An apparatus and method for printing onto and erecting a box. A feeder holds knockdowns, which are transported to a printer in a substantially vertical position and printed upon. An upper knockdown kickout guide and a lower knockdown kickout move the knockdown into a diagonal position and impel it forward such that the knockdown is momentarily airborne. A roller or rollers facilitate the entry of the printed knockdown into a hopper by minimizing horizontal friction encountered by the printed knockdown. The printed knockdowns are transported from the hopper to an erector, where they are erected into completed boxes.
