Mill Rock Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)
less on finding perfect experience and more on identifying potential. “We look for curiosity, for people who want to learn and grow,” she said. Programs designed to bring new talent into the indus- try and develop them from the ground up are a key part of that approach. New employees are often paired with experienced operators, creating an environment where knowledge flows both ways. “We teach each other,” she noted. That philosophy extends to how the company is pre- paring for the future. Lynnette sees technology, including AI, as a tool that will reshape how work gets done, but only when paired with the right people and mindset. “The sky is the limit,” she said, pointing to the impor- tance of combining technical knowledge with new capa- bilities to drive efficiency, decision-making, and customer experience. You Can See Yourself Here Shelly Thurman, a material handler in the Finishing De- partment, moved confidently across the floor on a forklift,
Where Investment Becomes Impact What stood out was not just the level of investment, but how thoughtfully it has been integrated. A defining example is the addition of the Koenig & Bau- er Rapida 164 eight-color UV press. The Renton site has operated Koenig & Bauer equipment since 1990, including a long-running press affectionately labeled “Ol Faithful.” Today, that legacy stands side by side with the future. This investment is about more than equipment. It is about scale, capability, and long-term positioning. With a 25 percent larger sheet size and faster run speeds, the new press is expected to increase capacity by as much as 30 percent, strengthening its ability to meet high-volume demand while maintaining precision and quality. People First, In Practice Yet throughout the visit, Lynnette and the leadership team returned to a consistent point: technology only per- forms when people do.
“Putting people first doesn’t mean everything is per- fect,” she explained. “It means we treat people as human beings, not as a cog in the wheel, and we think about how our decisions affect their lives.” Across the facility, new systems are improving work- flow, strengthening quality, and increasing efficiency. But what makes those systems effective is the engagement of the team using them. There is accountability in how work is executed, pride in the output, and alignment around ex- pectations. Build Strength Where It Matters Lynnette’s approach to leadership challenges conven- tional thinking around performance. Rather than focusing primarily on correcting weakness- es, she emphasizes building on strengths. “If someone is a five in one area and a ten in another, you’ll get far more impact by developing the ten,” she explained. The goal is not to ignore weaknesses, but to ensure they do not derail performance while focusing energy on From left, Tristan Butcher, Emily Leoncyzk, PPC President, and Lynnette Crowder.
her presence both strong and expressive. It was a moment that captured something larger: the importance of creating space for people to see themselves in this industry. For Lynnette, that visibility matters, especially for the next generation. “I remember being the only woman in many of my classes and meetings,” she reflected. Today, that is changing. “There are more women in leadership roles, and more people who can look around and see someone who understands their experience.” Still, she is intentional about continuing that progress, ensuring that others have the support and visibility she did not always have early in her career. That sense of connection extends beyond Mill Rock. Through PPC’s Women in Packaging community, Lynnette has found an additional layer of engagement and support. “I don’t think I would have felt as connected to PPC without that group,” she said. Why This Industry Keeps Pulling People Back As Mill Rock continues to grow, maintaining a balance between scale, culture, technology, and people remains a priority. In Renton, that alignment is already taking shape. A powerhouse not just because of its size, but because of the clarity of its direction and the strength of the people driving it forward. From left, Emily Leoncyzk, Shelly Thurman, and Lynnette Crowder.
what drives the greatest impact. Curiosity Is The Starting Point
That same mindset carries into how Mill Rock is ap- proaching workforce development. As the industry faces talent challenges, the Mill Rock leadership team is focused
22 May 11, 2026
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