Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1071930
18 PalletCentral • November-December 2018 palletcentral.com Brad Rietema EXECUTIVE VP OF CORPORATE SERVICES Kamps Pallets One of the biggest industry challenges we see in 2019 and the beyond is the quality of the pallets in the supply chain, and the "recyclability" of them. We're seeing an increase in imported pallets, in all sizes and shapes, made with engineered glued blocks, lauan and other types of plywood or press board decking, and wood-composite or plastic components. When they enter our facilities, many of them are un-usable in its current form….this is a growing challenge for our industry. Brian Groene PRESIDENT Pallet Consultants 2019 will be a good year for the pallet recycling industry. The industry dynamics are changing faster than ever. We have seen the spike in core prices a few years back, then the lowering and stabilization of core prices and now they are back on the increase again. We must be very diligent in watching our sales prices as the core prices climb to record highs. Pallet demand is strong, pallet availability is low – I don't envision this changing any time soon. Labor has been our number one struggle for the last several years. We now have automated lines to make the repair process easier for the repairmen and more ergonomically friendly. This also gives us greater control over the quality since each pallet is inspected individually as it comes down the line. By installing these lines, we have increased employee retention and pallet production per person. The new tax changes have been a boon for Pallet Consultants. We are investing back in to our company by buying needed equipment and capital investments to boost our growth. This will help us poise for our expansion while receiving substantial tax breaks on our investments. THOUGHT LEADERS Labor has been our number one struggle for the last several years. We now have automated lines to make the repair process easier for the repairmen and more ergonomically friendly. — BRIAN GROENE