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2020 - what challenged us
2020 - What Challenged Us, Changed Us
“As we look back on 2020, our industry should be proud of how we responded, came together and helped. Although we were tested, we are fortunate to belong to a strong, robust, flexible organization providing critical resources when we needed them most.”
Emmanuel Cerf, vice president, Polypack, Inc.
Chairman of the Board, PMMI
Chairman of the Board, PMMI
2020: A Year in review
2020: A Year in Review
Packaging and Processing - More Essential Than Ever
This year, the packaging and processing industry proved more essential than ever. Uniquely positioned to support our members and our industry during these challenging times, now more than ever, PMMI is your answer.
PMMI's Three Pillars
The spread of COVID-19 in North America required all businesses to pivot quickly and, in some cases, change course completely. Our industry was no exception, with the needs and focus of our members changing, and the status of our 2020 trade shows - a crucial pillar - suddenly in question. PMMI’s other two pillars — Business Drivers and PMMI Media Group — allowed us to continue a central part of our mission: connecting the packaging and processing industry.
We provided content and connections swiftly during a very unstable time, thanks to our print and online publications, resources brought by our business drivers, affiliations with organizations ranging from CPA to CPC to NAM — and our most valuable asset: PMMI Members.
The strength of PMMI’s networks allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and support our members.
We provided content and connections swiftly during a very unstable time, thanks to our print and online publications, resources brought by our business drivers, affiliations with organizations ranging from CPA to CPC to NAM — and our most valuable asset: PMMI Members.
The strength of PMMI’s networks allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and support our members.
2020: A Year in review
COVID Resources
When the pandemic hit our members and the industry faced many new challenges, such as how to keep essential production workers safe, and how to maintain effective customer service while following COVID-19 safety guidelines. To address critical issues, PMMI launched our COVID Resource page providing resources to PMMI Members and the industry and enabling the sharing of information and learnings among peers.
The page has had over 11,400 page views by nearly 5,300 visitors.
As the year progressed, so did the needs of our industry. In September we updated the page to focus on business solutions addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges. The page is organized by key business concerns based on what our members told us they were facing – such as connecting with customers, ways to grow their business and adapting operations and field service.
pmmi.org/youranswer
pmmi.org/youranswer
Each section features reports, podcasts, town hall webinars
and more to help the industry navigate these challenging times.
and more to help the industry navigate these challenging times.
Additionally, we curated key government and regulatory resources as well as links to services from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
Now more than ever, the packaging and processing industry needs easy access to peers,
customers and resources to support our business. PMMI is here to do that.
customers and resources to support our business. PMMI is here to do that.
Jim Pittas
“This pandemic has challenged all of us - and changed how we work. As an industry we have evolved and grown stronger. And as we continue to adapt, now more than ever, PMMI is here to support you — connecting you with customers, providing critical business solutions and delivering resources to navigate these challenging times.”
PRESIDENT AND CEO, PMMI
“This pandemic has challenged all of us - and changed how we work. As an industry we have evolved and grown stronger. And as we continue to adapt, now more than ever, PMMI is here to support you — connecting you with customers, providing critical business solutions and delivering resources to navigate these challenging times.”
PRESIDENT AND CEO, PMMI
October 2020
PULSE OF THE INDUSTRY
Pulse of the Industry
PMMI helped its members keep a pulse on the ever-changing industry by offering
timely news, interviews and webinars through many different channels.
timely news, interviews and webinars through many different channels.
PODCASTS
The UnPACKed with PMMI podcast addressed our members’ most pressing business challenges during COVID-19 through discussions with industry influencers, executive Q&As and customers.
In 2020, the podcast released 35 new episodes, with nearly 11,000 downloads before the end of the year.
In 2020, the podcast released 35 new episodes, with nearly 11,000 downloads before the end of the year.
State of the Industry: Promising Times Ahead Amidst COVID-19
Featuring: Jorge Izquierdo, Vice President of Market Development, PMMI
Featuring: Jorge Izquierdo, Vice President of Market Development, PMMI
How to Safely Use Remote Monitoring During COVID-19
Featuring: Spencer Cramer, CEO, Ei3 Corporation
Featuring: Spencer Cramer, CEO, Ei3 Corporation
Hershey Reveals Expectations for Suppliers During COVID-19
Featuring: Josh Becker, Former Senior Manager, Packaging Systems,
The Hershey Company
Featuring: Josh Becker, Former Senior Manager, Packaging Systems,
The Hershey Company
The UnPACKed with PMMI podcast addressed our members’ most pressing business challenges during COVID-19 through discussions with industry influencers, executive Q&As and customers.
