre-press and training. Its go-to-market motion is primarily enterprise field sales through regional plant managers and customer service teams at each location, supplemented by international distributors in regions including Ireland, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated directly with sales representatives; the company does not provide SaaS-style tiers or standardized published pricing.
The Saunders family remains involved in the business, with founder Phil Saunders' grandson Graham Philip Saunders serving as Vice President of Business Development since 2014. CGC is recognized as a leading independent tooling supplier to the corrugated industry, anchored by a deep proprietary product portfolio (Phase 2, Phase 4 HPS, MicroTrim Plus, M-PReSS, LinerGuard, ContainerScore, NickLock, ScrapBlaster, UniFlex, MaxRelief) and complemented by exclusive agency agreements (e.g., CUE die cutter blankets) and technology distribution partnerships (DuPont DigiCorr).
Container Graphics Corporation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Container Graphics Corporation
- Legal name
- Container Graphics Corporation
- Website
- https://containergraphics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1960
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Container Graphics Corporation is a privately held US manufacturer of rotary and flat cutting dies, flexographic printing plates, pre-press services and tooling workflow software for the corrugated packaging and brand packaging industries, serving consumer product companies, web-flexo converters and corrugated manufacturers across North America and international markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Container Graphics Corporation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Corrugated Packaging Tooling
- NAICS
- Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)
- SIC
- Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Finishing, Converting & Die-Cutting Services (IMALAKAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Corrugated & Case Printing (Preprint/Postprint) (IMALAKAI)
Keywords
Where Container Graphics Corporation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cary
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices17 records
Markets served
Container Graphics Corporation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Cutting Dies (Rotary and Flat): Manufacturing and sale of rotary and flat cutting dies for corrugated packaging, including laser steel rule dies and associated systems. Products include Phase 2, Phase 4 HPS, MicroTrim Plus, and related technologies.
- Printing Plates: Supply of flexographic printing plates including liquid photopolymer, sheet photopolymer, UniFlex one-piece plates, MaxRelief plates, and DigiCorr digitally imaged plates. Includes plates for rotary diecutters and conventional presses.
- Supplies and Consumables: Extensive catalog of supplies for making and maintaining cutting dies and printing plates including: mounting materials, printing gauges, cleaning solutions, cutting rule, creasing rule, rubber and elastomers, die making tools, and accessories.
- Pre-press and Workflow Services: CGC Color Center provides pre-press/plate-making technology and services including advanced screening, flat top dots, digital proofing, and color management (GMG Color Management System).
- Training Services: Training programs including seminars, live video conferences, Train the Trainer (T3) modules, and Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for converting industry process improvements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Contact-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Container Graphics Corporation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Container Graphics Corporation (CGC) manufactures rotary and flat cutting dies, flexographic printing plates (liquid and sheet photopolymer), and provides pre-press, color management, and workflow services for the corrugated packaging and brand packaging industry. The company supplies dies, plates, and consumables alongside proprietary workflow software (SNAP and CODA) and operates 16+ manufacturing locations across North America with international distribution.
Product overview
Container Graphics Corporation (CGC) provides a comprehensive portfolio of workflow solutions for the corrugated box and brand packaging industry. The offering is organized as a multi-product platform approach, combining physical tooling products (cutting dies and printing plates) with software solutions (SNAP and CODA), manufacturing services (Color Center), and training programs. Core products include rotary cutting dies (Phase 2, Phase 4 HPS, MicroTrim Plus, M-PReSS, Ultra Cutting Rule, ScrapBlaster, ContainerScore, LinerGuard, ThinWall PowerPunch) and flat cutting dies (Bobst Dies, Protective Packaging Dies, Cuir/Baysek Dies), along with printing plates (Liquid Photopolymer, Sheet Photopolymer, DigiCorr, UniFlex, MaxRelief, BullsEye, ProFlex 2, ContainerStrap). The software suite includes SNAP for automated graphics creation and CODA for tooling order management. Services include the CGC Color Center for high-end flexo pre-press and platemaking, and training programs including Seminars, Live Video, Train the Trainer (T3), and TAP (Technical Assistance Program). CGC is the exclusive agent for CUE die cutter blankets. The company operates 16+ manufacturing locations across North America with international distribution partnerships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Phase 2™: Industry standard rotary cutting die for die cutting corrugated board. Comes in three configurations - standard, high test/double-wall, and cross-corrugation.
