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22 Pallet C e nt ral • Ma rch -Ap r il 2 0 24 T he Pallet Design System™ (PDS) software has a remarkable history that has profoundly impacted the wood pallet sector. In an industry characterized by constant change, innovation has played a pivotal role in enhancing design standards and optimizing pallet performance. Wooden pallets have been integral to the global economy since their first use in the 1920s. Billions of wooden pallets facilitate the transportation of billions of goods to market every day, demanding a durable, dependable, and safe product for end users. Recognizing the importance of understanding pallet design and load dynamics, the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) collaborated with research institutions to establish the Pallet Laboratory at Virginia Tech in 1976. In 1984, one significant advancement that revolutionized pallet design and engineering is the Pallet Design System software. Let's explore the history of this groundbreaking software program that has transformed how pallets are designed and manufactured and celebrate this 40-year milestone. Early Beginnings: Crea on Of The Pallet Lab e roots of the Pallet Design System (PDS) software can be traced back to the establishment of the Pallet Lab in 1976. Faced with the need for standardized design procedures, industry leaders within the NWPCA collaborated with research entities to address this challenge. e Pallet Lab quickly became a hub for research, development, and innovation, paving the way for future advancements in pallet design. Coopera ve Research And Visionary Leadership In 1980, a cooperative research project involving the NWPCA, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, USDA Forest Service Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, and Virginia Tech SOFTWARE 40 Years Of Innova on: THE EVOLUTION OF PALLET DESIGN SYSTEM™ BY NWPCA & PDS TEAM

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