Guest: Ed Marsh, Founder & Principal, Consilium Global Business Advisors

Strategy and growth consultant Ed Marsh shares his theory about how machinery manufacturers can tap into a secret weapon they have already set the groundwork for: mindset and capability. Ed explains how manufacturers can use their tools and processes on the production side to improve their marketing side. Listen in as Sean and Ed dive into his strategy, how it can be implemented with a smooth transition, and why sometimes risks need to be taken.

Guest: Tracy Taszarek, Consultant at Antea Group USA

Tracy Taszarek joins the podcast to demystify ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Tracy breaks down the core components of ESG, outlines seven key steps for implementation, and discusses its impact on packaging and processing OEMs. This episode delves into the increasing prominence of ESG, fueled by heightened stakeholder involvement and the preferences of younger generations. Tune in as Sean and Tracy succinctly explore how ESG is reshaping business dynamics.

Guest: Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics and Consulting, Bundy Group

Labor market expert, Alex Chausovsky joins the pod for a deep dive into the complexities of the current job landscape, discussing the surprising resilience of the job market in 2023, dispelling myths about manufacturing and job trends. Chausovsky unveils key talent attraction strategies, introducing the CLAMPS approach to cater to individual candidate priorities and in a revealing insight, Chausovsky identifies compensation levels as the primary driver of turnover, urging companies to adopt data-driven strategies. Tune in now!

Guest: David McGraw, Senior Director, Private Equity Performance Improvement - AI, Alvarez & Marsal

In this episode, we chat with manufacturing expert David McGraw about AI's real-world applications. From predictive maintenance to smart supply chains, we delve into impactful use cases. Discover how generative AI democratizes access and learn how trust in AI can be built while gaining valuable insights for navigating the evolving landscape of AI in manufacturing.

Guest: Rebecca Marquez, Director of Custom Research, PMMI

In this episode, we dive into the world of dairy innovation, uncovering groundbreaking developments in dairy products, from healthier options to sustainable packaging materials. We discuss the surge in healthy dairy products, with reduced sugar and lactose-free options leading the way and hear how automation is revolutionizing processes while addressing labor challenges too. Gain valuable insights into the future of dairy, from plant-based alternatives to machinery advancements in this must-listen episode!

Download the 2023 Dairy Industry Report here.

Guest: Steve Davis, Global Product Line Director, Industrial Physics

Join host Sean Riley as he sits down with Steve Davis, Global Product Line Director at Industrial Physics, to explore the dynamic world of packaging innovations. In this insightful episode, discover the catalyst behind groundbreaking research on how packaging solutions are transforming industries in 2023. From the surprising emphasis on plastics to cutting-edge materials like functionalized paper, Steve Davis sheds light on the industry's evolving landscape. Gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities posed by these innovations, and learn about the critical role of testing standards in ensuring trust and reliability. Don't miss this deep dive into the complex and exciting world of packaging innovations. Tune in now!

Guest: Manjit Minhas, Co-Founder and CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Winery

On a special Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership episode of unPACKed with PMMI, CPG Next Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Neil has the privilege of sitting down with the Baroness of Brewing Manjit Minhas. Minhas is a powerhouse entrepreneur, philanthropist, investor, and even a dragon on the hit Canadian TV show Dragons' Den. In their candid conversation, Neil delves into Minhas’s journey, from building a thriving business empire to navigating the intricacies of work-life integration. Minhas shares invaluable insights on negotiation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and finding the courage to take risks. But that's just the beginning. Neil also explores Minhas’s passion for STEM education, giving back to the community and reveals her secret to getting 1% smarter every day.

Guest: Amit Patel, Director of Intelligent Automation at Emerson

More and more, companies are unraveling the transformative power of digital technologies in manufacturing. On this episode, we welcome Amit Patel, Director of Intelligent Automation at Emerson, as he dives into digital transformation, emphasizing its role in deploying tools and technologies for real-time insights and informed decision-making. Patel highlights the Floor to Cloud approach, advocating for a start-small-and-scale-fast mindset. Also, hear how energy monitoring boosts sustainability, aids skills development, and enhances productivity.

Guest: Jonathan Pipe, Senior Consulting Analyst for Interact Analysis

Some of the biggest challenges facing CPGs today include labor shortages, supply chain issues, and the need for increased automation. Recognizing this, PMMI Business Intelligence commissioned a report on Warehousing Automation to offer potential solutions to these growing challenges. unPACKed sits down with Jonathan Pipe Senior Consulting Analyst for Interact analysis who researched the report and discussed how the growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer shipping is also driving the need for warehouse automation. Pipe explains how warehousing automation aids worker issues, and the direct impact CPG companies who are investing in automation are finding when it comes to handling the increased complexity of e-commerce fulfillment. 

Download 2023 Packaging and Automation in the Warehouses of the Future

Guest: Jorge Izquierdo, VP, Market Development

Jorge Izquierdo, VP, Market Development shares key findings from PMMI's State of the Industry Report, including growth trends, supply chain challenges, and the impact of labor shortages. He emphasizes the importance of technology and intuitive equipment design in addressing workforce challenges, and highlights the expanding opportunities in warehousing driven by e-commerce and fulfillment operations.

Download The State of the Industry 2023