25 minute read
Annual Product Reference Guide
from OEM Winter 2022
ENERGY EFFICIENT DRYING
3D[WRQ·VKLJKHIILFLHQF\ blowers and air delivery devices improve drying of cans and bottles for high quality labeling and coding, while using 60–80% less energy, typically giving a one year ROI.
NO WATER OR COMPRESSED AIR NEEDED 3D[WRQ·V1HZ,RQL]HG Air System replaces both water rinsing and compressed air rinsing, using less energy and no wasted resources.
3D[WRQ·VSRZHUIXO air delivery removes particulates, dust and debris efficiently and effectively. And if static cling is an issue, 3D[WRQ·V,RQL]HG$LU Systems dissipate the static then blast the debris away.
BOTTLE AND CAN RINSING
DUST AND DEBRIS BLOW OFF
All Paxton Air Systems are custom-engineered to maximize performance and minimize energy usage.
All Paxton Blowers carry a full three year warranty.
20 years. I was there for 11 years. But we were in a really great time at the company where we were growing share, having fun, and we really made friendships that as we all, at different times, left PepsiCo to go on to our next company or experience, we carried those relationships forward. So we were six women who got together at an event and started talking and laughing about some of the things that happened to us back in those early days of Pepsi working with this very male-dominated bottling system. And we ended up talking about, not #MeToo moments, but these little mini moments that occurred during the day out on a business trip that you laugh at looking back at, but you also cringe because they’re uncomfortable. But you’d take a subject and all of a sudden we’d all start talking about it. We ended up becoming passionate about helping younger women enter their career with our advice about how to handle these little situations, and how men and women in the room might help when they see something like this happening.
Neil: And the book you wrote, tell us about the title.
Hudson: So we wrote a book…31 chapters and we tried to give them catchy handles. One of the chapters was called, “You Should Smile More.” The six of us were talking about things that have happened to us in performance reviews. And it’s never happened to me that somebody has told me that I should smile more, but for my other five sisters, every one of them had that circumstance where somebody had given them that feedback. And we asked men if you’ve been told to smile more, they’re not told to smile more. And smiling more is more personal. Can you work harder with the sales group? Can you develop your public speaking? I mean, have you built the best promotional program integrated with Salesforce? Those are functional things you could talk about. [Smiling] is a personal thing and that shouldn’t come into a business review. So we all had a lot of chats on what we should call the book, and we thought that one connected with women.
Neil: Any advice for women entering a male-dominated industry like manufacturing?
Hudson: So it’s really important that as you enter a different culture that you make sure you bring your whole self to work and you voice, again, in a nice way, how things could be done differently. Or if you have a certain dressing style and they don’t dress that way, still dress that way because that’s you and that’s your personality. And I think that over time, you will connect better with people if you’re being yourself, you’re being authentic. Coming in and trying to be something that you’re not usually doesn’t win in terms of connecting with people. Second, make sure that you find a sponsor, male or female, likely male, but somebody who you can go to. Well first, there’s a mentor that you can go through for advice, how to handle this situation. And generally speaking, mentors are lateral or just a little bit ahead of you and they give you good advice but they’re people you have lunch with that you have fun with. But the sponsor is probably somebody you don’t interact a lot with. Maybe it’s the person that hired you, maybe it’s the person that runs your department, but you want to develop that relationship with a sponsor so you can go to them for help. And they’re in a more powerful position to then advocate for you. So think about developing your own network of mentors and sponsors.
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MARKETING INSIGHTS
Video Marketing: Why and How You Should Be Using It
From short, entertaining snippets for social media to longer, how-to explainers showcasing product details, video is a critical part of the marketing toolbox in 2023.
Sharon Taylor, Director of Marketing, PMMI Media Group
Today, most businesses are utilizing video marketing. A State of the Video Marketing 2022 report from video content creator Wyzowl found 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool. In our own Packaging Supplier Marketing Trends and Best Practices 2022 survey, PMMI Media Group found 77% of respondents are currently utilizing or plan to invest in video marketing. In 2023, we predict further video adoption as manufacturers catch up with the broader B2B segment.