In 2020, the podcast released 35 new episodes, with nearly 11,000 downloads before the end of the year.
In 2020, the podcast released 35 new episodes, with nearly 11,000 downloads before the end of the year.
Hershey Reveals Expectations for Suppliers During COVID-19
Featuring: Josh Becker, Former Senior Manager, Packaging Systems,
The Hershey Company
Featuring: Josh Becker, Former Senior Manager, Packaging Systems,
The Hershey Company
TOWN HALLS
Our virtual town hall webinar series featured panelists from both PMMI Members and CPG customers to assist members with the challenges faced during these unprecedented times. Viewers asked questions, shared best practices and discussed concerns. Topics included the future of the economy, tips on managing and supporting staff, along with ways to stay in contact with customers.
12
Total Town Halls Produced
1,661
Total Registrants for all 12 Town Halls
138
Average Registrants
Weekly / Monthly Pulse
To better serve our members during the pandemic, we created the Weekly Pulse – a survey monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on our industry. By June, the rate of change in the trends tracked slowed down, and the Weekly Pulse changed to Monthly. Throughout the year, members could access the survey results in our Monthly Business Indicator reports, giving them an insightful snapshot of current business conditions.
From March 2020 – Nov. 2020, the Monthly Pulse had an average of 180 respondents
From March 2020 – Nov. 2020, the Monthly Pulse had an average of 180 respondents
X
X
X
PMMI Helps
PMMI Helps
PMMI Members Answered the Call
From reimagining operations for essential PPE production, to supporting customers in new and different ways, PMMI Members immediately stepped up to address COVID-19 challenges head-on – while reinventing processes to keep their employees safe.
PMMI Helps
Communications
Conveyor Newsletter
sent to an average of
7,100
members each week
Insights Newsletter
sent to an average of
2,011
members each week
SOCIAL MEDIA
830,250 impressions across all networks - 11% increase from previous year - 1,853 net total audience growth
PMMI HOMEPAGE
70,381
average monthly
page views
page views
844,582
total page views
48,361
PMMI Member Directory
total page views
total page views
Daniel Culbertson
“Given the uncertainty that surrounded us this year, the PMMI Monthly Business Indicator Reports gave us valuable insight every month as to what the next few months held in store. We have been able to use the reports to navigate the obstacles that we otherwise might not have seen, or might have identified after it was too late to do anything about them.”
PRESIDENT OF OMNI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
“Given the uncertainty that surrounded us this year, the PMMI Monthly Business Indicator Reports gave us valuable insight every month as to what the next few months held in store. We have been able to use the reports to navigate the obstacles that we otherwise might not have seen, or might have identified after it was too late to do anything about them.”
PRESIDENT OF OMNI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
December 2020
Business drivers
Business Drivers
PMMI Business Drivers are benefits and tools that provide members with the information,
training and connections needed to grow and thrive.
training and connections needed to grow and thrive.
Members Wanted to Stay In-The-Know...
17
Member-requested
Quickie Surveys
Quickie Surveys
11
Business Intelligence
reports/white papers
published
reports/white papers
published
7,869
Report/white paper
downloads
downloads
427
Members accessed
reports
reports
Supporting Field Service
Featuring preliminary communications, virtual tools and a pre-visit checklist, the Field Service Personnel and Customer Service Tools document – developed by PMMI’s Industry Relations Committee – acts as a tool to assist members in the many activities associated with field service visits to customer sites during the pandemic.
Featuring preliminary communications, virtual tools and a pre-visit checklist, the Field Service Personnel and Customer Service Tools document – developed by PMMI’s Industry Relations Committee – acts as a tool to assist members in the many activities associated with field service visits to customer sites during the pandemic.
Providing Needed Financial Assistance
The PMMI U Skills Fund matches member company contributions up to $50,000 per year to support regional education programs of their choice and up to $10,000 per year for work-related, multi-employee corporate training initiatives. In 2020, PMMI provided more than $201,966 to regional education programs supported by PMMI Members. The Skills Fund also distributed over $176,667 in training funds to upskill our members’ current workforce.
The PMMI Foundation provides financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2020, the PMMI Foundation awarded over $112,000 in academic scholarships, with $75,000 going to the Member Family Scholarship, supporting immediate family members of member company employees who are interested in packaging and processing as a career choice.
