It's Been A Long Journey

Managing Director, John Kortegast has almost 40 years of specialised experience in the Flexible Packaging Industry. Based on his extensive background working in multiple countries around the world, he has become known by his peers as one of the best points of contact for discussing and implementing new technology for business development. Read more about his history below, hopefully this will give you and your company the confidence you need to be assured you have come to the right place.

Managing Director John Kortegast's 40 Year History

1976-1982

Fitter & Turner / Machinist - Christchurch

Apprentice Fitter Turner & Machinist for 4 years. Achieved NZ Trade Certification January 1980.
Trained in machinery maintenance of blown film extrusion lines, flexographic printing presses, plastic and paper bag convertors, waxing and coating machinery and general plant maintenance. Trained in planning and machinery installations and relocations.

1982-1985

Fitter & Turner / Machinist - South Africa

The company manufactured conveyor belt machinery and belt joining clip systems for the gold mines. John’s job was to supervise set and assist operators of production machine tools and ensure they achieve their daily targets. Also assist with the design and manufacturing of dies to make numerous componentry parts required by the customers. John was required to visit the customers on site at the mines to market, promote and demonstrate the special features of the company’s products.

1985-1987

Maintenance Engineer - Christchurch

Duties to diagnose remove, repair or recondition, test and refit hydraulic rams off all types of machinery. John’s work was carried out both in the specialized workshop provided by the company where he was required to accurately utilize and operate all the machine tools needed to complete each job to tight specifications. Some specialised jobs were required to be executed in the field.

1987-2018

Managing Director - Tauranga

John commenced employment with Polymark Packaging Ltd March 1987 as the Maintenance Engineer in their Mount Maunganui plant. Duties involved managing and carrying out:

preventative maintenance and repairs
complete full machinery reconditioning
assisting with special machine setting techniques
design and build original machines to complete new production requirements
managing and executing complete plant and machinery relocations, with research into select purchase install and commission both new and second-hand machinery for the company

In 1998 John moved into a management roll, while still maintaining a hands-on approach to all plant and maintenance engineering duties he soon became very involved in the company’s management. During this period the company grew significantly and ultimately led to the acquisition of a opposition company in 2008, which resulted in a full take over and both companies renaming to Polyprint Packaging.

For the next 10 years John regularly travelled between the two Polyprint factories to ensure that under both factories were kept working efficiently and in harmony with each other. During this period, John successfully endeavoured to replace several older machines in both factories resulting in continued and significant growth. Polyprint grew capabilities, sales and prospered, maintaining a good return on investment for the Parent company until it was sold and changed hands in September 2018.

2019 and beyond

EPaC Machinery Solutions

EPaC MSL is a company that John Kortegast has personally set up, specialising in the supply of manufacturing machinery, spare parts and after sales service for the Flexible Packaging Industry.

In conjunction with overseas Principals, EPaC MSL offers an extremely broad skill base for their customers in Australasia who require in-plant machinery design, machinery selection, installation, commissioning and after sales service.

Talk to John today about how EPaC MSL can help your business. “I’ll always be happy to help” – John Kortegast.