Why video
In considering why video has become such an important part of marketing strategies, there are three reasons that stand out to me. First, video humanizes the brands they represent. Advances in mobile phone cameras and lightweight editing tools mean more people have access to create video and can film outside of a studio at locations such as plant facilities and trade shows. To help ease the minds of camera-shy on-air talent, follow simple tips such as drafting a script and filming short takes that can be edited together.
A second benefit to video is that it breaks through the clutter of marketing content. While most marketers utilize video in some form, the overall amount of video produced is still much less than other more saturated channels such as email.
And third, video helps audiences digest content. Just because someone opens an email or clicks on a webpage, it doesn’t mean they’re paying enough attention to fully consume the message. Sharing content through multiple channels offers more ways for the message to penetrate through and video is certainly an engaging channel. For more on the Packaging Supplier Marketing Trends and Best Practices 2022 survey, go to:
oemgo.to/marketingtrends2022
What to film
Video is a great tool to showcase locations viewers might not otherwise see, like plant facilities and corporate offices. A plant video can show your product in action, while filming on location at your corporate office can further humanize your brand. Consider small touches, such as highlighting office staff leading into an executive interview video.
Videos are always a great way to show product detail and 64% of our survey respondents said they currently use video to showcase product demos. Other types of educational video include broad “how to” content relevant across the industry and specific product detail for customers postpurchase.
Content doesn’t need to be long, and in fact, for social media, shorter snippets are best. A 15 to 30 second clip introducing a new product, highlighting an employee, or promoting an upcoming event is a great way to jumpstart your video marketing strategy.
Where to promote
Video can be promoted through just about any channel, but two that are a particularly good fit are social media and a company website. With social media, platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn advocate for video as an engaging content type and reward companies for using video with
Key tips for posting video on social media
•Include captions as up to 85% of people watch social media videos without sound. •Aim to keep length to 30 seconds or less. (Note: When creating a longer video, plan to break it into smaller segments for social). •Don’t forget the copy! Include a compelling headline and limit body copy to 150 characters or less. •Expand your reach by including mentions (of brands or people) and hashtags.
higher impressions than non-video content.
A company website offers a home for videos of all types from company overviews, to testimonials, to a library of tutorial videos. And incorporating video on your website adds significant value. According to research by ComScore, a media measurement and analytics company, websites with video increase their average visitor time on site by two minutes. Regarding search rankings, Forrester Research found video content is 50 times more likely to organically rank on Google vs. plain text results.
Other channels to promote video include events and email. With events, video can serve as either an anchor during event programming or supplemental content such as a looped video at a trade show booth. Including video in marketing email can help increase engagement and even just adding the word “video” to an email subject line has been shown to increase open rates.
Sales teams are also incorporating video into email. With tools like Loom, Vidyard, and Wistia, sales team members can easily record, send, and track videos sent to customers and prospects to supplement introductions, proposals, and feedback requests. For example, including a video RFP response along with a written submission can help you stand out from the competition.
Incorporating more video into your marketing strategy will take practice and commitment. The good news is, it’s easy to start small and a short video is the perfect format to share on social media. If you’re looking to set future goals, most marketers are creating video content monthly.
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Watch this engaging and entertaining short video from the Emerging Brands Alliance, featuring PMG’s Senior News Director Sean Riley. This is the first in a series of introductions to package types and how they are made: oemgo.to/pillowbaggingvideo2022
better products. better solutions. www.mknorthamerica.com
PALLET-HANDLING CONVEYOR SYSTEMS FOR STREAMLINING PRODUCTION
ANNUAL PRODUCT REFERENCE
GUIDE This handy reference guide contains the latest automation components carefully selected for packaging and processing
machine applications, covering the following categories:
SPAN TECH CONVEYORS ..............................................................51 DRIVES & MOTORS ..............................................................................52-53
VDG (VAN DER GRAAF) .................................................................52
2022 PRODUCT REFERENCE GUIDE COMPANY DIRECTORY: PAGES 57-58
CONVEYING
Speed Up Your Changeover Times
EZGUIDE Eliminate safety concerns and decrease changeover times with EZGUIDE Adjustable Guide Rail. | Span Tech Conveyors
CONVEYING
Tackle Tricky Angles & Elevation Change.
Topper Lift • Incline/Decline With a combination of high-friction and conventional chain types the Topper Lift can incline and decline products with ease in a very small footprint.. | Span Tech Conveyors
CONVEYING
er ect or roofin oolin urin
Outrunner Spiral • Incline/Decline Capable of handling a wide range of products without any adjustments. The Outrunner Spiral gives you the capacity to move several product types without ta ing up valuable oor space. Span Tech Conveyors
CONVEYING
i i e ro uct lo e ecti el uic l relia l
High Speed Switch • Sorting & Merging Move your products 24 hours a day. The High Speed Switch divides your products effectively, hile maintaining product pitch. Span Tech Conveyors
DRIVES & MOTORS
VDG Series Drum Motors
Sa e cient elia le on e or elt ri e o aintenance With all drive components enclosed inside the drum, the VDG Drum Motor eliminates maintenance intervals associated with external conveyor drives, increases efficiency, operator safety, and optimi es space utili ation. esigned for 0,000 hrs. of operation before maintenance, reduces operating costs. an er raa
DRIVES & MOTORS
SSV Series Drum Motors
ost ienic on e or elt ri e o ri e Sproc ets it S uare S a t he rum otor features an P sealing system, ithstands 3,000 psi ashdo n pressure, and drives modular, ire mesh, and monolithic conveyor belts ithout using sproc ets. t eliminates crevices that trap food by products and harbor bacteria, reducing ashdo n time and ater usage by 50 . an er raa
DRIVES & MOTORS
ntelli ri e ru otor
S nc ronous er anent a net ru otor i cienc ata ee ac he lntelli rive features ne permanent magnet drum motor technology, delivering 0 higher electrical efficiency, greater performance, and an increase in electric motor lifespan compared to standard induction motors. t provides data feedbac and ider belt speed selection ithout loss of tor ue. an er raa
DRIVES & MOTORS
ron rip La in
ten s on e or elt Li espan ru otor La in ption he patented lron rip agging offered for the drum motor extends the life of the belt and reduces the cost of maintenance. t improves belt trac ing, increases belt traction by 0 , eliminates uneven belt ear and has 5 times longer service life compared to standard lagging. an er raa
DRIVES & MOTORS
Servo Couplings
Servo Couplings for demanding applications The A1C Series Single Flex CD Coupling has very low weight and inertia, making it an excellent choice for today’s most demanding servo motor applications. The unique design delivers two features that are not often found in a precision coupling: High torsional stiffness and high durability. ZERO-MAX
DRIVES & MOTORS
Right Angle Gear Drives
cient an co pact solution ere n ress rotection an or corrosion protection. Dependable, economical transfer of speed or power, the Zero-Max Crown Gear right angle gearboxes are compact and feature efficient, uiet operating spiral bevel gears. IP65-Rated drives with Nickel-Plated housings available from stock in 1:1 and 2:1 speed ratios and two and three-way versions. | ZERO-MAX
MACHINE COMPONENTS
Global Sourcing of Fasteners
Creating a Reliable Fastener Supply Chain • Fasteners With almost 50 years of experience, All-Pro Fasteners has established a global sourcing network that ensures its customers a reliable fastener supply chain. | All-Pro Fasteners
MACHINE COMPONENTS
A2LA-Accredited Quality Assurance Lab
Reliable Fastener Quality • Fasteners All-Pro's manufacturing arm, All-Pro Threaded Products, meets the quality requirements of O 00 : 0 5, il 5 0 , O 0 5, , and specifications, all supported by the company's A2LA-accredited Quality Assurance Lab. | All-Pro Fasteners
MACHINE COMPONENTS
Custom Manufacturing
Fasteners Manufactured to Meet Your Requirements • Fasteners eed a specific fastener until a reliable supply can be sourced, or re uire a related piece of hard are ll Pro s manufacturing division, ll Pro hreaded Products, can meet your needs, offering custom manufacturing meeting the uality re uirements of O 00 : 0 5, il 5 0. All-Pro Fasteners
MACHINE COMPONENTS
VMI/JMI Services
