Converting Technology

What Converting Technology does

Converting Technology is a U.S.-based, privately held manufacturer of precision die-cutting, embossing, foil-stamping, and braille tooling serving folding carton, corrugated, food packaging, commercial print, and pharmaceutical packaging converters across North America. Operating as two coordinated entities — Converting Technology, Inc. (CTI) for steel rule cutting dies, counters, Dynastrip stripping sets, blankers, custom rule, and reverse cut tooling, and Converting Technology Engraving, Inc. (CTE) for laser engraving, foil stamping, embossing/debossing, braille, and 3D simulation/proofing — the company supplies press-ready tooling designed to reduce make-ready time, eliminate multiple passes, and maximize net sheets per hour on high-speed die cutters. Production relies on CNC machining, laser engraving (the first U.S. engraving application of the technology), water jet cutting of rubber, and 3D Dynastrip tooling, complemented by a master-die library that enables repeat orders from unique job numbers and a BOBST certified die-maker designation that qualifies tools for full-speed operation on BOBST presses.

The business model is a custom, quote-based tooling sale with professional services layered on. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time sales of build-to-print steel rule dies, counters, embossing/debossing tools, foil stamping dies, reverse cut plates, in-line emboss and braille kits, and laser-engraved components, with all orders custom-quoted per specification and the average turnaround running 3.4 days. A smaller revenue layer comes from on-site technical training (pre-make ready, cutting press make ready, in-line emboss, reverse cutting, Braille) and from press retrofits/upgrades (frame adapter kits, press leveling, cutting chase re-builds). The go-to-market is enterprise direct sales supported by a customer service team handling orders via dedicated email addresses and a self-serve quoting/schedule portal (ctionlinequoting.xojocloud.net); demand is generated through LinkedIn, YouTube, email newsletters, the company website, and annual IADD Odyssey trade show participation.

Since November 2022, Converting Technology has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of DFC Manufacturing Group, LLC (an affiliate of Confluent Holdings, LLC), a roll-up platform whose other brands include Accuzona Steel Rule Dies, Larkin Industries, Sharples, Triangle Dies and Supplies, and Tru-Cut, LLC. A CTE joint venture with Lasercomb Group UK, formed in 2014, brings European engraving technology into the Elk Grove Village, IL facility, and the May 2024 acquisition of Atlas/Impact Dies by the parent (integrated as CTI Cutting Dies) extended the folding carton tooling footprint. Leadership transitioned in July 2023 with founder John Norgard's retirement and the elevation of 16-year veteran Tom Driscoll to General Manager of CTI/CTE.

Name

Converting Technology

Legal name

Converting Technology, INC & Converting Technology Engraving, INC

Website

https://converting-technology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Converting Technology is a U.S. manufacturer of precision die-cutting, embossing, foil stamping, and braille tooling serving folding carton, corrugated, and pharmaceutical packaging converters across North America, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of DFC Manufacturing Group since November 2022.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Tooling for Packaging

NAICS

Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing (333514), Converted Paper Product Manufacturing (3222), Forging and Stamping (3321)

SIC

Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Metal Forgings & Stampings (3460)

akta.pro primary industry

Finishing, Converting & Die-Cutting Services (IMALAKAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paper & Paperboard Packaging Converting & Finishing (Die-Cutting, Gluing, Windowing, Coating) (IMALACAL), Paper Converting Services (slitting, sheeting, coating, laminating, rewinding) (IMAMAHAJ), Finishing & Post-Press Services (Cutting, Folding, Collating, Laminating, Foil, Emboss) (MPAJALAF)

Keywords

• Die-cutting tooling
• Steel rule dies
• Laser engraving tooling
• Folding carton tooling
• Foil stamping dies