Connecting Members
Connecting Members
PMMI’s meetings are THE place where members connect with their peers and hear from the industry’s most influential thought leaders. While nearly 150 members were able to attend the Joint Committee Meeting in Tampa in February, PMMI quickly moved from an in-person Executive Leadership Conference in April to providing virtual content on key topics, including augmented reality, pet food industry trends and an economic update.
In October, PMMI held its first-ever virtual Annual Meeting. A variety of dynamic speakers spoke on critical topics, from a detailed look at the economy to a CPG panel allowing members to hear directly from customers.
250
MEMBER EXECUTIVES
150
MEMBER COMPANIES
60
FIRST TIMERS
Economic Outlook 2020 and Beyond
Alan Beaulieu, PhD, principal, Institute for Trend Research (ITR) Economics
CPG Panel: Your Customers’ Needs
Panelists:
Joe Zembas, senior manager, Reliability Engineering
John Giles, manager – Ada Engineering, Amway
Wilken Benjamin, principal packaging equipment engineer, Rich Products Corporation
Moderator:
Stephanie Neil, editor in chief, OEM magazine
Joe Zembas, senior manager, Reliability Engineering
John Giles, manager – Ada Engineering, Amway
Wilken Benjamin, principal packaging equipment engineer, Rich Products Corporation
Moderator:
Stephanie Neil, editor in chief, OEM magazine
Becoming a Valued Supplier to Member OEMs
Panelists:
Bob Brotzki, president/owner, Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc.; Ryan Edginton, president/CEO, All-Fill, Inc.; Timothy Hudson, vice president & general manager, ITW Hartness; Ross Long, senior industry advisor, Kliklok/Syntegon
Moderator:
Glen Long, senior vice president, PMMI
Bob Brotzki, president/owner, Schneider Packaging Equipment Co., Inc.; Ryan Edginton, president/CEO, All-Fill, Inc.; Timothy Hudson, vice president & general manager, ITW Hartness; Ross Long, senior industry advisor, Kliklok/Syntegon
Moderator:
Glen Long, senior vice president, PMMI
association services
Association Services
PMMI provides support to other important industry associations including CPA, The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers, the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), The Cold Pressure Council (CPC) and The Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC). This year, each association promoted PACK EXPO Connects via the Association Partner Program. Additionally, IoPP offered a special promotion of discounted membership to PMMI member company employees and served as the Association Sponsor for the PACK EXPO Connects Showcase of Packaging Innovations.
PACK EXPO
PACK EXPO
Wherever you are, and whatever your needs, there’s a PACK EXPO trade show for you. Whether you are looking for innovation in packaging or processing, or opportunities to accelerate your business, PACK EXPO is your connection. In 2020, while nothing will replace in-person events, PACK EXPO shows continued to bring buyers and sellers together both in-person at PACK EXPO East and through our virtual offering, PACK EXPO Connects.
The fourth edition of PACK EXPO East (March 3-5, 2020, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) solidified its reputation as the premier regional packaging event in the Northeast with a record-breaking 7,100-plus attendees and a five percent larger show floor. Located within 200 miles of one-third of U.S. consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs), PACK EXPO East offered attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading packaging suppliers. Attendees and exhibitors once again touted the show’s accessibility as one of the many advantages of the location.
PMMI canceled EXPO PACK México that was set to take place June 2-5, 2020 in Mexico City, following the recommendations of the Mexico Ministry of Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We quickly shifted and developed a series of highly successful webinars hosted by Latin American industry experts on key topics such as critical trends reshaping the markets in the region, the impact of COVID-19 on the packaging and processing sectors, and the implication of the new labeling standard 051 on the Mexican food and beverage industry.
The series of eight webinars concluded in November 2020 with a total of over 9,500 registrants.
We quickly shifted and developed a series of highly successful webinars hosted by Latin American industry experts on key topics such as critical trends reshaping the markets in the region, the impact of COVID-19 on the packaging and processing sectors, and the implication of the new labeling standard 051 on the Mexican food and beverage industry.
The series of eight webinars concluded in November 2020 with a total of over 9,500 registrants.
PACK EXPo connects
In light of the global pandemic, PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO were forced to cancel for the first time in our history. Working to bring the industry together, PMMI Media Group produced the first ever live, virtual PACK EXPO event, launching November 9-13, 2020. PACK EXPO Connects is a digital platform and easily searchable marketplace of over 700 leading solution providers in a diverse range of industries, serving as a resource for the most advanced packaging innovations. The live event attracted nearly 18,000 attendees.