Ensuring Reliable Fastener Supply • Fasteners ll Pro Fasteners offers a ide range of and services to meet the re uirements of material handling O s. ith decades of and fastener supply experience, ll Pro can be counted on to maintain a reliable fastener supply chain for your operation. | All-Pro Fasteners
MACHINE COMPONENTS
XY Galvanometer Sets, Modular Scan Heads, Enclosed Scan Heads High precision beam steering components and solutions engineered to deliver consistent reliability, speed, and accuracy to meet the needs of our OEM and system architect partners. | Novanta
MACHINE COMPONENTS
Zero Contact Digital Processing
Application Specific Laser Solutions Uni uely configured, application specific solutions that include laser source, beam delivery systems, controllers, and software to improve the customer's process performance. | Novanta
MACHINE COMPONENTS
High Performance Lasers
CO2, Solid-State CW, and Ultrafast Lasers Compact, reliable CO2, solid-state continuous wave, and ultrafast laser sources engineered for faster, easier integration into machines and systems for a wide range of zero-contact processing, precision measurement, and inspection applications. | Novanta
MACHINE COMPONENTS
Keyless Connections
Keyless Shaft Bushings are excellent alternative to keyways and tapers. ETP-EXPRESS keyless shaft bushings have only one actuation screw for pressurizing and allow very fast and accurate repositioning of the hub applications where frequent adjustments are required. Other components can be mounted on the shaft all the way up to the ange. tainless and non stainless models. ZERO-MAX
MACHINE SAFETY
Overload Safety Couplings
Overload safety couplings won’t corrode Overload safety couplings from Zero-Max Torq-Tenders are available in special models designed for washdown applications. They clean up easily, won’t corrode, and operate in a wide temperature range. Providing torque limiting and coupling functions in a single, compact unit. | ZERO-MAX
SENSORS & VISION
Dancer Control Ensures Continuous Material Feed
PMI F90 Positioning System The PMI F90 positioning system monitors the guide roller during unwinding and winding of foils and fabrics in packaging machines. To prevent material cracks and tears, the system automatically adapts the speed. Reliable functionality of the positioning system is guaranteed even under harsh conditions: Since it is independent of the distance, exact measurements are achieved within the tolerance range—even under strong vibrations. | Pepperl+Fuchs
SENSORS & VISION
Fail-Safe Detection in Filling Machines
UC18GS Ultrasonic Sensor
eliable presence detection is ey, and the U has it covered. nstead of ta ing a point by point measurement, a sound beam hits the surface of the container over a ide area. his ensures detection even ith varying contours and position deviations and ma es the color and texture of the container surfaces irrelevant. he output configuration as ell as the sound beam radius can be set ith push buttons on the device. Pepperl+Fuchs
SENSORS & VISION
Accurate Detection and Distance Measurement of the Smallest Objects
R10x Photoelectric Sensor Series
On automated conveyor systems, every ob ect needs to be positioned correctly, and every defective ob ect has to be sorted out. ased on the po erful ura eam laser technology, the 0x series photoelectric sensors detect even the smallest ob ects and their features. Pepperl+Fuchs
SENSORS & VISION
Continuous Material Flow in Packaging Machines
F77 Series Ultrasonic Sensor
Ultra compact U F ultrasonic sensors are ideal for space restricted applications and retrofitting existing machines. hey deliver reliable measurement of roll diameter and detection of material brea s, regardless of the material si e, color, or surface. utomatic synchroni ation prevents cross tal and ensures reliable measurements. O in simplifies parameteri ation and enhances sensor communication. Pepperl+Fuchs
SENSORS & VISION
VEGABAR 28
Compact pressure sensor with ceramic cell • Measurement Instrumentation
is a compact pressure sensor outfitted ith a ceramic measuring cell for the measurement of gases, li uids, and vapors up to 30 . luetooth connectivity ma es it easy to set up and configure the sensor irelessly, and the color light ring provides status info at a glance. VEGA Americas, Inc.
