Interfilm Achieves 'Superior' Rating in Its First Audit From American Institute of Baking

Interfilm Holdings Inc., a leading national value-added distributor of thin-gauge plastic films, recently received its first-ever audit from the American Institute of Baking (AIB) at the company's headquarters facility here.

With a possible top score of 1,000, the company scored 900 points which places them in the 'Superior' category, the highest of the audit categories.

The AIB audit evaluates the entire production process, from receipt of raw materials through shipment of finished goods. Operational methods, food safety maintenance systems, cleaning, pest management and food safety program adequacy comprise the specific assessment categories.

"Our packaging market includes many customers in baking and food processing," explained Cindy Simpler, senior vice president of operations for Interfilm. "Achieving a Superior rating from the American Institute of Baking validates Interfilm's commitment to quality and food safety, which are understandably critical concerns for our customers.

"We have found that customers in all of our markets have increasingly high standards for product quality and safety. More customers scrutinize supplier products, processes, systems, and controls as part of their approval process," Simpler added.

The AIB is an international corporation founded by the North American wholesale and retail baking industries in 1919 as a technology transfer center for bakers and food processors. The original mission of the organization was to "put science to work for the baker," a basic theme still central to all of the programs, products and services provided by AIB to baking and general food production industries worldwide. The organization has its headquarters in Manhattan, Kansas.

The AIB audit program includes (1) a systematic evaluation to determine if programs and related activities achieve planned expectations, (2) the review or challenging of written programs, documentation of activities, corrective actions/trends, (3) an aid to determining the correlations between documented procedures and activities and actual execution, and (4) a potential assistance in identifying root cause, which can lead to long term corrective action.

Regarding the scope of the audit, the AIB, in contrast, defines an "inspection" as an assessment at a "moment in time" which identifies positive and negative conditions and could lead to an evaluation of programs and systems.

Interfilm's goal is to have all of its converting facilities audited by the AIB in the next 12-18 months. Next up is the company's facility in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., where an audit is scheduled for mid-August 2010.

As a leading converter and distributor of thin-gauge plastic films, Interfilm's products include polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, cellophane, brushed films, compostable films and metal adhesion films. Interfilm markets encompass labels and graphic arts, flexible packaging, folding carton, envelopes, flexible plastic air ducts and industrial films.

Interfilm headquarters are at 127 Turningstone Court, Greenville, S.C. 29611. The mailing address and phone numbers are: P.O. Box 51128, Piedmont, S.C. 29673. Telephone 864-269-4690, toll free at 1-800-648-4828 and the fax number 864-269-5048.

Interfilm operates additional converting plants in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Glastonbury, Conn.; and North Aurora, Ill. Its specialty film operation, known as Brushfoil, is located in Guilford, Conn.

Recent Achievements at Interfilm
The 2010 audit level achieved by Interfilm is accompanied by a number of accomplishments which have positioned the company toward continued success.

In August 2009, Interfilm's North Aurora, Ill., facility received Orion Energy Systems' Environmental Stewardship Award for achieving significant environmental benefits through the use of Orion's energy-efficient products and systems. Approximately 58,000 square feet of warehouse and machine areas were retrofitted with the high-intensity fluorescent Orion lighting system, with an equivalent savings of 9,270 gallons of gas annually.

In June 2009, a new Kampf high-speed slitter and rewinder was installed in the Illinois facility. The slitter/rewinder is designed to deliver excellent roll quality and maximum throughput. In addition, the design emphasizes operator safety with guarding, safe zones, and automated material handling.

Interfilm has invested heavily in the Illinois operation over the past four years, purchasing three high speed slitters, a new doctor machine, and adding 17,000 square feet of warehouse space. The facility is well-equipped to provide quality products with quick turnaround for Interfilm's Midwest customers.

In May 2009, Interfilm announced signing a distributor agreement with NanoPack Inc. of Wayne, Pa. NanoPack has developed proprietary barrier coatings that substantially improve existing methods of creating clear barrier films used in packaging consumer products such as foods.

Interfilm has expanded warehouse space at two locations to increase its ability to service customers as volumes and products increase.

In Glastonbury, Conn., 18,000 square feet of warehouse were added to the existing building. The modification provides much needed space and enables future upgrades to the converting area. The total building footage is now 46,000 square feet. Glastonbury also increased capacity with the addition of an 80-inch state-of-art slitter/rewinder last fall.
Interfilm expanded its headquarters and Southeast converting facility by 36 percent in 2008, and in 2007, made international news with its acquisition of Brushfoil LLC, the world?s leader in metallized brushed films for labels, lamination and high-tech appliance and automotive applications.

Further information about Interfilm Holdings Inc. can be found at www.interfilm-usa.com