Headquarters

HQ city

Elk Grove Village

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Custom Tooling Sales: One-time purchase of custom steel rule cutting dies, counters, embossing/debossing tools, foil stamping dies, and other press-ready tooling. Products are manufactured to customer specifications and are typically repeat orders based on stored job numbers and specifications.
2. Technical Training Services: On-site training programs for pre-make ready and cutting press make ready, tailored to address specific customer needs. Training provided for in-line emboss, reverse cutting, and Braille operations.
3. Press Retrofits & Upgrades: Frame adapter kits, press leveling and maintenance, and cutting chase re-builds to modernize customer equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Converting Technology manufactures and supplies precision die-making and tooling products for the packaging and converting industry through its two operating entities, CTI (Converting Technology, Inc.) and CTE (Converting Technology Engraving, Inc.). The portfolio includes steel rule cutting dies, counters, dynastrip stripping tools, blankers, custom rule, custom cut dies, machined nicking, laser engraving, foil stamping tooling, steel laser plates, embossing and debossing tools, Braille tooling, and inline die-cutting solutions, complemented by on-site customer training and technical support services such as press retrofits and upgrades.

Product overview

Converting Technology is a dual-company entity (CTI and CTE) offering a comprehensive portfolio of die-making and tooling products for the packaging and converting industry. CTI (Converting Technology, Inc.) specializes in steel rule cutting dies, counters, stripping tools, blankers, and custom rule products, while CTE (Converting Technology Engraving) focuses on laser engraving, foil stamping tooling, embossing/debossing, and braille products. Together they provide press-ready tooling systems designed to take variables out of die-cutting, including Steel Rule Cutting Dies, Counters, Dynastrip, Blankers, Custom Rule, Custom Cut Dies, Machined Nicking, Laser Engraving, Foil Stamping Tooling, Steel Laser Plates, Embossing & Debossing, Deboss Slugs, Braille, 3D Simulations & Proofing, and inline solutions for embossing, debossing, and braille. The company also offers customer training and technical support services including press retrofits and upgrades.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Steel Rule Cutting Dies Precision steel rule cutting dies for die-cutting presses, designed to improve make-ready times and increase running speeds. All dies are measured on Acu-Guage prior to shipment.
• Counters Phenolic and steel counters CNC machined to exacting tolerances to maximize press performance and ensure consistent scoring quality on all cartons.
• Dynastrip 3D stripping tools that allow machine pins to be set at three different heights, reducing stripping pin resistance and optimizing waste removal.
• Blankers Angle Lock blanking system designed to be the best available for blanking tools, featuring tool design software, components, and accessories for precise and rigid blanking.
• Custom Rule Specialty rule products including Dovetail interlocking puzzle locking rule and Accu-Combo Cut/Crease rule manufactured in-house.
• Custom Cut Dies Etched and machined sharpened cut plates mounted to precision ground brass receptors with machined cavities for full height ejection rubber.
• Machined Nicking CNC machined nicks on dieboards using diamond nicking wheels for precise and repeatable nick depth and width; CTI is the only die-making company in the U.S. to offer this.
• Laser Engraving Laser etching technology that creates perfect 90-degree walls and consistent depths, enabling excellent foil release on fine type and intricate foiling patterns; first engraving company in the U.S. to utilize laser technology for this purpose.
• Foil Stamping Tooling Brass hot foil stamping tooling including flat foiling dies, sculptured combo foiling dies, combo foiling dies, texturing foil dies, and insert foiling dies.
• Steel Laser Plates Laser plate system designed to reduce make ready for projects requiring tight register, compatible with all honeycomb and Speedchases, featuring MicroFlex adjustment system.
• Embossing and Debossing Quality embossing and debossing tools ranging from single level effects to multi-level 3-dimensional creations, available in brass, light machineable phenolic, and high performance plastic.
• Deboss Slugs CNC machined deboss slugs in high performance plastic or brass, available in any font, image, or shape with consistency across pieces.
• Braille Tooling Braille tooling for rotary inline folder gluer applications and Bobst Accu-Braille and Cava-Rotobraille machines with non-burst dot profile exceeding CEN standard.
• 3D Simulations and Proofing Engraving software-based 3D simulation of artwork to review emboss shape and detail ahead of production, with proof samples available up to 40 inch format.
• Inline Braille Brass male forces for inline braille production with magnetic and fast-fit options, featuring non-burst dot profile exceeding CEN standard and compatible with BANA/ECMA Standards.
• Inline Embossing and Inline Debossing Press-ready inline embossing and debossing tool sets that reduce make-ready times, eliminate multiple passes, with interchangeable multiple designs and micro adjustment for print-to-emboss register.
