PMMI U sets agenda for packaging operations.
Press Release Summary:
Scheduled for March 10-11, "Building Alliances to Boost Packaging Operations" conference will cover human aspects of operational processes including creating supply-chain alliances, training, changeover, hiring, and curing chaos fatigue. In "Talk Nice", Blake Svejkovsky will focus on integrating complete production line solution and how to measure efficiency and effectiveness. Conference sessions will also focus on on-the-floor operations such as lean manufacturing for high-speed environments.
Original Press Release:
PMMI U Sets the Agenda for Packaging Operations
Also: Early registration discount extended because of severe weather
Arlington, Va.; -Packaging and processing machinery end users and PMMI members attending PMMI U's Operations Conference, "Building Alliances to Boost Packaging Operations," next month (Tampa, Fla.; March 10-11) will learn about the human aspects of operational processes including creating supply-chain alliances, training, changeover, hiring and curing "chaos fatigue."
Online conference registration is available at PMMI.org, and because of severe winter weather, PMMI has extended early registration deadlines to Feb. 22 (savings: $100).
"If you want to know what's happening in the world of manufacturing and packaging, attend the PMMI Operations Conference," says Andrew Glowatsky, operations manager, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. "Not only were the seminars and working sessions valuable, I was introduced to some great people - machine suppliers, end users and subject matter experts. Within six months, I engaged in more projects with people and companies I met there than any other conference I've ever attended."
Emphasizing Efficiency
Packaging and processing are both integral to an effective production line, particularly as machinery becomes faster and more sophisticated. These two pieces of the puzzle must come together perfectly.
"Consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs) tell us over and over again that they don't want packaging or processing, they want complete line solutions," says Maria Ferrante, vice president of education & workforce development, PMMI. "As a result, PMMI has expanded PACK EXPO and its membership, as well as the Operations Conference, which will include a session on putting an effective line together."
In "Talk Nice" PMMI member Heat and Control's Blake Svejkovsky, will focus on integrating a complete production line solution and how to measure line efficiency and effectiveness.
Conference sessions will also focus on on-the-floor operations such as lean manufacturing for high-speed environments, the difference between a problem's cause and its symptoms and improving communications between maintenance, management and operations personnel to eliminate "chaos fatigue."
Training for Today and Tomorrow
Training is essential and goes far beyond the mechanics of operating a machine. It can include educating new workers about company culture, troubleshooting and more.
"Turnover and new hires are unavoidable consequences of success," Ferrante noted. "A large part of the conference's second day will focus on embracing and nurturing new talent and taking full advantage of the skill set already available within an organization."
Accordingly, the conference will address training needs along the production line of a product and the lifecycle of a company with sessions such as:
o "What a Difference a Generation Makes" addresses the differences in attitudes among the genearations in today's workforce, motivating new hires and how to keep them engaged.
o "Closing the Gaps," a case study from Weetabix Canada, presents the company's experience developing successful technical training, down to how they chose personnel to develop, deliver and receive the training.
o "E-Learning: Anywhere, Anytime Training," PMMI Workforce Solutions Manager and e-learning expert Stephan Girard discusses how and why to ingtegrate e-learning into corporate training.
Program Provides the Complete Package
PMMI U's Operations Conference will focus on industry advances, and will help participants set their purchasing priorities and build connections that support their processing and packaging operations in the coming year.
"PMMI's Operations Conference is full of ideas I can put into action immediately, and it connected me with suppliers and subject matter experts who can help improve my company's operations," adds Tom Gnewuch, vice president of operations, Lake Country Foods. "This is a 'must-attend' for operations professionals!"
Packaging and processing professionals and supply chain partners can learn more about the Operations Conference agenda and register online at PMMI.org, or contact Lara Babarinsa, conference coordinator, PMMI, for more information: lara@pmmi.org or 703.243.8555.
About PMMI
PMMI is a trade association with more than 530 member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery, commercially-available packaging machinery components, containers and materials in the United States and Canada. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.
PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK México, connecting packaging and processing equipment and materials suppliers with their customers around the world. Coming in 2010: EXPO PACK México in Mexico City, June 22-25, and PACK EXPO International, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, at Chicago's McCormick Place. PACK EXPO Las Vegas returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26-28, 2011.
Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.