SENSORS & VISION
VEGAPULS 6X
One sensor for any level application • Measurement Instrumentation
is the one sensor for any level measurement application, li uids or bul solids. imply provide ith your application details, and they ll build a PU that s right for you. uipped ith s custom radar chip, this sensor offers unparalleled precision and reliability. VEGA Americas, Inc.
SENSORS & VISION
VEGABAR 38
Pressure sensor with ceramic measuring cell • Measurement Instrumentation
3 is a universal pressure sensor capable of measuring gases, li uids, and vapors at temperatures as high as 30 . porting a ceramic measuring cell, this sensor is able to measure abrasive substances ithout ta ing damage. built in display ma es for easy on site operation. VEGA Americas, Inc.
SENSORS & VISION
VEGAPOINT 24
Capacitive Point Level Switch for Adhesive Media • Measurement Instrumentation
PO is a capacitive point level sensor for the measurement of adhesive or pasty materials, capable of detecting the coverage state even ith the strongest of buildup. ts customi able 3 0 color status display allo s for easy monitoring of the measured vessel at a glance. VEGA Americas, Inc.
2022 PRODUCT REFERENCE GUIDE COMPANY DIRECTORY
All-Pro Fasteners
ll Pro Fasteners offers a ide range of fasteners and related services global fastener sourcing, custom manufacturing, and programs. upported by its accredited uality ssurance ab, ll Pro hreaded Products meets the uality re uirements of O 00 : 0 5, il 5 0 , O 0 5, , and specifications. www.apf.com | Arlington, TX | 800-361-6627 Contact: Todd Grzych, Director of Engagement, tgrzych@apf.com
Novanta
Novanta is a trusted technology partner to industrial and medical OEMs with deep proprietary expertise in photonics, vision and precision motion technologies. We engineer mission-critical digitally controlled core components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance to improve productivity and achieve breakthrough performance.. www.novantaphotonics.com | Bedford, MA | 781-266-5700 Contact: rick.elento@novanta.com
Pepperl+Fuchs
From reliable detection to safe identification to exact positioning and measuring: Our automation technology enables smooth processes in a wide range of packaging industry applications. Pepperl+Fuchs is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and application of high-quality factory and process automation products and services. Pepperl+Fuchs pioneered the development of proximity sensors 50 years ago, and continues to set the standard for innovation and quality today. Pepperl+Fuchs has established itself as a partner for globally active operators of automation technology and offers the broadest portfolio of proven components for the requirements of factory and process automation. www.pepperl-fuchs.com/ | Twinsburg, OH | 330-425-3555 Contact: sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com
Span Tech Conveyors
Span Tech is recognized as a global leader in developing unique, customizable technical solutions for processing applications in core industries that include: Food & Beverage production, Manufacturing, Packaging, Distribution, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, and E-Commerce. www.spantechconveyors.com | Glasgow, KY | 270-651-9166 Contact: cary_bolinger@spantechllc.com
VDG (Van der Graaf)
VDG manufactures drum motors for belt conveyor applications with a strong focus on reliability and longevity, delivering robust and efficient conveyor drive solutions for over 35 years. Using cutting-edge production technology, automation, and in-house R&D, VDG ensures product quality, fast delivery, and customer support to a wide customer base. www.vandergraaf.com | Shelby Township, MI | 888-326-1476 Contact: Wan Lin, Customer Service Manager, wlin@vandergraaf.com
VEGA Americas, Inc.