- Phase 4 HPS™
- MicroTrim Plus™
- M-PReSS™
- Ultra™ Cutting Rule
- ScrapBlaster™
- ContainerScore™
- LinerGuard™
- NickLock™
- ThinWall PowerPunch™
- UniFlex™
- MaxRelief™
- BullsEye™
- ProFlex 2™
- ContainerStrap®
- CODA™
- SNAP™
- CGC Color Center
- HexLite™
- TAP™
- Train the Trainer (T3)
Products and services
- Rotary Cutting Dies Rotary cutting dies for high-speed corrugated die cutting, backed by more than fifty patents related to rotary die cutting technology. Configurations include Phase 2 (standard, high test/double-wall, cross-corrugation) and Phase 4 HPS High Performance System, with proprietary technologies such as MicroTrim Plus, M-PReSS, LinerGuard, ContainerScore, NickLock, ScrapBlaster, ThinWall PowerPunch, Ultra Cutting Rule, and House Lead Edge Trim.
- Flat Cutting Dies Flat cutting dies for platen die cutting across the entire spectrum of platen die cutting challenges, including Bobst dies and strippers, Cuir and Baysek pneumatically assisted cutting dies, and dies for protective packaging (foams, plastics, and similar materials).
- Flexographic Printing Plates Flexographic printing plates for the corrugated industry, including liquid photopolymer plates (such as UniFlex one-piece plates and MaxRelief ultra-lightweight plates) and sheet photopolymer plates (including DuPont DigiCorr digitally imaged plates with flat top dots). Supporting accessories include BullsEye pin-registration system, ProFlex 2 cushion products, and ContainerStrap mounting system (standard and Low Profile).
- SNAP Software Award-winning software that automates the creation of graphics for shipping containers, providing fast, accurate, and repeatable graphics for secondary packaging. Targeted at consumer product companies managing brand graphics.
- CODA Software Web-based system giving Consumer Product Companies access to tooling orders, with features including online approvals, job tracking, archiving, and tooling asset management.
- CGC Color Center (Pre-Press Services) Pre-press and plate-making technology combined with experienced graphic artists and technicians, providing advanced screening, flat top dots, digital proofing, color management (including GMG Color Management System), and consultation services for web-flexo printers and converters.
- Training Programs Training offerings for the converting industry including seminars, live video conferences from a Toledo, OH studio equipped with die making and plate making equipment, Train the Trainer (T3) modules for developing customer training experts, and the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) connecting customers with CGC technical experts via the web for troubleshooting and best practices.
- Supplies and Consumables Catalog of materials for making and maintaining cutting dies and printing plates, including mounting materials, printing gauges, cleaning solutions, cutting rule, creasing rule, rubber and elastomers, and die making tools.
- CUE Die Cutter Blankets Exclusive agent relationship for CUE (Cover Up Engineering) die cutter blankets in North America and many parts of the world, anvil covers and blankets for corrugated converting equipment.
Quantifiable outcome
- MicroTrim Plus reduces board trim by more than half (up to 60%)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Container Graphics Corporation
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Container Graphics Corporation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature20 records
Container Graphics Corporation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- CUE (Cover Up Engineering)coreCUE is the exclusive manufacturer of die cutter blankets. CGC serves as CUE's exclusive agent in North America and many parts of the world for anvil covers and blankets.
- Truform Laser Dies Ltd.coreLeading flat and rotary die maker in Europe. Licensed to produce CGC rotary cutting dies. Represents CGC product offering throughout Europe.
- Davis Graphics SAcorePremier supplier to printing and packaging industry in Chile. Maintains a CGC training center. Covers Chilean market.
- Decon Negociaciones SACcoreExclusive representative for CGC in Peru and Ecuador. Covers the Andean market region.
- TRADECOM ER ASOCIADOS LTDA.coreLeading supplier of consumables for corrugated and solid fiber industries in Colombia.
- ReProSAcoreCovers all of Central America from Costa Rica. Maintains a CGC training center.
- Ultrapress GraphicscoreLicensed manufacturer of CGC cutting dies located in greater Monterrey, Mexico.
- Smart ClicheriacoreLeading flat and rotary die maker and printing plate manufacturer in Brazil. Authorized distributor representing CGC product offering throughout Brazil.
- Amani S.A.coreCovers the entire Ecuadorian corrugated market with an extensive inventory of CGC products.
