The founder and chairman of BluePrint Automation, Inc., Bob Prakken, passed away on Jan. 6, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Seeing an unfilled need for automatic casepacking of flexible bags, Mr. Prakken founded BluePrint Automation in 1978 out of the proverbial garage. Over the years, the company quickly grew into a multinational operation with three manufacturing plants employing more than 250 people worldwide.

As a pioneer and innovator in the food packaging industry, Mr. Prakken received numerous awards, including the Golden Ice Crystal Pioneering Achievement Award in 2005.

In 2001 the Dutch government recognized Bob Prakken for his many accomplishments by honoring him with the prestigious "Knight of the Dutch Lion" award.

Over the last 10 years Mr. Prakken combined his passion for engineering and innovation with his love for the ocean and yachting, designing two highly advanced composite based motor-yachts and a revolutionary 60-foot carbon fiber sail-yacht.