700+
Exhibitors
18,000+
Registered attendees
3,900
Views of education content to date
2,500
New end user contacts
PMMI Media Group editors fully embraced digital formats, energized by the challenge of producing a five-day virtual packaging event. What we achieved for PACK EXPO Connects will shape our video and multi-channel content approach in 2021.
PACK EXPO Connects metrics tell the content story.
10
Hours of live and
video programming
video programming
60
Educational
sessions
sessions
500+
Articles covering
the event
the event
300
Supplier and educational content
Julie Hoover
“It is possible to connect with our customers virtually. The connection level isn’t as high as an in-person event, but our customers lean on us for technical solutions and they can be provided using a virtual format.”
GLOBAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, SMC
CORPORATION OF AMERICA
CORPORATION OF AMERICA
November 2020
Matt Jones
“Trade shows are still relevant. There’s a real important element to seeing equipment operating on the floor. There is and will be a place for the digital events as well, looking into the future.”
VP OF AFTERMARKET SALES AND MARKETING, DORNER
November 2020
Click below to Hear Julie Hoover and Matt Jones talk about their experience participating in virtual events.
PMMI members tell it best...
Get the inside scoop on PACK EXPO Connects.
Get the inside scoop on PACK EXPO Connects.
PMMI MEDIA GROUP
PMMI Media Group
Web traffic was up as industry professionals increasingly turned to our content as a trusted source of information. Subscribers, CPG professionals and other manufacturers needed to quickly respond to a range of challenges in 2020. We were uniquely positioned to share industry-specific intelligence with essential businesses, including results of surveys we conducted to gain insight into operations at packaging and processing plants in the U.S.
2020 Web Traffic
PackWorld.com
Page views up
63%
AutomationWorld.com
Page views up
54%
HealthcarePackaging.com
Page views up
111%
ProFoodWorld.com
Page views up
107%
OEMmagazine.com
Page views up
34%
MundoPMMI.com
Page views up
228%
Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame welcomed four new members.
During PACK EXPO Connects, we honored four inductees into the 46th class of the Hall of Fame:
Pat Reynolds
Packaging World Editor Emeritus
Jane Chase
IoPP Executive Director
Fritz Yambrach
Director and professor of Packaging
at San Jose State University
at San Jose State University
S. Paul Singh
Professor Emeritus at Michigan State
University's School of Packaging
University's School of Packaging
New Launch: PMMI Media Group Custom Research
New this year, PMMI Media Group Custom Research explores the trends driving PMMI Members’ businesses. Armed with exclusive information, PMMI Members can develop a marketing strategy uniquely suited for their brand that will generate a strong return on investment. PMMI Media Group Custom Research is brought to you by the experts that have produced PMMI Business Intelligence for over 20 years.
PMMI Media Group’s propriety marketing tools
gained popularity with OEMs and other suppliers.
gained popularity with OEMs and other suppliers.
PMMI Media Group’s Web beacon, Scout, has been installed on 182 supplier websites to date. Scout enables
marketers to understand more fully how prospects are engaging with content on a suppliers’ own website.
marketers to understand more fully how prospects are engaging with content on a suppliers’ own website.
engaging our networks
Engaging Our Networks
PMMI’s networks provide forums for OEM and CPG professionals to connect, discuss packaging and processing issues, share best practices and pursue professional development. In 2020, OEMs and CPGs worked together to develop solutions and thought leadership to help navigate COVID-19 and maintain a strong manufacturing and operations base.
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The OpX Leadership Network released best practices and leadership guidelines for executing virtual factory acceptance tests (vFATs) to address the changing operational landscape brought on by COVID-19.
The revamped Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) User Guide for the CPG industry helps CPG companies and OEMs identify, quantify and break down the costs of purchasing, operating and maintaining equipment.
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At the end of the year, the OpX Leadership Network released another solution, Asset Reliability User Guide for the CPG industry, which provides best practices for a useful and meaningful maintenance roadmap for CPGs.
Fifteen emerging leaders received a 2020 On the Rise Award for bringing essential support, fresh ideas and new technologies to the industry. This year, the awards received a record-setting 84 submissions!
PMMI’s Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) serves as a platform for advancing women in our industry through events, thought leadership and other resources.
