AICC Chairman Harris (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Moderator Mike Kohler of Kohler Coating referred to the supply chain disruptions of the past two years as “the proverbial monkey wrench in the gears” of an efficiently operating industry. “Everyone, whether suppliers or con- verters, has experienced it,” he said. Machine Compare is helping alleviate the current sup- ply chain challenges by creating a global online pool of spare parts across all industries. Findley’s research shows upwards of $285,000 worth of excess spare parts in the corrugated industry alone. Machine Compare CEO Ben- jamin Findley said that this inventory could be tapped if it were catalogued in a single online platform to provide a faster delivery of already-available parts and components to plant sites when needed. This practice is common in industries such as aviation, and Findley foresees it could also apply to the corrugated converting sector. Mark McNay of SMC Packaging Group presented two perspectives in his company’s experience with supply chain slowdowns: first, as a consumer of materials for the production of corrugated boxes; and second as a suppli- er to his customers. In the first instance, McNay cited the principal concerns of many boxmakers: containerboard, sheets and the “other raws” of starch, pallets, glue and other consumables. He listed other areas where SMC and others have experienced delays: OEM parts; capital equip- ment; transportation in the forms of trucks and rail cars; natural gas and diesel fuel and electricity.
AICC Emerging Leaders Program offers training, network- ing and leadership opportunities to young people who are ready to commit to their professional development. Harris said she is a big believer in these programs, not- ing that they are there for the industry, AICC members and associates alike and are truly worth the investment. As a host to a previous Emerging Leader trip, Harris urges AICC members to embrace their own “superstars” within these programs. “Just seeing their excitement about our industry gave me confidence in the future health and growth of not only my company, but our industry as a whole,” she said. Converters, Suppliers Talk Supply Chain Challenges At CorrWeek A panel made up of converters and solution suppliers discussed the challenges of delays and disruptions in the raw material supply chain during a breakout session last month at AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week 2022 in San An- tonio, Texas. Panelists included Benjamin Findley of Machine Com- pare, Mark McNay of SMC Packaging Group and Andrew Akers of Akers Packaging Service Group, who spoke to the 100-plus people in attendance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985
Give your digital marketing campaign a boost! Leverage your message to your potential customers with the credibility of Board Converting News behind it. Sponsor a weekly Monday issue or we’ll send out an eblast any day of the week to our full online circulation. You provide the copy, images and link to a video or website and we’ll do the rest! Contact Len Prazych 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
28 October 3, 2022
www.boardconvertingnews.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker