Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1482881
PalletCentral • September-October 2022 19 In her presentation on pallet marketing and sustainability, Natalya Calleja, vice president, marketing & communications, 48forty Solutions, openly shared some impactful approaches that have transformed their digital strategies, built their brand's sustainability footprint, and helped grow their enterprise. Part sales, part marketing, and part magic, the presentation kept the attendees glued to the screen as Ms. Calleja walked through how to build a systematic approach to environmental messaging and branding in the digital world. Her presentation was enthusiastically received by the audience, "[…] the conference was very interesting, especially the participation of Natalya Calleja, who opened our eyes to a series of opportunities that we had not considered, as she touched on topics that normally go unnoticed in this industry," shared Samuel Podlipsky, Tarimera El Rayo. Jeff Williams, president, PRS Group, addressed automation in the pallet industry, especially the advantages and benefits for smaller manufacturers. "Historically, people perceive automation best suited for larger manufacturing businesses, but this is not the case anymore." Jeff explained that the lack of awareness of automation solutions, integration, applications, or implementation processes can be overwhelming for many smaller manufacturers. "Start small," he says. "Not all automation projects need to be extensive. Consider automating a smaller portion of your manufacturing process, like a particular machine or conveyor system." Worldwide, the labor crisis is driving growth in automation adoption. Automation will continue to be affordable. Doing your homework on technology suppliers is crucial for your project's success. A session on the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) by Brad Gething, PhD, vice president, science & technology, NWPCA, highlighted what makes PDS software the global leader in pallet design. His presentation briefed on the past and present in PDS and provided a glimpse into the future. New features coming soon include Unit Load Analysis for Drums and Pails, Carbon Calculator, and exporting PDS data to business ERP software. After lunch, the scope of the conference shifted, as our panelists focused on growth opportunities in Mexico and the regulatory panorama facing the wood products industry under the López Obredor administration. Mtro. José Luis Burnes, business La conferencia fue muy inteesante, en especial la participación de Natalya Calleja nos abrió los ojos ante una serie de oportunidades que no habíamos considerado, ya que tocó temas que normalmente se pasan desapercibidos en esta industria." — Samuel Podlipsky, Tarimera El Rayo