PPWLN Session at PACK EXPO East
PPWLN Jumpstart Session at PACK EXPO Connects
Women in Packaging and Leading Through the Chaos
Jan Tharp, CEO Bumble Bee Seafoods, PPWLN Co-Chair
Jan Tharp, CEO Bumble Bee Seafoods, PPWLN Co-Chair
Sharron Gilbert
“The unprecedented challenges faced in 2020 have reinforced the importance of networking, connection, support and information sharing to help one another navigate the dynamics successfully. The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network provides an in-person or virtual pathway to exchange ideas, and information to support, develop professional talent and strengthen network connections.”
PRESIDENT & CEO, SEPTIMATECH GROUP INC. AND PPWLN CO-CHAIR
“The unprecedented challenges faced in 2020 have reinforced the importance of networking, connection, support and information sharing to help one another navigate the dynamics successfully. The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network provides an in-person or virtual pathway to exchange ideas, and information to support, develop professional talent and strengthen network connections.”
PRESIDENT & CEO, SEPTIMATECH GROUP INC. AND PPWLN CO-CHAIR
December 2020
PMMI Leadership
PMMI Leadership
Emmanuel Cerf
Chairman of the Board
Polypack, Inc.
Patty Andersen
Vice Chairwoman
Delkor Systems, Inc.
Mark Anderson
Immediate Past Chairman
ProMach, Inc.
Andrew Barrieau
Felins USA, Incorporated
Greg Berguig
PAC Machinery
Jake Garvey
Garvey Corporation
Sharron Gilbert
Septimatech Group Inc.
Dana Greenly
ASCO
Julie Hoover
SMC Corporation of America
Matt Jones
Dorner
Bruce Larson
Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.
Ross Long
Kliklok LLC, a Syntegon company
Dave Navin
Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc.
Martin Prakken
BluePrint Automation (BPA)
Ole Rygh
Ryson International Inc.
Jonathon Titterton
Coesia Group
Nancy Wilson
Morrison Container Handling Solutions
In a new Board Spotlight series, PMMI Board of Directors share how they got their start in packaging and processing, how they benefit from involvement in PMMI and more. Check back each month for new Board Member spotlight videos and Q&A.
PMMI COMMITTEES
financials
Finishing 2020 Strong
PMMI projects to exceed its 2020 financial goals from operations
by $5,832,636. This positions PMMI to enter 2021 in strong financial condition.
by $5,832,636. This positions PMMI to enter 2021 in strong financial condition.
President's message
Where we are, where we’re going
53
New member companies
943
Total member companies
Despite the challenges brought on by 2020, the resilience, adaptability and flexibility of the packaging and processing industry carried us through.
Even as we all worked to weather the COVID-19 storm, PMMI’s membership grew by 53 new member companies, and we are now 943 members strong.
As we move into the new year, with many of our target market segments such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals poised for growth, I am optimistic about the prospects for PMMI, our membership and our industry for 2021 and beyond.
At PMMI, supporting our members is our mission. Now more than ever, we are determined to do everything that we can to keep you — and the industry — moving forward. This means we are also working tirelessly to prepare for a return to in-person events in 2021 with PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 descending on the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 27-29, 2021.
Whatever 2021 brings, we are ready for it.
Jim Pittas
President & CEO, PMMI
Even as we all worked to weather the COVID-19 storm, PMMI’s membership grew by 53 new member companies, and we are now 943 members strong.
As we move into the new year, with many of our target market segments such as food, beverage and pharmaceuticals poised for growth, I am optimistic about the prospects for PMMI, our membership and our industry for 2021 and beyond.
At PMMI, supporting our members is our mission. Now more than ever, we are determined to do everything that we can to keep you — and the industry — moving forward. This means we are also working tirelessly to prepare for a return to in-person events in 2021 with PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021 descending on the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 27-29, 2021.
Whatever 2021 brings, we are ready for it.
Jim Pittas
President & CEO, PMMI
Helen Francis
“Our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now.”
Thomas Steele
“Our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now.”
Maude Young
“Our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now.”
“I always enjoy the panels of experts and executives discussing important topics. I felt the ‘How to Become a Valued Supplier’ panel was excellent.”
“I was just as engaged during this meeting as I am in person. That says a lot about a two-day virtual meeting.”
“It was great to attend the meetings online and learn from the speakers. It was much easier to attend than having to book a flight and attend in person. I am looking forward to attending in person for the networking aspect.”