For more than 60 years, VEGA Americas, Inc. has provided industry-leading products for the measurement of level, pressure, density, and weight. Located in Mason, Ohio, VEGA Americas combines manufacturing, distribution, and service for products that represent the most sophisticated process measurement technologies anywhere in the world. www.vega.com | Mason, OH 45036 | 1-800-FOR-LEVEL Contact: americas@vega.com
ZERO-MAX
For over 70 years, Zero-Max, Inc. has been a leading provider of motion control and power transmission solutions worldwide. With strategic distribution points located throughout the world, Zero-Max can deliver your motion control component solution. The Zero-Max brand is known throughout the world for its high quality and premium performance. www.zero-max.com | Plymouth, MN 55441, MI | 763-546-4300 Contact: Brian Mishuk, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, bmishuk@zero-max.com
All Pro Fasteners Inc
Eam-Mosca Corporation
Eriez
Fuji Electric Corp. of America
Lubriplate Lubricants
mk North America, Inc
Novanta
PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023
PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation
PAXTON Products
Pepperl + Fuchs
PMMI 365
PMMI Emerging Brands Alliance
PMMI Foundation Silent Auction
PMMI Media Group Custom Research
POBCO, Inc.
ProFood World Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Awards
Slideways, Inc.
SpanTech, LLC
TAKEX America Inc
VDG (Van der Graaf)
VEGA Americas
Voices of Women in Packaging and Processing
Wipotec - Weighing Technology
Zero Max www.apf.com/material
www.eammosca.com
www.eriez.com
www.americas.fujielectric.com/pinnacle-oem
www.lubriplate.com
www.mknorthamerica.com
www.novantaphotonics.com
www.packexpolasvegas.com
www.shop.patlite.com
www.paxtonproducts.com
www.pepperl-fuchs.com/pr-UC18GS
www.pmmi.org
www.emergingbrandsalliance.org/grants
www.pmmi.org/foundation
www.pmmimediagroup.com/cusom-research
www.pobcoplastics.com
www.pfwgo.to/sema
www.slideways.com
www.spantechconveyors.com
www.takex.com
www.vandergraaf.com/OEM
www.vega.com/vegapoint
www.pmmi.org/ppwin
www.wipotec.wt.com
www.zero-max.com C-1 (onsert)
OEM Magazine (ISSN# 2377-293X) is a trademark application of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. OEM Magazine is published four times annually by PMMI with its publishing office, PMMI Media Group, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60611; 312.222.1010; Fax: 312.222.1310. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL, and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2022 by PMMI. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication must not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Applications for a free subscription may be made online at www.oemmagazine.org/subscribe. Paid subscription rates per year are $80 in the U.S., $125 Canada and Mexico by surface mail; $200 Europe, $400 Far East and Australia by air mail. Single copy price in U.S. is $20. To subscribe or manage your subscription to OEM Magazine, visit www.oemmagazine.org/subscribe. Free digital edition available to qualified individuals outside the United States. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to OEM Magazine, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60611-3789. PRINTED IN USA by Quad Graphics. The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of PMMI. Comments, questions and letters to the editor are welcome and can be sent to: support@oemmagazine.org. Mailing List: We make a portion of our mailing list available to reputable firms. If you would prefer that we don’t include your name, please write us at the Chicago, IL address. Volume 5 • Number 4
Color/Mark Sensors BGS/FGS Sensors
F85RN-ILP
Fiber Optic Sensor with I/O Link Technology
One Last Look at 2022, With an Eye Towards 2023
Ihate to start another column with a line I’m sure you have heard throughout 2022. Still, after the triumphant return of PACK EXPO International in October, it bears repeating. Although our industry has been slowing down a bit from unprecedented highs the past couple of years, our members continue to tell us that they have never been busier, yet familiar challenges remain.
