A continuing education program launched earlier this year by Cullman, Alabama based Rusken Packaging has proven to be a big hit among those who are ready to up their game in the world of corrugated boxes.
Rusken University graduated 13 people from its inaugural class in March and there is already a waiting list for the next session. The three-day, in-person program was designed for Rusken employees, industry partners and other corrugated professionals who want to learn more about the industry.
“Whether you are a customer service rep, or one of our partners, you want to be confident when talking to customers in your packaging knowledge so you can be a trusted supplier,” said Chief Operating Officer Randy Whiteaker. “Our vision for the program is to see employees and partners complete the course with a better understanding of the corrugated basics to help better serve their customers.”
Courses include Corrugated 101, Design Basics, Equipment and Capabilities and Positional Selling taught by six of Rusken’s packaging experts. Rusken’s industry partners said they especially enjoyed the tour of the plant to see how the boxes are made and how advanced the systems and processes are from corrugated sheets all the way to the finished product. Another standout on the tour was the variety of equipment that Rusken uses in those processes.
“What I loved about our plant tour was the fact that I could see all the wonderful capabilities of Rusken Packaging and what the opportunities could be for my customers,” said Gordon Wright of Rusken Packaging in Knoxville.
Students also spent a full day in the Design Lab, both of which generated enthusiastic feedback from students. One noted how quickly Rusken’s team works to turn around designs and samples.
“What a fabulous, fabulous class,” said industry partner Cindy Butler. “It takes you from the beginning of the process all the way through. On top of that you get to see the wonderful facilities at Rusken and how much they have done to increase the technology of a box.”
Rusken University is free for Rusken employees and its customers and partners. Based on interest received so far, a higher-level course for graduates of the corrugated basics is also planned. The next session will be announced on Rusken’s social media platforms and those interested can apply online at www.rusken.com once the enrollment period starts. Rusken plans to host the program twice a year. Seating is limited.