- Container Graphics Limited (Canadian Subsidiary)coreWholly-owned subsidiary in North York, Ontario providing full service die shop manufacturing for Canadian market and Northwest New York State.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Container Graphics Corporation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bobst Group: Bobst is a global manufacturer of packaging machinery, printing equipment, and converting tools including flatbed and rotary die cutting equipment. CGC explicitly manufactures Bobst-compatible die sets, making Bobst a closely aligned competitor in the corrugated converter tooling category with overlapping customers and complementary product lines.
- Atlas Die LLC: Atlas Die is a North American manufacturer of flatbed and rotary steel rule dies for the folding carton and corrugated industries. Like CGC, Atlas Die sells directly to packaging converters and competes for the same flat die business with comparable product specifications.
- Marbach Group: Marbach is one of the world's largest manufacturers of cutting dies, laser tooling, and counter plates for the packaging industry. Both companies serve corrugated and folding carton converters with similar rotary and flatbed die solutions, making them direct competitors in the same niche tooling category.
- Kocher + Beck: Kocher + Beck manufactures rotary cutting dies, flexible dies, and hot foil stamping tooling for labels, packaging, and corrugated converters. The company competes head-to-head with CGC in rotary die cutting and supplies many of the same web-flexo and corrugated customers.
- Asahi Photoproducts: Asahi Photoproducts is a global manufacturer of flexographic printing plates including liquid photopolymer plates used in corrugated printing. It directly competes with CGC's liquid and sheet photopolymer plate offerings for the same web-flexo and corrugated converter customers.
- DuPont Cyrel: DuPont's Cyrel brand is the dominant manufacturer of flexographic printing plates globally, including the DigiCorr digitally imaged plates CGC resells through the CGC Color Center. DuPont is both a competitor (manufacturing plates directly) and a technology partner (supplying plates that CGC distributes).
Broad incumbents
- Flint Group: Flint Group is a major global supplier of printing consumables including flexographic printing plates, sleeves, and inks. Flint Group competes with CGC's printing plate business across web-flexo and corrugated customers, offering a broader consumables portfolio alongside plates.
- Mark Andy: Mark Andy is a leading manufacturer of narrow-web flexographic printing presses and related consumables including plates. It competes with CGC in flexo printing plates and serves overlapping web-flexo converter customers, though its primary focus is the press equipment rather than the tooling consumables.
- Esko (Veralto/Danaher): Esko is a leading supplier of prepress workflow software, color management, and plate imaging technology for the packaging industry. CGC's SNAP and CODA software compete with Esko's broader packaging workflow platform, and the two companies target overlapping consumer product company and converter customers.
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen is a global incumbent in commercial printing and packaging equipment, including postpress die cutting and finishing. While CGC is a focused specialty tooling supplier, Heidelberg serves overlapping corrugated and folding carton customers with broader printing press and finishing portfolios.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Container Graphics Corporation social profiles
Digital presenceContainer Graphics Corporation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Container Graphics Corporation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Container Graphics Corporation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Container Graphics Corporation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Container Graphics Corporation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Container Graphics Corporation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Container Graphics Corporation
What does Container Graphics Corporation do?
Container Graphics Corporation (CGC) manufactures rotary and flat cutting dies, flexographic printing plates (liquid and sheet photopolymer), and provides pre-press, color management, and workflow services for the corrugated packaging and brand packaging industry. The company supplies dies, plates, and consumables alongside proprietary workflow software (SNAP and CODA) and operates 16+ manufacturing locations across North America with international distribution.
Is Container Graphics Corporation a public or private company?
Container Graphics Corporation is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Container Graphics Corporation founded?
Container Graphics Corporation was founded in 1960. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Container Graphics Corporation based?
Container Graphics Corporation is headquartered in Cary, United States, in the North America region.
How does Container Graphics Corporation make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Cutting Dies (Rotary and Flat) is the primary driver. The others are printing Plates, supplies and Consumables, pre-press and Workflow Services and training Services.
Who are Container Graphics Corporation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bobst Group, Atlas Die LLC, Marbach Group, Kocher + Beck, Asahi Photoproducts and DuPont Cyrel. Broad incumbents are Flint Group, Mark Andy, Esko (Veralto/Danaher) and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen.
Does Container Graphics Corporation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Container Graphics Corporation.
What industry is Container Graphics Corporation in?
Container Graphics Corporation's product category is Corrugated Packaging Tooling. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAKAN, Finishing, Converting & Die-Cutting Services, with a secondary code of IMALAKAI, Corrugated & Case Printing (Preprint/Postprint). Its NAICS code is 333993 and its SIC code is 3555.