The supply chain continues to be an issue, and experts from Bloomberg to economic forecasters at our Executive Leadership Conference indicate that will be the case through at least the end of 2023. PMMI provided two Town Halls addressing the issue, one from the manufacturers’ perspective and one offering a point of view from suppliers. The workforce issue we have noted for years was reaching crisis levels has, unfortunately, come to fruition. This, coupled with record inflation, continues to challenge the packaging and processing industry and drive change. As we look back at 2022, I see our industry rising to these challenges, old and new. As I mentioned, after four years, the industry came together in a big way at PACK EXPO International. As the largest packaging and processing event in 2022, the show attracted over 44,000 attendees, surpassing the 2018 event. Like PACK EXPO International, EXPO PACK México 2022 also returned after a four-year hiatus and provided nearly 19,000 attendees a place to meet and experience the best and newest packaging and processing technologies in the dynamic Latin American market. Before those two one-of-a-kind events returned, PACK EXPO East in Philadelphia was the largest since its inception, serving as the premier packaging and processing event in the Northeast. Since producing world-class tradeshows is one of our most important jobs, in 2025, PMMI will launch PACK EXPO Southeast in Atlanta. (See pg. 16) One of the most vital features at all of our shows is the engagement of students interested in our industry. At PACK EXPO International 2022, six PMMI Education Partner schools’ students received scholarships at PACK gives Back, totaling $30,000, bringing the total amount of academic scholarships to over $200,000 from the PMMI Foundation in 2022 alone. Our first-ever PACK Challenge brought together some of the brightest high-school-aged students from six schools for a machine-building challenge. Following the competition, the machines were shipped back to the schools to use as a learning tool. With prizes in several categories, the top school won over $10,000 for these future leaders. PMMI workforce initiatives included our usual array of training and certifications, with the PMMI U Skills fund helping to bridge skills gaps for both the current and future workforce. Pearson Packaging, JLS Automation, and R.A Jones are just a sampling of members who have taken advantage of this program to aid the next generation in learning about our industry, helping them train, and, in turn, ensure a skilled future workforce for future hires. I can’t urge you enough to take advantage of this program as PMMI matches your company’s contribution to in-house training or supporting regional education programs of your choice. Throughout the year, we were fortunate to get back together for essential networking and idea exchanges ranging from Top to Top and Vision 2030 to the Executive Leadership Conference with over 150 members from 90 member companies and our Annual Meeting with over 240 PMMI members from 140 member companies. With our PMMI Roadshow, we brought PMMI members and CPG professionals together in St. Louis for a one-day event on addressing industry hot topics. We have done Roadshows in the past, but with Barry-Wehmiller as host and a tour of Anheuser-Busch, it was our most extensive roadshow ever. We followed that up with another event targeting emerging leaders in the current workforce: our first-ever PMMI Young Professionals Conference. This event convened entry to mid-level professionals with sessions on leadership, strategies for employee retention, and more. In addition to providing tools and programs to address specific challenges facing our industry, we know the number one thing you want from PMMI is to connect you with customers. This year we launched PMMI 365, a campaign highlighting all of PMMI’s resources like our industryleading market research and trend reports, personalized customer research, and media brands—like Packaging World, ProFood World, and OEM—to connect members to the latest solutions, trends, and innovations year-round. Finally, I kicked off 2022 talking about it, so ending the year with one more reminder about ProSource seems ideal. I am pleased to say that 90% of our members have completed their member profiles in the directory. Customers taking advantage of ProSource include industry heavyweights Conagra, Hasbro, J.M. Smucker, The Honest Company, Fresh Del Monte, Estee Lauder, Pfizer, Pepsi, AnheuserBusch, GlaxoSmithKline, and Procter & Gamble. Have a wonderful holiday season and all the best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2023.
Jim Pittas is the President & CEO of PMMI. He may be reached at jpittas@pmmi.org or at linkedin.com/in/jimpittas.