• Inline Deboss Slugs Fully machined inline deboss slugs in high performance plastic or brass with exact height tooling and consistency across multiple pieces.
• Reverse Cuts and Anvils CNC milled reverse cut products using 50 Rockwell Stainless Steel with precision tolerances and durability, plus CNC machined plastic anvils for consistent finished cartons.
• Customer Training and Technical Support Services On-site training programs for pre-make ready and cutting press make ready, including programs for in-line emboss, reverse cutting, and Braille applications, plus technical support services such as press retrofits, frame adapter kits, press leveling and maintenance, and cutting chase re-builds.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average turnaround time of 3.4 days
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Atlas/Impact DiescoreOthers · 1 May 2024Parent company DFC Manufacturing Group acquired Atlas/Impact Dies in May 2024. The acquisition was integrated into CTI operations as 'CTI Cutting Dies'. The merger combines two storied names with seamless transition for customers.
• BOBSTcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022CTI completed the BOBST certified die-maker program, collaborating with BOBST on best layout and tooling design methods. CTI attended the global gathering of certified die makers in Lausanne, Switzerland and continues to participate in the Certified Die Maker program. BOBST has endorsed CTI's capabilities.
• SharplesminorOthers · 1 January 2022Sharples is a sister company under DFC Manufacturing Group LLC, also a supplier of press ready tooling to the carton industry based in North Attleboro, MA. Both companies participated together in ICG supplier recognition.
• Lasercomb Group UKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2014CTE is the result of a joint venture between Converting Technology, Inc. (CTI) and the Lasercomb Group UK. CTI and Lasercomb have maintained a strong working relationship for 25+ years. CTE began manufacturing products within CTI's Elk Grove Village, IL facility in August 2014. The partnership enables CTE to manufacture superior tools and continually develop innovative products.
• International Die Group (IDG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000CTI participates in the International Die Group (IDG), a collaborative group gathering for over 20 years to share ideas on new products and processes. IDG meetings enable CTI to be a global competitor and share information regarding successes of the certified die maker program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Triangle Dies and Supplies: DFC Manufacturing Group sister company operating in Batavia, IL and Brooklyn Park, MN, providing cutting dies and supplies to converters — directly comparable product line under shared parent.
• Larkin Industries: DFC Manufacturing Group sister company in St. Paul, MN, producing steel rule dies and converting tooling — closely comparable in product mix and customer base.
• Marbach Group: German-headquartered, global die-maker serving folding carton and corrugated converters with cutting dies, makeready tools, and packaging services. Directly comparable as a specialty tooling supplier to the same packaging converter customer base as CTI.
• Sharples (DFC Manufacturing Group): Sister company under DFC Manufacturing Group, supplying press-ready tooling to the carton industry out of North Attleboro, MA. Closely comparable as a sister die-maker brand serving the same folding carton customer base.
• Standard Die International: U.S. die-maker producing steel rule cutting dies, embossing dies, and press-ready tooling for folding carton and corrugated converters — directly overlapping CTI's core product portfolio and customer base.
• Preco Inc. U.S. manufacturer of precision die-cutting systems and laser machining equipment serving the converting industry. Directly comparable in laser die-cutting and converting machinery technology used by packaging converters.
• Zünd: Swiss-headquartered manufacturer of digital cutting systems including die-cutting solutions for packaging. Closely aligned with CTI in serving packaging converters' cutting/die-making workflow needs.
• Accuzona Steel Rule Dies: DFC Manufacturing Group sister company in Phoenix, AZ, providing steel rule dies and related tooling to packaging converters — directly comparable product line and customer segment.

Broad incumbents

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: Major global supplier of printing and packaging equipment; competes through full-system sales that may include or substitute for independent tooling — broad incumbent with overlapping capabilities in the converting workflow.
• BOBST: Global leader in packaging and printing machinery including die-cutting presses. CTI is a BOBST Certified Die Maker, but BOBST operates the upstream press machinery side, occasionally competing with independent die-makers for OEM-aligned tooling spend.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWEd7tZykIbPSr4zH3WqUEA?view_as=subscriber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/converting-technology-inc/about
• Facebookfacebook.com/CreatingTheRightImpressions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Converting Technology