Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1436421
20 PalletCentral • November-December 2021 palletcentral.com T he efforts of NWPCA are dedicated to come alongside all segments of the wooden pallet and container industry in a supportive role, clearing paths of opportunity for businesses to thrive. In February 2020, President & CEO Brent McClendon and Vice President, Science and Technology Brad Gething attended a one-day conference with SEC where industry consultant Hilary Carr delivered an in-depth report of wooden pallet and packaging in Mexico. As the duo heard the statistics, they began to identify a segment of the industry which is underrepresented. "e process started organically in February 2020," says Carr, "and after some discussion, I came on board in October 2020 to consult on how the Association can serve the Mexican market effectively. Mexico has no national association to represent their interests. We wanted to identify the needs of Mexican pallet producers Viva Mexico's Tarimas de Madera DIVERSIFYING NWPCA NWPCA supports international pallet industry concerns though outreach initiatives. and become a valuable resource." e main objective for NWPCA from this project is to become the "go- to thought leader in Mexico for wooden packaging and pallets." e Association launched comprehensive research for this outreach project in Mexico and invited Carr to lead the effort based on earlier work that she had done exploring the Mexican wooden pallet market. e data they uncovered reveals that Mexico has a healthy pallet industry yet manufacturers concerns reflect conditions unique to the Mexican market, such as high electricity costs and the informal business sector. Statistics Reveal Vibrant Pallet Economy Mexican wooden pallet market is dynamic and growing. e research shows that the pallet industry underwent a period of consolidation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet growth projections for the industry remain strong. e data reveals: n Pre-Covid Industry Value: In 2019 the Mexican pallet market was valued at US$3 billion and projected to increase 5.9%, per year, over the next five years. • 287.5 million pallets per year: 230 million new pallets & 57.5 million recycled pallets • 91.25 cross into the U.S. (32%) • State of México, Nuevo León, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Sonora, Baja California, Tamaulipas, & Michoacán produce over 1 million treated pallets per month. By Caryn Smith and Hilary Carr Courtesy of Pallet Design & Support Mexico